Sleeping with Crohn's Disease

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Or trying to.  Waking up in the middle of the night doesn't happen to everyone with Crohn's, but for those who suffer, you know how bad it sucks. You would think that going to sleep would be an escape from your IBD symptoms, but nah.
Fitbit Charge 2 sleep readout
My Sleep Readout from my Fitbit.  Shows that I was awake twice which I remember.

For me, It's cramps, then a sudden urge to dart to the bathroom. Sometimes, it's a false alarm.  Most of the time it isn't. There are times I wake up clenching my stomach or lighting sweating. My Fitbit always shows my heart rate elevated.   

I'm usually out of bed for five to ten minutes.  Rough nights will have me awake for 45 minutes or so. Those are the worse. Imagine trying to stay awake the next day at work and then going to work out. Not fun.



Having your Crohn's Disease symptoms wake you up is something that happens to people having a flare.  But, those not have a flare-up can still have the same issue.

It doesn't happen all the time for me, and since beginning to work out, it's happening less. I've been reading online and trying different tips and tricks to see if I can gain a little more sleep.  Eating fewer carbs in the evening, or cutting back on caffeine.  Also, trying to eat dinner earlier in the evening.

If you are having trouble sleep with your Crohn's Disease or IBD symptoms, make sure to speak with your GI. Especially if this is a new issue.   Do a little research online as well to see if there are small changes you can make.

Thanks for reading my post.  Let's finish the week strong and pain-free!

                                                                                              -CrohnsFighter


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