How poor sleep quality affects IBD

How common is poor sleep quality in IBD?

Studies estimate that more than 50% of people with IBD (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and microscopic colitis) experience poor sleep quality.¹ If you have active disease (you have inflammation in your GI tract), you’re more likely to experience poor sleep quality than those in remission.² In a recent study of 312 adults with IBD, 50% of people reported clinically significant insomnia. Of the study participants experiencing poor sleep quality, 31% met the clinical criteria for two or more sleep disorders.³

How does poor sleep affect people with IBD?

Poor sleep quality has been associated with a worse quality of life and increased chances of having active disease.^4,5 People who experience poor sleep quality in clinical remission (when you don’t have symptoms but still have inflammation), are more likely to have a relapse, or flare up of symptoms, within the next 6-months.⁶ 

In a recent study, Crohn’s disease patients reporting poor sleep quality (a score of 8 or more as measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) were more likely to require surgery and hospitalization than those with a sleep quality score less than or equal to 8.⁷

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Tips to improve your sleep quality

Common sleep hygiene techniques may help improve your sleep quality include:⁸

• Avoiding caffeine close to bedtime
• Avoiding nicotine
• Avoiding alcohol before bed
• Exercising regularly
• Managing stress throughout the day
• Reducing bedroom noise 
• Going to bed at a regular time each night
• Avoiding daytime naps

How our clients improve their sleep quality

In addition to diet, we also help our clients improve their sleep quality as part of our program. 

82% of our clients who completed our program reported significant improvements in their sleep quality within 3-6 months. 

Of those with sleep quality scores above 8 at the beginning of the program, 80% were able to reduce their sleep quality scores below 8 by the end of the program. 

If you’re interested in improving your sleep quality along with your diet, consider working with an IBD dietitian or request a call to learn if our program is right for you.

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