Can a prebiotic pill protect against sleep loss?

NCT ID NCT03747367

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Colorado, Boulder Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looks at how not getting enough sleep and being awake at odd hours affects your thinking, blood chemistry, and the helpful bacteria in your gut. Researchers gave 55 healthy adults a prebiotic supplement or a placebo to see if it could help counter the negative effects. The goal is to find ways to help people like emergency workers and military personnel stay sharp despite disrupted sleep.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Prebiotic supplement (polydextrose and galacto-oligosaccharide)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward dietary strategies to help people like shift workers and emergency responders stay resilient to the effects of sleep loss.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study focused on measuring changes, not testing a treatment. The prebiotic may not produce meaningful benefits, and results may not apply to the general public.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Chronobiology Disorders circadian rhythm sleep disorder Sleep Deprivation

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CIRCADIAN DYSREGULATION SLEEP DEPRIVATION STRESS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Sleep and Chronobiology Laboratory

Boulder, Colorado, 80309-0554, United States

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