Ulcerative Colitis is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that affects the innermost lining of the large intestine. This condition leads to inflammation and ulcers in the colon and affects the body over time.
Some of the common symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis include,
- Diarrhea
- Sleep deprivation
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Rectal pain and bleeding
Sleep deprivation is a troubling symptom since this condition requires sleep during recovery. The pain that accompanies Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is so severe that the person can barely lie down peacefully. Here are some useful tips to fight sleep deprivation in Ulcerative Colitis.
Sleeping Position Matters
Sleeping positions can lessen or even worsen the pain in UC. Changing your position while trying to sleep depends on which side the digestive tract is affected and the pain rate. For example, if you feel pain while lying on your left side, shift to your right side. This way, the pain can subside for a while.
Eating Practices
It is advisable to have your dinner early before bed and keep it light to avoid digestive problems. It is difficult for a person with Ulcerative Colitis to sleep after a heavy meal consumed close to bedtime. Some components like lactose, insoluble fiber, caffeine, and lactose are challenging to digest and cause disruption in the sleep cycle.
Modify Your Medication if Necessary
Medications for Ulcerative Colitis such as Corticosteroids have a disturbing effect on your sleep pattern. So it is important to adjust your medication, considering your sleep. Your UC medication can be altered or modified by
- Taking additional medication that assists with your sleep
- Changing the time of the medication that disturbs your sleep
- Changing the medication type
It is important to note that the medication can only be changed or modified after a healthcare professional’s approval.
Meditation
Meditation is an effective practice that can be followed to decrease sleeplessness. It gives you a sense of peace and reduces the disturbances you face during sleep. It also helps to relieve anxiety which poses as one of the major reasons for sleep deprivation.
Practise Healthy Sleeping Habits
Improving sleep is difficult but can be achieved by following certain healthy habits. These habits decrease the disturbances and can pave the way to a peaceful sleep cycle. Some important sleeping habits to be followed are,
- Limit your gadget usage time
- Keep the room dark and at the right temperature
- Follow a constant sleep schedule and do not compromise even during weekends.
- Avoid heavy meals, especially foods that are difficult to digest
Avoid Consumption of These Food Components
Consumption of certain foods can disturb your sleep cycle or even worsen your Ulcerative Colitis condition. It is important to limit consumption or avoid taking these foods. Some of the commonly consumed food components that should be avoided are
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Spicy ingredients (Hot sauce, jalapenos, curries)
- Tobacco
- Carbonated drinks
- Dairy products
