Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Over the past few years IBS research has shown that sleep disturbances can occur with IBS. For example, in 2005 a research paper titled " Sleep and gastric function in irritable bowel syndrome: derailing the brain-gut axis showed enhancement of REM sleep in patients with IBS and they have alterations in normal gastric functioning during sleep.

Also there is some evidence that melatonin may help pain in IBS patience with sleep disturbances but it doesn't appear to help with sleep.

I had a similar problem. I struggled with it for years. Eventually I found was fructose malabsorption, a common problem in individuals with IBS. Within a short time after removing foods with excess fructose (i.e. foods with more fructose than glucose such as apples, pears, mango, honey, high fructose corn syrup, etc.) from my diet the nightmares and panic attacks disappeared and the sleep disturbances settled right down.

Perhaps you can figure out if there is an offending food in your diet that acts as a trigger during sleep hours that induces sleep disturbances and panic attachs. It may be something you ate in the evening or just before going to bed.

Good luck

--------------------
STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS

The FODMAP Approach to Managing IBS Symptoms
Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional GI Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach
FODMAP Chart & Cheatsheet
The Role of Food & Dietary Intervention in IBS

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator