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Abnormal REM sleep in the irritable bowel syndrome
D Kumar1, P D Thompson, D L Wingate
1Gastrointestinal Science Research Unit, London Hospital Medical College, England.
Gastroenterology
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients exhibit altered brain-gut interactions, particularly during sleep. Increased REM sleep and sleep apnea in IBS patients suggest disrupted central nervous system regulation impacting gut function.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neuroscience
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is linked to motor abnormalities in the small bowel during waking hours.
- This suggests a role for central nervous system (CNS) arousal and brain-gut interaction in IBS.
- Previous research indicates IBS symptoms may be tied to CNS activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between brain-gut interaction and IBS during sleep.
- To compare small bowel motility and sleep patterns in IBS patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Synchronous polysomnography and upper small bowel motility recording were used.
- Six healthy subjects and six IBS patients participated in the study.
- Sleep parameters (REM latency, REM episodes, REM sleep proportion, total sleep duration) and intestinal motility were analyzed.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in intestinal motility patterns were observed between IBS patients and controls during sleep.
- IBS patients showed a markedly increased proportion of REM sleep compared to controls (36.5% vs. 18.2%).
- Sleep apnea was detected in three IBS patients, but not in controls.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the model of IBS as a disorder involving disrupted brain-gut interaction.
- Altered sleep architecture, specifically increased REM sleep and potential sleep apnea, may contribute to IBS pathophysiology.
- CNS arousal and its regulation of gut function appear critical in IBS.