The Effects of Lactobacillus Plantarum PS128 in Self-Reported Insomniacs

The Effects of Lactobacillus Plantarum PS128 on Depression, Anxiety, Cerebral Rhythms, Autonomic Nervous System Function and Sleep Patterns in Self-Reported Insomniacs

To determine whether PS128 (1) reduces the severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms, (2) adjusts autonomic nervous system functioning, and (3) improves sleep quality.

Forty participants with self-reported insomnia between 20 and 40 years old were randomly assigned to two groups, the PS128 and a placebo group, under the double-blind trial. Participants took two capsules with or without PS128 after dinner for 30 days. Study measures included subjective depressive symptoms, anxiety and sleep questionnaires, and miniature polysomnography (miniature-PSG) recordings at baseline and on the 15th and 30th days after taking capsules.

Inclusion Criteria:

• (1) aged 20-40 years old,
• (2) 18.5 < BMI < 25,
• (3) BP < 140 mmHg/90 mmHg,
• (4) PSQI >5, ISI>13,
• (5) meet the DSM-5 criteria for chronic primary insomnia.

Exclusion Criteria:

• (1) used other probiotic products within the last two weeks,
• (2) antibiotic treatment within the last month,
• (3) taken sleep medication within the last two months or were on long-term use,
• (4) reported tobacco, alcohol, caffeine or drug addiction,
• (5) lactic acid bacteria allergy,
• (6) cancer, cardiovascular disease, psychiatric illness, kidney disease, diabetes mellitus or other sleep disorders,
• (7) inflammatory bowel disease,
• (8) hepatobiliary gastrointestinal tract surgery
• (9) worked the night shift.