Have you ever noticed that after a late night or two bathroom visits become more frequent? Maybe after lapsing on your sleep schedule you even notice the early signs of a flare – more frequent bathroom stops, urgency, discomfort, pain, even bleeding?
That is because research has identified a link between sleep and inflammation in IBD patients, including those who suffer from Ulcerative Colitis. Both the quality and quantity of sleep matter.
Gastroenterology specialists at Mass General in Boston have looked into the connection between poor quality of sleep and elevated C-Reactive Protein (CRP) in IBD patients. According to Medline.gov, “A c-reactive protein test measures the level of c-reactive protein (CRP) in your blood. CRP is a protein made by your liver. It’s sent into your bloodstream in response to inflammation.” CRP is a marker of inflammation in the body. The Mass General research found that “High CRP is associated with poor sleep quality in IBD independent of the presence of nighttime disruptions, suggesting that a relationship exists between circulating inflammatory markers and sleep.” [Full Article: Wilson et al., 2015]
Stress: A Factor In UC Inflammation & Flares
Animal research has also found that decreased quantity of sleep can also trigger inflammation: “Both acute and chronic intermittent sleep deprivation exacerbate colonic inflammation. Thus, sleep deprivation could be an environmental trigger that predisposes IBD patients to develop flare ups and a more severe disease course.” [Full article: Tang et al., 2008]
Research has also shown a possible link between changed sleep patterns and worsening developments of ulcerative colitis, including flares [Full Article: Swanson et al., 2014]. To avoid flares and worsenning inflammation, a sleep regimen that makes you feel rested and refreshed – be it 7, 8, or more hours – can be a healthy preventative measure.