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Circadian misalignment exacerbates symptoms of disorders of gut-brain interaction (IBS and FD) by altering gut-brain interactions, and interventions such as exercise and time-restricted feeding may mitigate GI motor dysfunction by restoring circadian rhythmicity.

This review paper synthesizes evidence that circadian disruption impairs GI motility and contributes to disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) such as IBS and FD. It highlights that women have heightened sensitivity to circadian disruption, correlating with higher prevalence of IBS and FD in females. The paper proposes that chronotherapeutic interventions like exercise and time-restricted feeding may restore circadian alignment and improve GI symptoms.

Last updated: Aug 14, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score32/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Circadian regulation of gastrointestinal motility and the effect on disorders of gut-brain interaction.

observational

Babu SR, Mohtat A, Ho MF, Hayashi Y · Journal of smooth muscle research = Nihon Heikatsukin Gakkai kikanshi (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Exercise and time-restricted feeding (as potential chronotherapeutic interventions)
Outcome: GI motility, symptoms of IBS and FD, circadian rhythmicity, stress responses, sleep quality
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction (IBS and FD), with attention to sex differences

Result:

PubMed: 42572353DOI: 10.1540/jsmr.62.26

Mechanism Graph

Circadian disruption alters gut-brain interactions
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Molecular core clock components regulate GI motor function
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Exercise and time-restricted feeding align peripheral clocks
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Restored circadian rhythmicity reduces stress and improves sleep, alleviating IBS and FD symptoms

Limitations

  • ⚠This is a review paper, not an empirical study, so no direct causal evidence is provided
  • ⚠Specific effect sizes and quantitative outcomes are not reported in the abstract
  • ⚠The proposed interventions are not tested in controlled trials within this paper

Frequently Asked Questions

What are disorders of gut-brain interaction?▼

They include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (FD), which are characterized by GI symptoms without obvious structural abnormalities.

How does circadian disruption affect GI motility?▼

Circadian disruption impairs GI motility by altering the network of central and peripheral clocks, with the suprachiasmatic nucleus as the master clock, leading to symptoms of IBS and FD.

Why are women more susceptible to circadian disruption?▼

Women have heightened sensitivity to circadian disruption, which may contribute to the higher prevalence of IBS and FD among female patients.

What are potential nonpharmacologic interventions for GI motor dysfunction?▼

Exercise and time-restricted feeding may help align peripheral clocks, restore circadian rhythmicity, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality, potentially alleviating symptoms of IBS and FD.

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References

  1. 1.Babu SR, Mohtat A, Ho MF, Hayashi Y. "Circadian regulation of gastrointestinal motility and the effect on disorders of gut-brain interaction.." Journal of smooth muscle research = Nihon Heikatsukin Gakkai kikanshi, 2026. PMID: 42572353 DOI: 10.1540/jsmr.62.26
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.