Do You Suffer from Constipation During Lockdown?
Written by Susan Parker | Updated on May 28, 2025
Reviewed by Susan Parker
11 sources cited
Google searches for "why am I constipated" and other digestive issues have significantly increased in recent months, likely due to the coronavirus lockdown.
Spending more time indoors, disrupted routines, and heightened stress levels can all interfere with normal digestion and regular bowel movements.
Constipation not only causes discomfort but can also lead to serious health issues that need immediate attention, especially if it's linked to lifestyle changes during the pandemic.
When Constipation Occurs
Constipation is a common health concern for individuals of all ages. It is characterized by having fewer than three bowel movements per week. While some people have always dealt with this issue, sudden onset constipation with painful symptoms should be a cause for concern.
Symptoms of constipation include passing hard, dry stools, straining during bowel movements, feeling the urge to go without being able to, and experiencing abdominal pain and discomfort.
If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to complications such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, bleeding, and ulceration in the colon or large intestine.
Why Lockdown Affects Digestion
Medical professionals suggest that the lockdown period associated with the pandemic may trigger constipation due to various factors, including:
Increased Stress: Fear of the virus, job insecurities, and financial uncertainties elevate stress levels, triggering the release of adrenaline, which diverts blood away from the gut, slowing intestinal movements.
Reduced Physical Activity: The colon responds to physical movements and requires strong abdominal muscles to function properly. Disruption in regular physical activities due to closures of gyms and parks or limited access to them, along with decreased walking and increased sedentary lifestyles, can contribute to constipation.
Poor Diet: According to Dr. Niket Sonpal, a gastroenterologist, dietary changes are a common cause of constipation.
Disturbed Sleep: Constipation can be linked to both insufficient and excessive sleep. A survey conducted by Kings College London found that two-thirds of respondents experienced poor sleep quality since the lockdown began.
Dr. Kyle Staller from Massachusetts General Hospital emphasizes the close relationship between sleep quality and bowel function, indicating that disrupted sleep patterns can lead to bowel disturbances.
Independent sleep expert Dr. Neil Stanley highlights that deviations from normal routines, such as working from home, can disrupt sleep patterns, contributing to constipation.
Resolving Lockdown-Induced Constipation Causes
While reducing stress during the pandemic may be challenging, there are numerous strategies to achieve it, such as reading, listening to music, deep breathing, meditation, and exercise.
For additional support, the HeartMath Institute offers scientifically validated stress-reduction tools developed since 1991.
To enhance sleep quality, Dr. Stanley recommends engaging in activities like reading, yoga, or distraction, and advises against consuming stressful news before bedtime.
Establishing a natural sleep routine by going to bed when tired and waking up without an alarm can help improve sleep patterns post-lockdown.
Professor Colin Espie, from Oxford University, has created a guide on achieving restful sleep during the pandemic.
Incorporating a 30-minute daily walk outside the home and adding core exercises, like sit-ups, to the routine can help combat reduced physical activity and restore healthy bowel movements.
Various free online core-focused exercise programs are available to maintain strong core muscles.
When it comes to diet, opt for fresh fruits, high-fiber vegetables, whole grains, beans, and legumes, while avoiding processed snacks.
A Note on Laxatives...
If other measures fail, laxatives are an option. However, it is advisable to steer clear of chemical laxatives that forcefully stimulate muscle contractions.
Over-reliance on these laxatives can lead to abdominal pain and dependency, making them suitable for short-term use only.
There are gentler, safer, and natural alternatives to address constipation. One such solution involves a natural herb, Senna, which can be explored here.
