Quality Assurance Cihan University – Erbil
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On Thursday, 6 November 2025, at Cihan University-Erbil, In the VIP Hall. The Department of Nutrition and Dietetics organized an international workshop titled “How Can Our Gut Affect Our Sleep?” The session was presented by Dr. Jeanine Awad, an international nutrition expert from Lebanon. It was attended by Prof. Dr. Ayad Hazim, Vice President for Scientific Affairs, along with several department heads, academic staff, and students from various stages.
The workshop explored the scientific and physiological connections between gut microbiota and sleep regulation. Dr. Awad discussed how intestinal bacteria influence the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, melatonin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid chemicals which play essential roles in mood balance, circadian rhythm, and sleep quality. The presentation outlined dietary patterns that promote a healthy gut environment, including high-fiber foods, probiotics, and prebiotics, and warned about factors that disrupt gut balance, such as stress, processed foods, and irregular meal timing. Participants learned how nutritional interventions can support both digestive health and restorative sleep through practical meal planning and lifestyle adjustments. The session also addressed emerging research linking the gut-brain axis to insomnia, anxiety, and metabolic disorders, emphasizing how dieticians can apply this knowledge in clinical and community nutrition practice.
The workshop provided participants with an evidence-based understanding of how gut health and diet influence sleep quality and overall well-being. At the end of the session, the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics presented Dr. Jeanine Awad with a certificate of appreciation in recognition of her valuable contribution to the workshop. The department also announced that the materials and key insights shared will be incorporated into upcoming seminars and student projects focusing on nutritional neuroscience.
