SAD and IBS

[Martini1]

Hello fellow sufferers!

Does anyone think there may be a correlation with the above? I’m in the middle (day 3) of my 3rd bout of IBS since Christmas. The strange thing is my IBS seems to dissipate during the summer….

Second thing, it’s playing havoc with my sleep (in that I don’t or can’t sleep) when I’m so bloated an uncomfortable. Does anyone else suffer from sleeplessness whilst in the throes of an episode?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts👍

[BabsyWabsy]

Hi Martini1, my late husband suffered badly with SAD. He was always inclined to depression, and I used to dread January and February. His bowel function was always erratic, not sure of a correlation. What helped him was a good Vitamin D +K3 tablet daily, and a daylight lamp which he used for reading. Best of luck in finding a solution.

[Martini1 in reply to BabsyWabsy]

Thank you for your reply. I have a lamp, which I use every morning. I think it’s helpful! I’ve not heard of K3 tablets, I shall investigate.

[Corrie-blue]

Hi Martini1I also suffer from SAD and IBS,it only happens from October until March,I hate the dark, this causes me to have a lot of anxiety so therefore it brings on my IBS,it's more health anxiety that causes my IBS rather than rhe food I eat,the doctor prescribed propanal to help with the anxiety,

I hope thus helps

[Martini1 in reply to Corrie-blue]

Thanks for your reply. Yes it’s a pain, literally! I would recommend a day light lamp. I’m sure it helps! I’ll look into propanol.

[Wallace-s in reply to Martini1]

Which lamp do you use? Or any recommendations please? — Thank you

[Martini1 in reply to Wallace-s]

I bought this from Amazon— ULIGHTOWN Sad Lamp, 10000LUX Light Therapy Lamp. I’m new to them but it’s worth a try!

[Zantecat]

ABSOLUTELY!!! That is me in a nutshell, don’t know anyone who relates to that as perfectly.

I have had this for over 40 years, never worked out why, usually a flare around late spring as well.

How the hell is anyone supposed to function e.g have a job without sleep etc etc. x

[Mosey1702]

Hi Martini. I am like you, although my GP has put me on a low dose of an antidepressant as it helps with both the mild depression and anxiety. The common factor here is serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter which is decreased in both conditions. The physiology between both however eludes me.

[Luisa22]

I can imagine seasonal affective disorder having an effect on IBS. I have noticed that sometimes on gloomy horrible days my IBS can kick up a bit more than usual!

Normally less daylight as such doesn't bother me though. Just the overcast gloomy days.

But it would be different for someone with SAD ,

Have you tried light therapy for SAD? It could actually help, and balance your melatonin/serotonin levels. I always feel if there's some reason why serotonin isn't going where it needs to be, and sticking around in the gut, there can be tummy upsets.

[Dollymae06]

I have SAD and IBS I've had it for many years. I use a light every morning and take Sertraline for depression and anxiety.

[Martini1 in reply to Dollymae06]

Yes I think the light is helping, although it could just be a placebo effect? Does the IBS lessen in Spring?

[Dollymae06 in reply to Martini1]

Mine doesn't unfortunately I have bowel incontinence now it's so disabilitating and depressing. I do have days when I'm OK but get flares unexpectedly which starts my anxiety off.

[MatthewU]

I suffer terribly with SAD, also barometric pressure and IBS; tiredness makes everything worse and I'm tired all the time! I've yet to find a solution for SAD other than get outside on the rare occasions that the winter sun shines. A few days before the weather changes things often go downhill and I get migraine and stomach issues, I feel like someone has pulled the plug out of me and often feel very cold.