The Insidious Reasons Why IBD Destroys Sleep

Everyone needs sleep, but so many of us struggle to get enough. People living with IBD know that a good night's sleep can feel like a distant dream, whether it's pain, urgent bathroom trips, or racing thoughts keeping you up. But why exactly does IBD disrupt our sleep even during remission? And what is your sleep telling you about the risks of a flare-up?

Episode transcript and more information at: https://bit.ly/AIBD197

Chapters: 00:04 Introduction and Host Background 01:32 IBD and Sleep: The Problem 03:00 Why Sleep Matters for IBD 04:14 Defining Sleep Disturbance in IBD 05:23 Inflammation's Role in Sleep Disruption 07:08 Wearables and Sleep Research in IBD 08:29 Mental Health, Pain, and Medication Effects 11:06 Why Prioritizing Sleep is Crucial 12:30 Practical Tips for Better Sleep 14:57 Communicating Sleep Issues and Seeking Support 16:12 Episode Wrap-Up and Resources 16:20 Credits and Outro

More Information on Sleep:

• Alien: How IBD Inspired an Iconic Movie:
• 10 Tips to Get More Sleep
• Talking to Your Doctor About Sleep
• I Am So Tired
• Have You Tried Yoga? – An IBD Community Poll
• A Meditation Journey – Week 1
• Struggling to Sleep? These 11 Foods Could Help You Rest Better
• 13 Foods to Eat Instead of Taking Melatonin for Better Sleep
• The Best Time to Eat Dinner for Better Digestion and Sleep

Sources:

• Su XY, Wang YN, Huang YH, Dai C. The sleep quality and its association with disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a meta-analysis. Rev Esp Enferm Dig. doi:10.17235/reed.2025.11305/2025.
• Zhang JZ, Song XZ, Song XN, Shen YL, Tang H, Li H. Prevalence and risk factors of sleep disorders in inflammatory bowel disease: a cross-sectional study. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2024;39(1):140. doi:10.1007/s00384-024-04712-w.
• Chaemsupaphan T, Pimolsri C, Subdee N, et al. Poor sleep quality is common and independently associated with disease activity and poor quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease: a long-term follow-up study. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2025;18:17562848241311142. doi:10.1177/17562848241311142.
• Kuzoian S, Jerson B, Brimacombe M, Schneeberg L, Hyams JS. Sleep tracking and sleep hygiene counseling improve fatigue in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2025;81(1):62-68. doi:10.1002/jpn3.70066.
• Xu TY, Zhang Y, Zhao SL. Association of Poor Sleep Quality With Adverse Outcomes in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Dig Dis. 2024;25(11-12):664-673. doi:10.1111/1751-2980.13328.

Find Amber J Tresca at:

• AboutIBD.com: About IBD
• Verywell Health: Verywell Health
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Find Mac Cooney (mix, sound design, and theme music) at:

• Facebook: @maccooneycomposer
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• YouTube: @MacCooneyComposer
• Web: Cooney Studio
• Theme music, IBD Dance Party, is from ©Cooney Studio.

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