Information to Help the Newly Diagnosed and to Help Family/Friends Understand Gastroparesis

I have written a series of articles over the years but wanted to put them together, sort them, if you will, so that they would be much easier to get to. I wanted to put them all together in a post to help people find the information they may need right at the moment, so they do not have to hunt through 200 posts. All you have to do is click on the bold, capital letters to reach the articles listed below.


Information to Help Family and Friends Understand Gastroparesis (GP):

TO THE LOVED ONES OF A PERSON DEALING WITH CHRONIC PAIN. This article helps those who may never have experienced chronic pain to understand it.

A LETTER FROM A GPER TO A FRIEND/FAMILY MEMBER. This is to help friends and family understand what it's like living with Gastroparesis.

ADVICE FOR CAREGIVERS WHO WITNESS LOVED ONES SUFFERING FROM GASTROPARESIS. This article is self explanatory. It gives those who take care of GPers advice on how to handle things and what to do/what not to do. It's very helpful.

THE DIFFERENT TESTS TO DIAGNOSE GASTROPARESIS. This is an article that goes through the different tests that can be used to diagnose Gastroparesis, if someone you love is having these symptoms, please call a GI right away. The GI can preform a test or more than one of these tests to confirm the diagnosis.

WHEN TELLING SOMEONE THEY LOOK GREAT BECOMES AN INSULT. This article goes into detail on how telling someone who is chronically ill, especially with GP, that looking great can be an insult. It's a very good article.

HOW TO DEAL WITH THE SITUATION, "BUT YOU DON'T LOOK SICK!" This article goes into detail about how people who say we don't look sick, even though they might mean well, of how it does more harm than good. Some people do not realize this and think that they're being helpful, or even nice. The article goes into detail about why it's a bad thing to say.

RESOURCES TO EXPLAIN DTP/GP OR A CHRONIC ILLNESS TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS. This article goes into detail of trying to explain having Gastroparesis/DTP and/or any chronic illness to family and friends. It tries to explain it in a way that healthy people can understand, because I feel, personally, unless you've been there, it's a bit hard to understand. I wanted to try and find a way to get others to understand because I am tired of being doubted. You shouldn't have to fight your family and friends when you already fight with doctors, nurses, etc. There's just not enough energy for that.

ADVOCACY FOR PATIENTS AND FAMILY/FRIENDS OF A CHRONICALLY ILL PATIENT. This article explains how you and your family should be your advocate when navigating the healthcare system. Sometimes, we are too sick to fight for ourselves, and having someone there with you to help you makes a difference. It gives a lot of pointers on how to be your own advocate as well.

A DOCTOR'S ADVICE TO THOSE WITH A CHRONIC ILLNESS. This article will help you but I think it will also help your family and friends who do not suffer from a chronic illness to understand one.

GASTROPARESIS PATIENTS VS DRUG SEEKERS. This article explains the difference between drug seekers/addicts and people suffering from Gastroparesis and other chronic illnesses which cause pain. It helps the reader to understand the difference. People who suffer from chronic pain, whether it's from nerve damage or other reasons, constantly have to defend themselves in Emergency Rooms, to doctors, to office staff, to family members, and to friends. It's exhausting, especially when we didn't ask for a chronic illness or chronic pain.

GASTROPARESIS VS EATING DISORDERS. This article tells the difference between having an eating disorder and Gastroparesis. I have talked to a lot of GPers (people with Gastroparesis) and they have told me at one time or another, that they were accused of having an eating disorder and was refused treatment. In high school, when I was sick and before I knew what I had, I was accused of pregnancy and then an eating disorder. Some people did get gastroparesis through eating disorders as well. However, I do not think they should be punished nor should we all be punished and refused treatment because of this terrible invisible chronic illness. I am going to share some stories with you that brave women have sent me. Because, they deserve to be heard and the world needs to hear them. They won't be invisible anymore.

GASTROPARESIS VS EATING DISORDERS PART DEUX. This article compares Eating Disorders to Gastroparesis, and the differences between each but there are some similarities, so I can understand why people may be confused between the two. Hopefully, this article will help you be able to tell the difference.

A COLLECTION OF GASTROPARESIS STUDIES AND RESEARCH. This is a collection of studies and research I could find that is currently being done on Gastroparesis. We hope to get more awareness out there so more will be done.


GASTROPARESIS: THE DIFFERENT WAYS IT EFFECTS THE BODY. "There are many kinds of Gastroparesis, many faces of Gastroparesis, and because everyone is different, it is hard to diagnose and treat. I, myself, have had Gastroparesis since about 2000 after an appendix surgery but was officially diagnosed in 2012. I do vomit, but that doesn't make my Gastroparesis more than someone who does not vomit, or my Gastroparesis less than someone who may have a feeding tube. There are also people who gain weight with Gastroparesis. However, Gastroparesis is Gastroparesis. It does not matter how much you weigh, because that does not mean that you are not malnourished or that you are not vitamin deficient. The Vagus Nerve is still damaged."

Image Source: Melissa M.





Resources for the Newly Diagnosed:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING GASTROPARESIS. This article contains frequently asked questions regarding gastroparesis and answers to those questions. These are questions I see a lot in groups and on my pages, so I thought I would answer them.

ADVICE FOR THE NEWLY DIAGNOSED WITH GASTROPARESIS/DTP. This article contains more resources for those who have been newly diagnosed with Gastroparesis/DTP.

YOU'VE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH GP, NOW WHAT? This article gives resources like the Gastroparesis diet, support groups, and other important things to know about Gastroparesis.

THE GASTROPARESIS DIET & RECIPE HELP/IDEAS. This article was written to help those who have been diagnosed and need to change their dietary needs to accompany the illness that invades their digestive systems. The link to this article is definitely in the articles above, for the newly diagnosed. I have collected no just friendly Gastroparesis food recipes, but also recipes for juicing and smoothies. Unfortunately, it is trial and error for everyone, because everyone's GP is different. You just have to find what works for you. There are also support groups for people who have GP who swap recipes and help each other. Additionally, I have uploaded documents containing information about the Gastroparesis diet that the Mayo Clinic gave me.

GASTROPARESIS' EFFECTS ON DENTAL HEALTH. This article goes into what causes dental issues for Gastroparesis warriors. It explores what causes tooth decay, because many GPers lose their teeth, break teeth, and have horrible cavities. There are a variety of factors from vomiting up stomach acid to stripped enamel.

GASTROPARESIS; THE DIFFERENT WAY IT EFFECTS THE BODY. "There are many kinds of Gastroparesis, many faces of Gastroparesis, and because everyone is different, it is hard to diagnose and treat. I, myself, have had Gastroparesis since about 2000 after an appendix surgery but was officially diagnosed in 2012. I do vomit, but that doesn't make my Gastroparesis more than someone who does not vomit, or my Gastroparesis less than someone who may have a feeding tube. There are also people who gain weight with Gastroparesis. However, Gastroparesis is Gastroparesis. It does not matter how much you weigh, because that does not mean that you are not malnourished or that you are not vitamin deficient. The Vagus Nerve is still damaged." This article takes a loot into what Gastroparesis actually is and what causes it before it goes in depth about the different types of Gastroparesis.

THE MANY CAUSES OF GASTROPARESIS & TREATMENT OPTIONS. Disclaimer: There is NO cure for gastroparesis. A lot of people and groups will try to sell things or involve you in a ponzi scheme to sell "cures" to desperate people. If there was a cure, it would be readily available and publicized. I can promise doctors would have given the cure to friends of mine whom have passed. I decided to do an article exploring what causes Gastroparesis. I have been asked this a lot by newly diagnosed Gastroparesis Warriors, and I was curious to see if anything has changed, especially given all of the awareness to this illness that the wonderful members of the GP Community have dedicated themselves to in the past few years. I also wanted to have an article written about what causes Gastroparesis, so that people who are having symptoms of this illness, can have something to refer back to so that the doctor will know what tests to run. If you think you might have Gastroparesis, definitely talk to your Gastroenterologist. You should always consult your doctor if you have questions/concerns. However, if you feel like the advice is not right for you, go in for a second opinion somewhere else. You know your body better than anyone else does.

A COLLECTION OF GASTROPARESIS MEDICAL STUDIES. I like to stay on top of research into Gastroparesis, and that includes medical studies and clinical trials. I like to see how they are faring so that I can see if there's better treatment options on the horizon. I wanted to share my findings with anyone who reads my blog. I believe in hope. I know that sounds odd, but I do. I think hope is powerful. I hold onto hope for better treatments to help millions of people. I know one day we will get there.

GASTROPARESIS MEDICAL STUDIES UPDATE; JOIN AND/OR KEEP UP WITH THE CLINICAL TRIALS.. There are clinical trials being held by The National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases. There are also other studies that show to be promising regarding medication to help with the cramps, among other things, of Gastroparesis. It all looks really hopeful.

HOW TO OBTAIN DOMPERIDONE. Unfortunately, it is not really prescribed here anymore. So, I uploaded the printout that the DEA has on Domperidone and more information about it.

PROGRESSIONAL TIMELINE OF GASTROPARESIS/EDS/DYSAUTONOMIA. This is a request for timelines for those who have been diagnosed with GP/DTP, EDS, and Dysautonomia. I want to do some research and compare timelines between people to see if I can spot a pattern. Hopefully, I can compile enough research to give it to a doctor/researcher who can take the idea and go from there. I thought it would be an interesting project because I know most of my friends diagnosed with GP suffer from EDS and Dysautonomia too. I am curious to see if there's a connection there but I need a large sample size to see if there is.

THE GASTRIC STIMULATOR PART I - PERSONAL STORIES FROM REAL PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THE SURGERY. This article contains personal stories from those who have Gastroparesis and have gotten the gastric stimulator/pacemaker surgery to help them eat. On a side note, there is a group that is composed of people who have had the surgery and are able to answer any questions you might have, and it's important to do your own research and ask questions before a major surgery like this. However, keep in mind that everyone is different when it comes to Gastroparesis. The group is listed below in the Resources article and this article.

INFORMATION ON THE VAGUS NERVE. This article goes into detail about the vagus nerve, what it controls and where it runs through your body. The article also has links to the "Vagus Nerve Stimulator" and "The Brain in Your Gut."

THE GASTRIC BYPASS, THE SLEEVE, AND GP. This article goes into detail about the gastric bypass and sleeve, along with personal stories of those with gastroparesis who had these surgeries. I did a year's worth of research into the gastric bypass, because my GI kept insisting that it would help me. However, I decided it was not for me after speaking to GP friends who had it done, and the they experienced horrifying issues. I did upload all of the paperwork that I was asked to fill out, so you understand the procedure you are committing to.

AN NJ TUBE STORY BY ALLEY. This article is written by a guest blogger and my friend, Alley. She writes about what it's like living with an NJ tube.

GP SURVIVAL COMMANDMENTS. This article was one I wrote after I polled people in support groups on what they wished they had been told these things (the things listed in the blog article) when they were first diagnosed.

GASTROPARESIS: KNOW THE FACTORS FOR THIS MYSTERIOUS STOMACH CONDITION. This article goes on to explain Gastroparesis, "As diabetes cases skyrocket, another condition called gastroparesis is rapidly becoming a more common diagnosis. It reduces the ability of the stomach to empty its contents but does not involve a blockage. Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, bloating and chronic abdominal pain are the hallmark symptoms, according to gastroenterologist Michael Cline, DO."

RELAXING AND BREATHING TECHNIQUES FROM THE MAYO CLINIC. I uploaded pages that the Mayo Clinic gave me to teach me how to relax my breathing. It helps during panic attacks but it also helps after you vomit, because it helps to regulate your breathing.

GASTROPARESIS RESOURCES & ONLINE GROUPS. This is a link to all kinds of resources for Gastroparesis, including support groups, blogs, Pinterests, etc. A great article to help you, and it is constantly updated with new groups and information about Gastroparesis.

THE BRAIN IN YOUR GUT. The stomach makes most of your serotonin. So, what happens when you have Gastroparesis and your motility is decreased?








If you are having issues describing Gastroparesis to someone else, this might help as well:

Source: unknown



THE IMPACT OF VITAMIN DEFICIENCIES. This article dives into the different vitamin deficiencies and the symptoms for each. If you notice any of these symptoms, please call your doctor immediately. It is easy for people like us to have low vitamins because we cannot eat like "normal" people.

INFORMATION ABOUT MALNUTRITION. This article explores the symptoms of malnutrition, what causes it, how it effects us, and the treatment for it. This, and vitamin deficiencies, are VERY serious! Please call your doctor if you have the issues outlined in this article.

POOP - WHAT THE DIFFERENT COLORS AND SMELLS MEAN. A lot of people are embarrassed to ask this question when something isn't right. However, this article contains charts and sources to help you figure out what is going on. It is NOT a substitution for medical advice from your doctor. You should always call your doctor if you feel like something is wrong or not like it should be. But, for those of you who have questions, this article will help you and maybe even help you write down questions to take with you to the doctor.

DUMPING SYNDROME. This is an article explaining dumping syndrome; What it is, what causes it, and goes into details about it. I have experienced it first hand, when my stomach wants to empty all at once because the bile doesn't have a lot of places to go. It has cited sources, like all of my articles, so that you can read from the source and write down any questions you may have for the doctor.

INSPIRATION AND HOW TO KEEP YOUR MARRIAGE STRONG DURING A CHRONIC ILLNESS. Marriage is hard enough as it is without adding a chronic illness into the mix. However, life happens. This article will give you some pointers on how to keep your marriage strong when your chronically sick.

BRAIN FOG: WHAT IT IS,CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND TREATMENTS. "Whenever someone experiences forgetfulness, feels utterly confused while tying up thoughts, or has disorganized thinking, or has inability to focus or is hard pressed to put their thoughts into words, they are experiencing brain fog."

HOW GP/DTP - PAIN EMOTIONALLY AND PHYSICALLY. This article describes and gives suggestions on how to cope with pain related to Gastroparesis and Digestive Tract Paralysis (DTP). It was compiled from suggestions given by other warriors who are fighting the same fight.

HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED. It is really easy to lose pleasure in things you once loved, and it's hard to look on the bright side when you're constantly sick. However, this article will give some ideas about keeping motivated, even during the worst of times. You're NOT alone!

HOW TO STAY POSITIVE, ESPECIALLY IN DIFFICULT SITUATIONS. This article is a lot like the article above. It gives ideas and ways to stay positive, even when the world seems so bleak because you're constantly sick.

FEELING GOOD WHEN YOU'RE FEELING DOWN. This article gives pointers on how to stay positive and feel good when you become depressed. We all get really sad every now and then, especially when we're overwhelmed and tired. This article gives some tips that might help. But, if you feel really down all of the time, you need to talk to your doctor.

HANDLING HOLIDAYS WITH A CHRONIC ILLNESS. The holidays are coming up and this article gives tips on how to get through the holidays with a chronic illness like Gastroparesis, because almost or all of our holidays are centered around food.

INFORMATION ABOUT GASTROPARESIS AND TRAVELING WITH GP. This article will give you information on what Gastroparesis is, what causes it, and traveling information. I obtained in depth handouts from the Mayo Clinic and uploaded them for everyone. The article has information from Mayo on how to travel with Gastroparesis, and a link to an article on traveling with a feeding tube. It also has a link to the Gastroparesis diet.

SOCIALIZING WITH A CHRONIC ILLNESS. It is extremely hard to socialize with a chronic illness, but it can be done thanks to modern technology! "Socializing is hard enough when you are a healthy, human being. You could be shy or nervous to talk to others. However, with a chronic, invisible illness, it's even harder. Imagine having that nervousness and shyness leading to vomiting, intestinal spasms, bloating, and many other things but the main culprit is fatigue." To find out how to get around that, you'll have to read the article!

HOW TO FEEL SEXY OR HAVE SEX WITH A CHRONIC ILLNESS. I've gotten this question a few times but people are too embarrassed to ask it, usually. I decided to write an article on it that might help.

PREGNANCY AND GASTROPARESIS. I've gotten this question a lot too, so I consulted people who have been pregnant with gp, and wrote an article to help those who may be thinking of getting pregnant but worried about their GP.

THE GRIEVING PROCESS FOR A CHRONIC ILLNESS AND HOW TO OVERCOME IT. People go through a mourning process once they are diagnosed with a chronic illness because the things they could do before, they might not be able to do now. Your old life is dead, and you mourn it as you go on with your new life. This article will help with that.

SUICIDE AND CHRONIC ILLNESS. This is an important article because a lot of people with chronic illnesses go through depression. It's important to know when to ask for help and this article is to help prevent more suicides because of chronic illnesses.

LOSING A LOVED ONE TO A CHRONIC ILLNESS AND HOW TO HANDLE THE GRIEF. I've lost a lot of friends because of complications due to their chronic illnesses. This article will help you on how to handle grief in a healthy way. Death is a part of life. Just please know when you need to ask for help.

Source: A friend of mine made these a few years ago for Gastroparesis Awareness Month in August.

How to Stay Motivated

Most Gastroparesis suffers have a hard time staying motivated because we are always really ill. We hide it and it's invisible. In reality, we feel like zombies just going through the motions of the day, that is, if we can get out of bed. I found some images on Pinterest (but it didn't have a source) about Motivation that I would like to share with you, to help you through those difficult days that we all have with this terrible condition.

According to Pyschology Today (http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/motivation),

"How to Stay Motivated: Motivation is literally the desire to do things. It's the difference between waking up before dawn to pound the pavement and lazing around the house all day. It's the crucial element in setting and attaining goals—and research shows you can influence your own levels of motivation and self-control. So figure out what you want, power through the pain period, and start being who you want to be."

According to About.com. (http://psychology.about.com/od/mindex/g/motivation-definition.htm)

"Motivation is defined as the process that initiates, guides and maintains goal-oriented behaviors. Motivation is what causes us to act, whether it is getting a glass of water to reduce thirst or reading a book to gain knowledge.

It involves the biological, emotional, social and cognitive forces that activate behavior. In everyday usage, the term motivation is frequently used to describe why a person does something. For example, you might say that a student is so motivated to get into a clinical psychology program that she spends every night studying.

Psychologists have proposed a number of different theories of motivation, including drive theory, instinct theory and humanistic theory.


Components of Motivation

There are three major components to motivation: activation, persistence and intensity. Activation involves the decision to initiate a behavior, such as enrolling in a psychology class. Persistence is the continued effort toward a goal even though obstacles may exist, such as taking more psychology courses in order to earn a degree although it requires a significant investment of time, energy and resources. Finally, intensity can be seen in the concentration and vigor that goes into pursuing a goal. For example, one student might coast by without much effort, while another student will study regularly, participate in discussions and take advantage of research opportunities outside of class.


Extrinsic Vs. Intrinsic Motivation

Different types of motivation are frequently described as being either extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic motivations are those that arise from outside of the individual and often involve rewards such as trophies, money, social recognition or praise. Intrinsic motivations are those that arise from within the individual, such as doing a complicated cross-word puzzle purely for the personal gratification of solving a problem."

Lifehack.org, written by Gleb Reys, has tips on how to stay motivated as well,

How exactly do some of us manage to stay motivated most of the time? Here are just a few ideas you can try:

1) Find the Good Reasons

Anything you do, no matter how simple, has a number of good reasons behind it. Not all the tasks have the good reasons to do them seen at first sight, but if you take just a few moments to analyse them, you will easily spot something good. We also have many tasks which don’t need any reasoning at all – we’ve been doing them for so long that they feel natural.

But if you’re ever stuck with some task you hate and there seems to be no motivation to complete it whatsoever, here’s what you need to do: find your good reasons. They may not be obvious, but stay at it until you see some, as this will bring your motivation back and will help you finish the task.


Some ideas for what a good reason can be:

a material reward – quite often, you will get paid for doing something you normally don’t like doing at all

personal gain – you will learn something new or will perhaps improve yourself in a certain way

a feeling of accomplishment – at least you’ll be able to walk away feeling great about finding the motivation and courage to complete such a tedious task

a step closer to your bigger goal – even the biggest accomplishments in history have started small and relied on simple and far less pleasant tasks than you might be working on. Every task you complete brings you closer to the ultimate goal, and acknowledging this always feels good.


2) Make it fun

When it comes to motivation, attitude is everything. Different people may have completely opposite feelings towards the same task: some will hate it, others will love it. Why do you think this happens? It’s simple: some of us find ways to make any task interesting and fun to do!

Take sports for example. Visiting your local gym daily for a half-an-hour workout sounds rather boring to many of us. Yet many others love the idea! They like exercising not only because they recognize the good reasons behind it, but simply because it’s fun! At certain time of their daily schedule, they find going to gym to be the best thing to do, simply because nothing else will fit their time and lifestyle so perfectly.

I want to add that with GP, it might be hard to leave the house for the severe cases. But you can do basic stretches at home on your couch or in bed. It will make you feel better. I'm going to attempt to take yoga because it has deep breathing and will strengthen my muscles. LaShelle, one of my good friends, rides horses. Just going for a short walk will help.

Depending on how you look at it, you can have fun doing just about anything! Just look for ways of having fun, and you’ll find them!


A simple approach is to start working on any task from asking yourself a few questions:

How can I enjoy this task?
What can I do to make this task fun for myself and possibly for others?
How can I make this work the best part of my day?


The answers will pop up momentarily, as long as you learn to have the definite expectation of any task being potentially enjoyable.

Some of you will probably think of a thing or two which are valid exceptions from this statement, like something you always hate doing, no matter how hard you try making it fun. I don’t want to argue – you’re probably right, and that’s why I don’t claim everything to be fun. However, most tasks have a great potential of being enjoyable, and so looking for ways to have fun while working is definitely a good habit to acquire.

3) Take different approach

When something doesn’t feel right, it’s always a good time to take a moment and look at the whole task looking for a different approach.

You may be doing everything correctly and most efficiently, but such an approach isn’t necessarily the most motivating one. Quite often you can find a number of obvious tweaks to your current approach which will both change your experience and open up new possibilities.

That’s why saying “one way or another” is so common: if you really want to accomplish your goal, there is always a away. And most likely, there’s more than one way. If a certain approach doesn’t work for you, find another one, and keep trying until you find the one which will both keep you motivated and get you the desired results.

Some people think that trying a different approach means giving up. They take pride in being really stubborn and refusing to try any other options on their way towards the goal. My opinion on this is that the power of focus is great, but you should be focusing on your goal, and not limiting your options by focusing on just one way to accomplish it it.


4) Recognize your progress

Everything you may be working on can be easily split into smaller parts and stages. For most goals, it is quite natural to split the process of accomplishing them into smaller tasks and milestones. There are a few reasons behind doing this, and one of them is tracking your progress.

We track our progress automatically with most activities. But to stay motivated, you need to recognize your progress, not merely track it.

Here’s how tracking and recognizing your progress is different: tracking is merely taking a note of having reached a certain stage in your process. Recognizing is taking time to look at a bigger picture and realize where exactly you are, and how much more you have left to do.

For example, if you’re going to read a book, always start by going through the contents table. Getting familiar with chapter titles and memorizing their total number will make it easier for you to recognize your progress as you read. Confirming how many pages your book has before starting it is also a good idea.

You see, reading any book you will be automatically looking at page numbers and chapter titles, but without knowing the total number of pages this information will have little meaning.

Somehow, it is in a human nature to always want things to happen at once. Even though we split complex tasks into simpler actions, we don’t quite feel the satisfaction until all is done and the task is fully complete. For many scenarios though, the task is so vast that such an approach will drain all the motivation out of you long before you have a chance to reach your goal. That’s why it is important to always take small steps and recognize the positive different and progress made.


5) Reward Yourself

This is a trick everyone likes: rewarding yourself is always pleasant. I’m happy to confirm that this is also one of the easiest and at the same time most powerful ways to stay motivated!

Feeling down about doing something? Dread the idea of working on some task? Hate the whole idea of working? You’re not alone in that, I’m telling you!

Right from the beginning, agree on some deliverables which will justify yourself getting rewarded. As soon as you get one of the agreed results, take time to reward yourself in some way.

For some tasks, just taking a break and relaxing for a few minutes will do. For others, you may want to get a smoothie and even treat yourself to a GP friendly dessert. For even bigger and more demanding tasks, you may want to reward yourself by doing something even more enjoyable, like going to a cinema or taking a trip to some place nice, or even buying yourself something.

Your progress may not seem to others like anything worth celebrating – but take time and do it anyway! It is your task and your reward, so any ways to stay motivated are good. The more you reward yourself for the honestly made progress, the more motivated you will feel about reaching new milestones, thus finally accomplishing your goal.


Mix and match

Now that you have these five ways of staying motivated, it is a good moment to give you the key to them all: mix and match! Pick one of the advices and apply it to your situation. If it doesn’t work, or if you simply want to get even more motivation, try another advice right way. Mix different approaches and match them to your task for best results.

Just think about it: finding good reasons to work on your task is bound to help you feel a bit better. Identifying ways to make it fun will help you enjoy the task even more. Finally, if you then plan a few points for easier tracking of your progress and on top of that agree on rewarding yourself as you go – this will make you feel most motivated about anything you have to work through.

Here is a Youtube video on how to stay positive and motivated: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWCHuMMBg4k

Ten Hidden Reasons to Stay Motivated Source: http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/motivation_articles.asp?id=196

Everyone tells us to stay motivated. Our friends, our co-workers, our relatives say to keep going, don’t quit. Sometimes, though, you ask, "Why? Why try my hardest when it ends in disappointment? Why go through something when it’s going to hurt? Why?"

Because it’s going to be different this time! Because you can’t accomplish anything that you give up on. Disappointments and failures happen to everyone. The difference between those who reach their goals and those who don’t is staying motivated. If you’re motivated, you’ll keep going. If you keep going, eventually you’ll reach your goal.

Need more reasons? Here are 10 of our ‘hidden’ reasons to stay motivated. Use one or all of them to keep the fire burning inside you.

1. Confidence

How did it feel after that first walk around the block? Or when you finally walked the stairs at work without losing your breath? Or even leaving the house? The more you accomplish, the more you’ll believe in yourself.

2. Fit into that dress

It’s been hanging up in your closet for two years now, just waiting to be thrown on for a night on the town. All it takes is for you to go that extra mile and stay on track. Before you know it, those two years will be ancient history. This would probably be better for milder cases of GP.

3. Make the week easier

Ever felt like a week was taking forever? It feels like Friday, but it’s only Tuesday? This happens when you’re not working towards anything. When you have a goal in mind, you’ll want to cook that GP friendly dinner or have friends over 0 or leave the house to meet them. The week will not only go faster, but be more enjoyable.

4. Gives you purpose

Every once in a while, we need a good reason. The ‘wow’ effect

Picture this: Walking into a store, you run into someone from high school, and their eyes light up. They gasp, "Wow, you look great!" (Again, this is probably for the milder case of GPers, but I don't think any of us want to hear the next sentence). By sticking with your goals, this can happen. Watch the "wows" add up.

8. Spread the spark

When friends and family see how hard you’re working, they’ll wonder how they can reach their own goals. Guess who they’re going to look to for help? By staying motivated, you’ll not only help yourself, but others too. This is very true. I've been helping people by admining on Facebook. You don't have to leave the house on your worst days but you can still be motivated to make a difference.

9. Keep gaining experience

The more you do, the more you will learn and understand. You’ll discover which tactics work best for you and which ones don’t. It’s like weeding out the garden - not the most enjoyable job in the world, but when you’re done, all that’s left are beautiful flowers. Keeping sticking with it and soon it will be all flowers for you. Here it is, right in front of you. Eat the GP approved diet (it can be found in LaShelle's blog at: http://gnewithgp.com/2013/07/03/gastroparesis-signs-symptoms-testing-treatments-and-a-gp-diet/) that’s going to jump start your day, go for your morning walk, or walk to the driveway and grab the newspaper. When you’re motivated, you have a reason to do what you do.

5. For your kids

And your grandkids. And their kids, too. The healthier you are, the longer you’ll be around to watch your kids grow and to spoil your grandchildren. They’ll want you to be around as long as possible; consider this just another present.

6. Power of momentum

It’s a scientific fact – something in motion tends to stay in motion. Momentum builds quickly and can lead to great results. Suddenly, you’re not only working for the goal, but also to keep your streak alive. Even more reason to reach your goals.
Stress will take a toll on your body. It's better to set goals and have small victories that will give you a boost and make you feel productive. I know that since I was diagnosed, my independence has been stripped. I've worked since I was sixteen but now, I can barely leave my house because I'm so violently ill. That's why I started my Laughing Through Gastroparesis Page (www.facebook.com/laughingwithgp). I also started a "secret" Laughing Through Gastroparesis group so that people can help collaborate and keep the chronically ill smiling. You don't have to be a GPer to join. You can join the group at this link: http://www.facebook.com/groups/487370524687206/.

Sleep Deprivation's Effects on the Brain and Your Body

Sleep Deprivation



The immediate effects of skimping on sleep are obvious. You're groggy, unfocused, sluggish and dying for a nap (or a second cup of coffee). Then there are the sneakier signs you're overtired: You're overly emotional, starving and clumsier than usual. Most of the time, a solid night's sleep will solve all these problems.

The average adult needs about seven to nine hours of sleep each night, according to the National Sleep Foundation, but most of us don't even get that much. But getting too little sleep - generally understood to mean six hours or less a night - can be serious - enough to change your genes, even! Source HERE.

I have missed several nights of sleeps due to vomiting, nausea, and/or pain. I started to wonder, how will this affect my body long term? So, I started to do some research, curious as to why the doctors never address my sleeping issues. The articles I found were very enlightening.

First, let's address sleep deprivation. What is it? According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, sleep deprivation is,

Sleep deprivation (DEP-rih-VA-shun) is a condition that occurs if you don't get enough sleep. Sleep deficiency is a broader concept. It occurs if you have one or more of the following:

You don't get enough sleep (sleep deprivation)

You sleep at the wrong time of day (that is, you're out of sync with your body's natural clock)

You don't sleep well or get all of the different types of sleep that your body needs

You have a sleep disorder that prevents you from getting enough sleep or causes poor quality sleep



Sleeping is a basic human need, like eating, drinking, and breathing. Like these other needs, sleeping is a vital part of the foundation for good health and well-being throughout your lifetime.

Sleep deficiency can lead to physical and mental health problems, injuries, loss of productivity, and even a greater risk of death. To understand sleep deficiency, it helps to understand how sleep works and why it's important. The two basic types of sleep are rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM.

Non-REM sleep includes what is commonly known as deep sleep or slow wave sleep. Dreaming typically occurs during REM sleep. Generally, non-REM and REM sleep occur in a regular pattern of 3–5 cycles each night.



The sleep cycle



Your ability to function and feel well while you're awake depends on whether you're getting enough total sleep and enough of each type of sleep. It also depends on whether you're sleeping at a time when your body is prepared and ready to sleep.

You have an internal "body clock" that controls when you're awake and when your body is ready for sleep. This clock typically follows a 24-hour repeating rhythm (called the circadian rhythm). The rhythm affects every cell, tissue, and organ in your body and how they work.

If you aren't getting enough sleep, are sleeping at the wrong times, or have poor quality sleep, you'll likely feel very tired during the day. You may not feel refreshed and alert when you wake up.

Sleep deficiency can interfere with work, school, driving, and social functioning. You might have trouble learning, focusing, and reacting. Also, you might find it hard to judge other people's emotions and reactions. Sleep deficiency also can make you feel frustrated, cranky, or worried in social situations.

The signs and symptoms of sleep deficiency may differ between children and adults. Children who are sleep deficient might be overly active and have problems paying attention. They also might misbehave, and their school performance can suffer.

Sleep deficiency is a common public health problem in the United States. People in all age groups report not getting enough sleep.

As part of a health survey for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 7–19 percent of adults in the United States reported not getting enough rest or sleep every day.

Nearly 40 percent of adults report falling asleep during the day without meaning to at least once a month. Also, an estimated 50 to 70 million Americans have chronic (ongoing) sleep disorders.

Sleep deficiency is linked to many chronic health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, obesity, and depression [and let's go ahead and add in Gastroparesis].

Sleep deficiency also is associated with an increased risk of injury in adults, teens, and children. For example, driver sleepiness (not related to alcohol) is responsible for serious car crash injuries and death. In the elderly, sleep deficiency might be linked to an increased risk of falls and broken bones.

In addition, sleep deficiency has played a role in human errors linked to tragic accidents, such as nuclear reactor meltdowns, grounding of large ships, and aviation accidents.

A common myth is that people can learn to get by on little sleep with no negative effects. However, research shows that getting enough quality sleep at the right times is vital for mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety.

The Source is HERE.




How much sleep is enough?


The amount of sleep you need each day will change over the course of your life. Although sleep needs vary from person to person, the chart below shows general recommendations for different age groups.



Age Recommended Amount of Sleep
Newborns 16–18 hours a day
Preschool-aged children 11–12 hours a day
School-aged children At least 10 hours a day
Teens 9–10 hours a day
Adults (including the elderly) 7–8 hours a day

If you routinely lose sleep or choose to sleep less than needed, the sleep loss adds up. The total sleep lost is called your sleep debt. For example, if you lose 2 hours of sleep each night, you'll have a sleep debt of 14 hours after a week.

Some people nap as a way to deal with sleepiness. Naps may provide a short-term boost in alertness and performance. However, napping doesn't provide all of the other benefits of night-time sleep. Thus, you can't really make up for lost sleep.

Some people sleep more on their days off than on work days. They also may go to bed later and get up later on days off.

Sleeping more on days off might be a sign that you aren't getting enough sleep. Although extra sleep on days off might help you feel better, it can upset your body's sleep–wake rhythm.

Bad sleep habits and long-term sleep loss will affect your health. If you're worried about whether you're getting enough sleep, try using a sleep diary for a couple of weeks.

Write down how much you sleep each night, how alert and rested you feel in the morning, and how sleepy you feel during the day. Show the results to your doctor and talk about how you can improve your sleep. You can find a sample sleep diary in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's "Your Guide to Healthy Sleep."

Sleeping when your body is ready to sleep also is very important. Sleep deficiency can affect people even when they sleep the total number of hours recommended for their age group.

For example, people whose sleep is out of sync with their body clocks (such as shift workers) or routinely interrupted (such as caregivers or emergency responders) might need to pay special attention to their sleep needs.

If your job or daily routine limits your ability to get enough sleep or sleep at the right times, talk with your doctor. You also should talk with your doctor if you sleep more than 8 hours a night, but don't feel well rested. You may have a sleep disorder or other health problem.




How does Sleep Deprivation Affect the Brain?



The effect of sleep deprivation.




According to Serendip Studio,

"Sleep deprivation is a commonplace occurrence in modern culture. Every day there seems to be twice as much work and half as much time to complete it in. This results in either extended periods of wakefulness or a decrease in sleep over an extended period of time. While some people may like to believe that they can train their bodies to not require as much sleep as they once did this belief is false. Sleep is needed to regenerate certain parts of the body, especially the brain, so that it may continue to function optimally. After periods of extended wakefulness or reduced sleep neurons may begin to malfunction, visibly effecting a person's behavior. Some organs, such as muscles, are able to regenerate even when a person is not sleeping so long as they are resting. This could involve lying awake but relaxed within a quite environment. Even though cognitive functions might not seem necessary in this scenario the brain, especially the cerebral cortex, is not able to rest but rather remains semi-alert in a state of "quiet readiness." Certain stages of sleep are needed for the regeneration of neurons within the cerebral cortex while other stages of sleep seem to be used for forming new memories and generating new synaptic connections. The effects of sleep deprivation on behavior have been tested with relation to the presence of activity in different sections of the cerebral cortex.








The temporal lobe of the cerebral cortex is associated with the processing of language. During verbal learning tests on subjects who are fully rested functional magnetic resonance imaging scans show that this area of the brain is very active. However, in sleep deprived subjects there is no activity within this region. The effects of this inactivity can be observed by the slurred speech in subjects who have gone for prolonged periods with no sleep.

Even severely sleep deprived people are still able to perform to some degree on a verbal learning test. This implies that some other area of the brain must become active to compensate for the loss of temporal lobe functioning. In fact, activity can be seen in the parietal lobe that is not present during verbal learning tests using rested subjects. Greater activity within this region corresponded to better performance by subjects in research studies. Still, sleep deprived people do not perform as well on these tests as do fully rested subjects. One possible reason for the poorer performance after missing sleep, aside from unregenerated neurons, could be the fact that since the parietal lobe is not usually used to performing tasks such as these it is not as adept at carrying them out. Therefore, when control switches from the temporal lobe to the parietal lobe some speed and accuracy is naturally lost. Interestingly, sleep deprived subjects have been shown to have better short-term memory abilities than their well-rested counterparts (6). Since memory is associated with this region of the cerebral cortex the fact that it is already active in sleep deprived people could make it easier for new synapses to be created, thus forming new short-term memories more easily.

While activity is seen within the parietal lobes of rested people as they think through math problems no corresponding activity is visible within the brains of sleep-deprived subjects. Also, no new area of the brain becomes active while the sleep deprived people work on math problems. Since sleep deprived people can still complete math problems, albeit with less speed and accuracy than a well-rested individual, this data implies that a region of the brain already in use is used for this task.

The frontal lobe is the most fascinating section of the brain with relation to sleep deprivation. Its functions are associated with speech as well as novel and creative thinking. Sleep deprived test subjects have difficulties thinking of imaginative words or ideas. Instead, they tend to choose repetitious words or clichéd phrases. Also, a sleep-deprived individual is less able to deliver a statement well. The subject may show signs of slurred speech, stuttering, speaking in a monotone voice, or speaking at a slower pace than usual. Subjects in research studies also have a more difficult time reacting well to unpredicted rapid changes. Sleep deprived people do not have the speed or creative abilities to cope with making quick but logical decisions, nor do they have the ability to implement them well. Studies have demonstrated that a lack of sleep impairs one's ability to simultaneously focus on several different related tasks, reducing the speed as well as the efficiency of one's actions. A person may be able to react to a complex scenario when suddenly presented with it but, similar to the verbal tests, the subject will most likely pick an unoriginal solution. If presented with a similar situation multiple times with slight variations in the information presented the subject chooses the same solution, even though it might not be as applicable to the new scenario.

Part of the frontal lobe, the prefrontal cortex, has several functions specifically coupled with it. Judgment, impulse control, attention, and visual association have all been related to this region of the cerebral cortex. A recent study has shown that the prefrontal cortex, usually the most active area of the brain in rested individuals, becomes more active as a person remains awake for long periods of time. This region regenerates during the first stage of sleep, giving a person the ability to feel somewhat refreshed after only a short nap. The length of the first stage of sleep cycle is somewhat dependent upon how long the person had previously been awake. The longer the period of wakefulness, the longer the brain remains in the first stage of sleep. When the brain enters into the REM stage of sleep the prefrontal cortex is active once more.

The implications of this data seem to be fairly important in supporting the location of the I-function within the brain. The prefrontal cortex is active whenever a person is awake, no matter how little sleep they have had. Also, this area is active while dreaming. Since the individual is aware of him or herself during both of these instances, but is not aware during the stages of sleep when the prefrontal cortex is shut down, it seems logical that the I-function is located within this region. This indicates that the I-function is what is resting and regenerating during the first stage of sleep. It would be interesting to study prefrontal cortex activity while a person is conscious, but unaware of his or her actions, due to an influence such as drugs or alcohol. According to the results of the sleep deprivation studies little or no activity should be seen in the prefrontal cortex at anytime when the individual is unaware of his or herself.

One of the symptoms of prolonged sleep deprivation is hallucinations. This could also be related to the I-function since it is the system that integrates the input from all other areas of the brain. If the neurons composing the I-function become too taxed then the picture in the head that the I-function produces may be more dissimilar from reality than usual. The neurons, under pressure to continue functioning but unable to perform optimally, create an image useful enough for a person to see most of his or her surroundings. Metabolic activity in the prefrontal cortex can drop as much as eleven percent after a person has missed sleep for only twenty four hours. As a person loses more sleep or continues to receive less-than-adequate amounts of sleep the neurons become even more taxed and the I-function may begin to generate even less coherent images possibly resulting in temporary insanity.

Another piece of evidence supporting the location of the I-function is that mammals have REM sleep whereas cold-blooded animals do not and mammals have a neocortex, located within the prefrontal cortex, while cold-blooded animals do not. REM sleep stimulates areas of the brain used for learning and memory. When a person is taught a new skill his or her performance does not improve until he or she receives at least eight hours of sleep. An extended period of sleep ensures that the brain will be able to complete the full sleep cycle, including REM sleep. The necessity of sleep for learning could be due to the fact that sleep increases the production of proteins while reducing the rate at which they are broken down. Proteins are used to regenerate the neurons within the brain. Without them new synapses may not be able to be formed, thus limiting the amount of information a sleep-deprived individual can maintain.

One of the possible side effects of a continued lack of sleep is death. Usually this is the result of the fact that the immune system is weakened without sleep. The number of white blood cells within the body decreases, as does the activity of the remaining white blood cells. The body also decreases the amount of growth hormone produced. The ability of the body to metabolize sugar declines, turning sugar into fat. One study stated that people who sleep less than four hours per night are three times more likely to die within the next six years. Although the longest a human has remained awake was eleven days rats that are continually deprived of sleep die within two to five weeks, generally due to their severely weakened immune system.

In a way sleep deprivation studies help us to study the relationship between the brain and behavior in a very unique way by observing how a person's behavior changes as the brain shuts down. By taking images of the brain showing where activity is located it is possible to correlate the behavior exhibited by a subject with his or her brain patterns. Just like a person cannot jog for three continuous days a person's brain cannot operate without rest breaks. Since different regions of the brain rest during different stages of the sleep cycle, sleep cannot be cut short.

In fact, if the brain does not receive a break it will soon begin to shut down for periods of micro-sleep. This is essentially several seconds of actual sleep; delta waves that interrupt the regular EEG of an awake person thereby impairing his or her continuity of cognitive function. Micro-sleep generally happens directly before performance failure occurs. Without sleep our brains deteriorate, and if the argument that brain=behavior is true, then our behavior will also suffer accordingly."

What are the Signs/Symptoms of Sleep Deprivation?

Sleep deficiency can cause you to feel very tired during the day. You may not feel refreshed and alert when you wake up. Sleep deficiency also can interfere with work, school, driving, and social functioning.

How sleepy you feel during the day can help you figure out whether you're having symptoms of problem sleepiness. You might be sleep deficient if you often feel like you could doze off while:

Sitting and reading or watching TV

Sitting still in a public place, such as a movie theater, meeting, or classroom

Riding in a car for an hour without stopping

Sitting and talking to someone

Sitting quietly after lunch

Sitting in traffic for a few minutes

Sleep deficiency can cause problems with learning, focusing, and reacting. You may have trouble making decisions, solving problems, remembering things, controlling your emotions and behavior, and coping with change. You may take longer to finish tasks, have a slower reaction time, and make more mistakes.

The signs and symptoms of sleep deficiency may differ between children and adults. Children who are sleep deficient might be overly active and have problems paying attention. They also might misbehave, and their school performance can suffer.

Sleep-deficient children may feel angry and impulsive, have mood swings, feel sad or depressed, or lack motivation.

You may not notice how sleep deficiency affects your daily routine. A common myth is that people can learn to get by on little sleep with no negative effects. However, research shows that getting enough quality sleep at the right times is vital for mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety.

To find out whether you're sleep deficient, try keeping a sleep diary for a couple of weeks. Write down how much you sleep each night, how alert and rested you feel in the morning, and how sleepy you feel during the day. Source is HERE.


There are ten top ten reasons for sleep deprivation check list if you're still skeptical that can be found HERE.



Top Ten Things Sleep Deprivation Will do to You

According to Web MD, lack of sleep will:

1. Sleepiness Causes Accidents
2. Sleep Loss Dumbs You Down
3. Sleep Deprivation Can Lead to Serious Health Problems
4. Lack of Sleep Kills Sex Drive
5. Sleepiness Is Depressing
6. Lack of Sleep Ages Your Skin
7. Sleepiness Makes You Forgetful
8. Losing Sleep Can Make You Gain Weight
9. Lack of Sleep May Increase Risk of Death
10. Sleep Loss Impairs Judgment, Especially About Sleep

Source is HERE.



According to Tuck, Advancing Better Sleep,

"GI Issues and Sleep
LAST UPDATED ON JANUARY 29, 2018

Anyone who’s living with IBD, GERD, or even the occasional bout of indigestion or heartburn knows that a poor night’s sleep only makes you feel worse.

In fact, GI issues and sleep are so interconnected that scientists have literally referred to the relationship as a chicken-and-egg problem.



Why Stomach Problems Cause Sleep Problems, and Vice Versa

It’s hard to sleep when you’re uncomfortable. Conditions like indigestion, constipation, heartburn, and nausea are all extremely uncomfortable, and even painful at times. If GI issues strike at night, it makes it difficult to sleep. Unfortunately, when we don’t get enough sleep, our stomach problems often persist into the next day and often get worse.

While we sleep, our body keeps working – restoring and repairing our muscles so they can do their job the next day. Our body requires a remarkable amount of energy to function properly. One of those major functions is our digestive process – eating, chewing and processing food before eliminating what we don’t need. Without sufficient sleep, we don’t have enough energy to perform that process as smoothly and as painlessly as we should.

The problems don’t stop there. When we’re sleep deprived, our appetite increases, and we actually begin to crave the kinds of junk food that trigger GI problems. Tired brains release more ghrelin (the hunger hormone), while well-rested minds release more leptin (an appetite suppressant). The more sugary, fatty food we eat, the more we feel it in our waistline – as well as our digestive and bowel movements.

When you’re overweight, GI symptoms worsen. Obese people are much likelier to report waking up from sleep due to chest pain or acid reflux, and experience lower quality sleep overall.

It’s not just the hunger hormone working against us. It’s faulty logic, too. When we’re tired, we’ll do anything for a quick energy boost. As a result, we often turn to caffeine and sugar. Both of these are bad for our digestion and our sleep.

With all this discomfort and lack of sleep, it’s no surprise we end up feeling stressed. Unfortunately, stress itself contributes to insomnia, IBS, and heartburn.




GERD, Heartburn and Sleep

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition affecting 10 to 20% of Americans, making it the third most common GI disorder in the U.S. Common symptoms include heartburn and acid reflux.

As many as 74% of sufferers experience nighttime heartburn, contributing to sleep-onset insomnia (difficulty falling asleep). When acid flows back into the esophagus from the stomach, individuals start choking or coughing, either waking them up or keeping them from falling asleep in the first place.



Heartburn and Disturbed Sleep

The same proinflammatory cytokines present with GI diseases like GERD also show up with sleep disorders. When you’re sleep deprived, those cytokine levels increase, worsening GERD symptoms.

GERD is often comorbid in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and their risk increases if sleep issues are also present. Children with autism and sleep problems are twice as likely to experience frequent constipation and heartburn. Subsequent research says the relationship works both ways – autistic children with sleep issues are just as likely to have GI problems as autistic children with GI issues are to have sleep problems.

Children with ASD are also at high-risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a form of sleep-disordered breathing where the individual stops breathing during sleep due to a blockage of their airways. Even without autism, people with OSA are more likely to have GI tract conditions like gastric reflux and hiatal hernia, which stem from the spot in your diaphragm where your esophagus meets your stomach.

Although CPAP therapy is extremely effective for treating sleep apnea, there is one side effect that’s especially problematic for people with GERD. Occasionally air enters the esophagus and stomach instead of the lungs, which can worsen GERD symptoms.



IBS and Sleep

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder of the large intestine that affects between 7 to 21% of the global population, with a disproportionate amount of sufferers in the US and south Asia.

Sleep problems are one of the biggest non-intestinal complaints of IBS sufferers. Difficulty falling asleep, disturbed sleep, and daytime fatigue are commonly reported. Research has also confirmed a positive association between IBS and sleep apnea.

While people with IBS are just as likely to wake up during the night as someone without IBS, they’re more likely to require a bowel movement rather than urinate, and that bowel movement is often accompanied by abdominal pain. This discomfort makes it tougher to fall back asleep.

People with IBS also often have fibromyalgia, which is tied to sleep problems of its own.




Ulcerative Colitis and Sleep

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the colon and rectum of 250,000 to 500,000 Americans. Onset typically occurs in adults between ages 15 and 40.

People living with ulcerative colitis deal with abdominal pain, diarrhea and bowel issues on a daily basis, along with the fatigue and stress that comes part and parcel with managing such recurring discomfort.

Recent research suggests that adequate, quality sleep is important for managing UC symptoms as well as preventing the disease in the first place. One study observed that both chronic oversleeping and sleep deprivation seem to be risk factors for ulcerative colitis. Participants who consistently slept fewer than 6 hours per day or more than 9 were much likelier to also have ulcerative colitis.




Crohn's Disease and Sleep

Over 2 million Americans have some form of IBD, whether it’s ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease (CD) affects the lining of the digestive tract, with symptoms ranging from abdominal pain and diarrhea to anemia and fatigue. For many people with CD, fatigue persists when the disease is inactive as well.

People with insomnia have a three-fold increased risk of developing a bowel disorder like CD or UC. And, according to a study of over 1,200 patients, disturbed sleep and/or inadequate sleep doubles the risk of flare-ups for those living with Crohn’s disease.

Improving sleep is important not just for managing symptoms of Crohn’s disease, but also for preventing relapse during remission. A study of individuals in remission from Crohn’s disease found that the ones with sleep problems doubled their risk of it becoming active again.





How to Sleep Better When You Have IBD, IBS, or Heartburn

While most GI issues stem from chronic conditions, getting better quality sleep can alleviate the intensity of your symptoms. Try these behavioral strategies for improving sleep despite heartburn or IBD.

1. Follow a bedtime routine.
Develop a bedtime routine that calms your mind, body, and stomach. Take a warm bath or do some calming yoga poses.

Drink a nice cup of herbal tea. Chamomile, lemon balm, and passionflower have all been shown to promote sleep, reduce anxiety, and soothe indigestion.

Melatonin can also be an effective way to induce drowsiness. In one study, it reduced sleep latency (the amount of time it takes to fall asleep), and increased the overall total sleep time for individuals with IBS. Melatonin’s anti-inflammatory properties may also be helpful for sleep-deprived individuals living with colitis, according to another study.


2. Prepare for nighttime disruptions.
If you’re living with chronic heartburn, abdominal pain, or digestive issues, recognize now that you will expect some nighttime awakenings throughout your life. However, rather than getting frustrated, accept that these will happen and take steps to relax yourself back to sleep afterwards.

If you find yourself lying awake in bed for more than 20 minutes, get up and leave your room. Go do something calm somewhere else, like reading a book by a soft lamp, until you feel tired again. You don’t want your brain to come to associate your bed with sleeplessness.

Also clear your bedroom of electronics, especially clocks which build frustration as you watch the hours tick by.



3. Pay attention to your diet.

People with IBD and GERD are used to getting diet advice, so it’s no surprise that we’re including it as a tip here. Avoid heavy meals and spicy or sugary trigger foods late at night, at least 2 hours before bed.

Managing your diet will help keep your weight in check, too, minimizing your risk of heartburn. Never lay down after you eat, and wear clothes that are comfortable and loose, especially when going to bed. Too-tight clothing increases pressure on your stomach, leading to heartburn and GI issues.

Take care during the day to keep your blood sugar balanced, so as to avoid nocturnal hypoglycemia. Your blood sugar already lowers naturally while you sleep, but people with GI issues are more at risk. To keep your blood sugar steady, avoid overly sugary foods all day long, not just before bed. Instead, eat smaller meals throughout the day to stay in balance.


4. Change up your sleep position.
Stomach sleeping is terrible for acid reflux, since it places your esophagus in line with your stomach. Instead, sleep on your side or your back.

If you lie on your side, opt for your left side to reduce the pressure on your heart and other organs. If you sleep on your back, use a wedge pillow or raise the head of your bed with 6-inch risers to keep your esophagus above your stomach and reduce acid reflux.

Those with ulcerative colitis should lie on their back. If you’re more comfortable sleeping on your side, choose the side opposite to the side of your colon that gives you the most trouble. If you’re still feeling pain, avoid painkillers and use a heating pad instead. Painkillers like ibuprofen can actually irritate your colon, making you feel worse.


5. Reduce stress.
Stress builds anxiety and the kind of spiraling thoughts that keep insomniacs up at night, just as it makes your stomach feel like a spiral of its own.

To reduce stress, try incorporating one or more of the following into your life: yoga, meditation, or aromatherapy. Practice deep breathing or relaxation exercises before bed. If you can’t get the worries to stop, write them down in a journal to free them from your mind.


Additional resources:

Studies and research
“Sleep Dysfunction and Gastrointestinal Diseases”: This review details at-length the physiology of sleep and the immune system, and its connection with various GI diseases.

“Sleep disturbances and inflammatory bowel disease: a potential trigger for disease flare?”: Researchers provide an overview of the sleep problems related to IBD, and theorize whether circadian rhythm disorders may play a role in flare-ups of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

“Association of irritable bowel syndrome and sleep apnea in patients referred to sleep laboratory”: This study examines the prevalence of IBS in patients with sleep apnea.

“Sleep and Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms in Adolescents with Inflammatory Bowel Disease”: Researchers noted that teens with IBD experienced sleep problems that correlated with other problematic behaviors such as aggression and depression or anxiety.


Advocacy groups and organizations:

The CDC’s portal on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) provides up-to-date research and demographic analysis on Americans living with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders is a non-profit focused on raising awareness, funding research, and providing helpful resources and treatment advice for people suffering from gastrointestinal and motility disorders.
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation provides educational resources online, and helps patients and caregivers find local support groups, doctors and other healthcare providers near them.


Blogs and social media:

Read the latest news in GI disorders and find healthy recipes on popular online blogs such as Living with Gastroparesis, Gutsy By Nature, IBD News Today, and My Gut Health Today.

Connect with others for support and share your advice for getting better sleep on online forums such as the Constipation and GERD forums on Treato; the GERD, Acid Reflux, IBD, and IBS subreddits; CPAPtalk forum; the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Community Forum; Crohn’s Forum; and the IBS Self Help and Support Group."

Their website, listed above, again is: https://www.tuck.com/gastrointestinal-issues-and-sleep/