An article published in MDedge reported that data from 14 590 adults indicated that individuals who sleep more or less than average have significantly more constipation, compared with normal sleepers.

 

To examine the association between sleep duration and bowel function, the researchers identified adults aged 20 years and older who completed questionnaires on sleep and bowel health during 2005-2010. Here, sleep was categorized based on standards from the National Sleep Foundation as – short (less than 7 hours); normal (7-8 hours); and long (more than 8 hours). 

 

The findings revealed that the overall, constipation rates were significantly lower among normal sleepers (8.3%) compared to both, short and long sleepers (11.0% and 12.5%, respectively, for both). After controlling for demographic, lifestyle, and dietary factors, long sleepers and short sleepers were 61% and 38% more likely, respectively, to report constipation, compared with normal sleepers.

 

On the other hand, sleep duration was not related to diarrhea. While a sensitivity analysis found that sleep duration did not mediate the relationship between comorbid factors.

 

Hence, it was inferred that decreased sleep is associated with constipation among adults. Further studies are needed to evaluate the physiologic mechanisms responsible for the impact of sleep duration on bowel function. Clinicians should be aware of the impact of both short and long sleep on constipation. Individuals who are unable to get adequate sleep due to other diseases like insomnia or disrupted schedules, or those with conditions with too long sleep, such as narcolepsy, may need regular evaluation and treatment for constipation.

 

Source: May 8, 2020. Adejumo A et al. DDW 2020. Abstract Sa1711. https://www.mdedge.com/internalmedicine/