Sleep & the gut-brain connection. Does the gut-brain connection also have an effect on one's sleep patterns? In this episode, Dr. Dolan continues part 3 of her series on the Gut-Brain Connection. Sleep is a critical component to overall health and a sense of well-being. Whenever possible, sleeping anywhere from 7-10 hours a night, depending on your age and activity level. When sleep patterns are disrupted it causes increased pain in the body. Dr. Dolan shares her research on what foods can help improve sleep patterns and how things like alcohol and processed food affect those sleep patterns. What are ways to improve sleep patterns without relying on sleep aids? What happens to sleep patterns when opioids are consumed?