PEOPLE living with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders may be more likely to experience sleep-related problems, and depression could be an important part of the link, according to a new study.
Researchers analyzed nearly a decade of U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data and found that individuals with GI conditions had a 70% higher likelihood of reporting sleep trouble compared to those without. They were also nearly twice as likely to have sleep disorders and reported shorter sleep duration overall.
Importantly, the study revealed that depression partially mediated these associations. While GI issues directly affected sleep quality, depression appeared to amplify the risk of sleep trouble, sleep disorders, and reduced sleep duration.
The findings were consistent across subgroups, including people without hypertension, diabetes, or smoking history, suggesting the connection between digestive health and sleep is robust and independent of other common health risks.
“Our results highlight a complex interplay between gastrointestinal disorders, sleep, and mental health,” the authors wrote. “Addressing psychological wellbeing may be a crucial step in improving sleep outcomes in patients with GI diseases.”
The study underscores the need for holistic care strategies that consider both physical and mental health. Clinicians, the authors suggest, should be mindful of depression when treating patients with GI conditions who also report poor sleep.
Reference
Ye S et al. Association between gastrointestinal disorders and sleep-related problems: the mediating effect of depression. BMC Gastroenterol. 2025;DOI: 10.1186/s12876-025-04180-8.
