9. Sleep more
If you don’t get enough sleep and you have IBS, you increase your chances of exacerbating the condition – but the catch is that IBS sufferers are more likely to experience sleep disturbances. As a lack of sleep stresses the body and stress is an IBS trigger, it’s important to get enough – 8 hours is ideal. Studies show that many IBS sufferers experience disordered sleeping – so what do you do when your symptoms are keeping you awake at night, or you can’t sleep through without waking?
Keeping a regular sleep pattern by going to bed at the same time and setting an alarm to wake you up can help to address the problem, as can making your sleeping environment as comfortable as possible. Before you settle down, ensure all electronics are turned off and check that you aren’t too warm or cold, as this will make it harder to fall asleep.
At the end of a busy day, it can be tempting to scroll through social media, but instead, it’s better to read a book for an hour or two before you plan to go to bed. Screens and the blue light from electronics will only keep you stimulated, which will make you stay up for longer than you normally would.
Also Read: 8 Must-Haves to Get Better Sleep, According to Former Insomniacs
