The Sleep–Gut–Brain Axis and Its Role in Early Childhood Development: A Standard Narrative Review

A bstract The gut–brain axis plays a crucial role in early childhood development, particularly during the first 1000 days of life. Adequate sleep is vital for the healthy development of key organs, including the brain and the gut microbiota (GM). Modern lifestyle factors, such as screen time and digital distractions, can reduce sleep duration and may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children. This narrative review highlights the importance of early identification and treatment of sleep disorders in children, providing pediatricians with evidence-based treatment strategies. The goal is to encourage healthy sleep habits, support breastfeeding, establish sleep routines, improve the gut microbiome, and explore dietary changes and probiotics that affect the GM. This review discusses sleep physiology, the development of circadian rhythms during infancy, the role of GM in early life, and the bidirectional communication between the gut and brain. It examines the effects of sleep disorders on child development and the therapeutic use of melatonin for sleep regulation. This standard narrative review investigates the potential of melatonin in managing sleep and psychobiotics in addressing behavioral challenges by altering the gut microbiome of children with ASD. This evidence emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to address sleep and related conditions in infants and children, involving melatonin, probiotics, and targeted interventions. Pediatricians should routinely screen children to enable early detection and implement comprehensive management strategies for sleep issues and NDDs, ultimately improving child development and the quality of life.