The relationship between sleep problems and inflammation: which comes first?

Sleep dysfunction is associated with increased inflammatory cytokines in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

• Sleep dysfunction may lead to an upregulation of inflammatory cytokines.
• Increased inflammatory cytokines are linked to disease flares in IBD.
• Disruption of the circadian rhythm could contribute to IBD symptoms.
• There is a potential risk of malignancy associated with sleep dysfunction in IBD patients.
• Further research is needed to explore therapeutic interventions targeting sleep and circadian rhythm optimization.

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