Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Sleep: Is there a Relationship?

Health care providers working with IBS patients are challenged in that the underlying pathophysiology remains poorly defined and treatments are not universally effective (American College of Gastroenterology Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Task Force, 2002). Nurses often work with patients to identify factors provoking or alleviating symptoms and based on these observations hone strategies to manage symptoms. Understanding stress induced alterations in sleep and ANS function may provide important clues as to additional self-management strategies to test.