This is why you need a GREAT night's sleep when you have Crohn's Disease.

Other than causing you to feel awful in the morning [hang on, I have Crohn's Disease I often feel awful in the morning] What else could a poor night's sleep be doing for your health. Well it has been discovered that a lack of sleep, or a disturbance in your sleep cycles, may increase inflammation in the digestive system. Now if you have Crohn's Disease you don't want to be doing anything that causes more inflammation.

How does this work - The Sleep and Digestion Connection.

The circadian clock refers to the cycle of sleeping and waking. This is an internal clock, located inside the brain. A brain structure called the pineal gland secretes a hormone, melatonin, at night that helps regulate the clock. In fact, many body functions, including digestion, are influenced by it.
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During the sleep cycle, digestion slows down. There is less movement and less production of digestive juices. Although researchers are still discovering details on this, several digestive problems — including Crohn's — have been linked to sleep disturbance. 

In fact it has even been discovered that chemical messengers produced by the body during inflammation may disrupt sleep. This can set up a vicious cycle in which inflammation interrupts sleep and lack of sleep triggers more inflammation.

We also know that sleep disturbance can also be caused by symptoms of Crohn's, like abdominal discomfort and having to get up to use the bathroom at night. Also many sufferers of Crohn's also take steroids. These have also have been shown to interfere with sleep. 

So it appears it is a kind of a lose lose. 

Tips for Better Sleep

In order to sleep better you must improve your sleep hygiene. Sleep hygiene is simply a group of healthy habits that help promote a good night’s sleep. These healthy habits are:

• Get at least 7 hours of sleep every night.
• Go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
• Avoid naps during the day.
• Avoid caffeine later in the day.
• Avoid alcohol in the evening. It can put you to sleep, but it will wake you up during the night.
• Get regular exercise.
• Avoid late-night meals.
• Get regular doses of sunshine. Natural light helps set your circadian clock.
• Keep your bedroom quiet, dark, and comfortable.
• Use your bed only for sleep or sex. Avoid watching TV in bed.

To find out more about the Importance of Sleep and your Crohn's Disease CHECK OUT my Ebook http://ow.ly/UUiv30nGpuo It has everything you need to figure out your triggers, have a healthier gut and significantly improve the quality of life. Who doesn't want that?

Or if you have any more questions please feel free to email me at mycrohnsdoctor@gmail.com or visit my Facebook Page at My Crohn's Doctor.

Yours in Health and Wellness
Dr Michael

​My Crohn's Doctor
www.mycrohnsdoctor.com

LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This article (including links to any/all website pages, blog posts, blog comments, forum, videos, audio recordings, etc.) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational  purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have an urgent medical problem, promptly contact your  professional healthcare provider. Any application of the recommendations in this email is at the reader's discretion. My Crohn's Doctor and Dr Michael are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this email. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this article.