Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026
03:50
Acupoint Application Combined with Acupoint Massage for Treating Constipation in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 18, 2023
3.4K
[Relationship between sleep and constipation in the elderly Chileans]
Natalia González Cañete1, Francisca Peña D'ardaillon1, Priscila Candia Johns1
1Msc. Nta. Carrera de Nutrición y Dietética. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad San Sebastián. Chile.. samuel.duran@uss.cl.
Nutricion Hospitalaria
|January 7, 2015
Summary
Elderly individuals experiencing constipation tend to sleep longer hours. Further research is needed to explore if improving sleep duration can positively impact bowel regularity in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Gastroenterology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Constipation is common in the elderly, yet sleep patterns are often overlooked as a contributing factor.
- Limited research exists on the relationship between sleep duration and bowel irregularities in older populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between weekly and weekend sleep duration and the prevalence of constipation in older adults.
- To identify potential links between sleep habits and stool consistency in the elderly population.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 424 healthy elderly individuals in Santiago, Chile, assessed sleep quality, stool consistency, physical activity, and dietary fiber intake.
- Validated surveys were used to collect data on sleep patterns, bowel function, and lifestyle factors.
Main Results:
- Approximately 50% of participants reported abnormal stools (constipation or diarrhea).
- Constipated elderly individuals exhibited lower physical activity and reported more difficulty falling asleep compared to those with normal bowel movements.
- Participants with constipation slept significantly longer hours on both weekdays and weekends (9.4 ± 1.6 hours) than those without constipation (8.8 ± 1.8 hours).
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between sleep duration and stool consistency in elderly patients.
- Further investigation is warranted to determine if interventions targeting sleep duration can improve bowel regularity in older adults.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Insomnia
615
Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and waking up too early without being able to return to sleep. People with insomnia often experience these disruptions at least three nights a week for at least one month. Chronic insomnia, which lasts for at least three months, can lead to increased anxiety, which in turn can worsen sleep difficulties, creating a cycle of sleeplessness and stress.
Multiple factors contribute...
Multiple factors contribute...
615
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
1.4K
Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...
1.4K
01:23Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists
1.4K
Serotonin, a crucial neurotransmitter synthesized by enterochromaffin cells, plays a cardinal role in regulating gastrointestinal (GI) motility. With over 90% of the body's total serotonin in the GI tract, its influence on digestive processes is profound. Serotonin is swiftly released upon various stimuli, such as food boluses or certain drugs, triggering intrinsic sensory neurons in the myenteric plexus and extrinsic vagal and spinal sensory neurons. This leads to the activation of the...
1.4K
01:25Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
2.0K
Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
2.0K
01:29Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
611
Assessing the gastrointestinal (GI) system is a complex process that begins with collecting subjective data. This data, collected through patient interviews, provides crucial insights into the patient's health history, perception patterns, and lifestyle habits, all contributing significantly to GI health.
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
611
01:15Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients
375
Elderly individuals encompass a diverse population with varying degrees of age-related physiological changes. Defining the elderly presents challenges, as the geriatric population is often arbitrarily categorized as individuals older than 65. However, many individuals in this group lead active and healthy lives, with an increasing number surpassing 85 years and falling into the older elderly category. Physiological changes associated with aging impact performance capacity and homeostatic...
375