Ulcerative colitis (UC) affects your digestive system, but it can also influence your sleep.People with UC and other IBD slept 4.5 hours each night on average, according to a 2017 study.
Depending on your symptoms or irritated intestine side, some sleep postures may increase UC flares.Sleeping on your side or back may help if you're in pain. Keeping a sleep journal including your symptoms and sleep position will help you track what works.
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UC medicines like corticosteroidsTrusted Source may impair sleep.If your UC medicine is impacting your sleep, discuss one of these choices with your doctor.
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Manage insomnia or other sleep issues with help. A doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and drugs to treat UC and improve sleep.
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A 2021 study using 2003–2018 American Time Use Survey data indicated that eating within an hour of bed may influence sleep quality.
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Research has linked UC to mental health issues that affect sleep.Poor sleep quality was linked to depression in 47 UC patients in 2018. UC anxiety might cause sleep issues.
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Meditation may enhance sleep and other advantages. A 2018 meta-analysisMindfulness meditation may improve certain sleep difficulties, says Trusted Source.
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Sleep hygiene, or consistent sleeping practices, might improve sleep.Try these practices from the CDCTrusted Source.
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Living with UC can cause physical and mental problems that make sleeping difficult.Fortunately, many methods can improve sleep. These include medication changes, sleep hygiene, and heating pads.
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