Poor sleep and stomach problems

The link between poor sleep and gastrointestinal problems

The connection between poor sleep and gastrointestinal problems is usually obvious. This is because both follow an internal clock. If this is out of balance, complaints arise. If we don't get enough sleep, the symptoms first show up in the gastrointestinal tract, and sleep problems seem to exacerbate existing digestive problems.

Like sleep, human digestion is also controlled by an internal clock. This internal clock is constantly adapting to our habits, for example because light and darkness are constantly changing in a natural way, so the human internal clock must also adapt. Just as there are natural times for sleeping, the internal clock also influences other vital functions, such as digestion. The body always demands food at certain times, and the same can be said for emptying the intestinal tract.

During sleep, the stomach also comes to rest, the muscles of the stomach relax and the movements of the stomach are restricted.

It is assumed that sleep disorders increase the risk of stomach ulcers because a protein, the TFF-2 peptide, is released during sleep. This protein has the task of protecting the stomach lining. If sleep disturbances occur at night, only small amounts of this hormone are released and the protective effect is limited.

There are other assumptions that a lack of sleep has a negative effect on the stomach, such as an increased production of gastrin, a hormone that stimulates the production of stomach acid. An over-acidified stomach is in turn detrimental to the quality of sleep.

Even if this connection needs to be researched further, sufficient restful sleep also seems to be good for the stomach.

Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common complaints of the gastrointestinal tract, affecting around 12% of all people in Germany. Fatigue and tiredness often accompany irritable bowel syndrome.

It is assumed that poor quality sleep worsens the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Stress can also trigger the course of the disease. It is therefore important that irritable bowel syndrome patients are given sufficient opportunities to relax. It is therefore important to ensure a sufficient amount of sleep for irritable bowel syndrome.