Overnight Constipation Relief: A Go-To Guide

Constipation can be uncomfortable and disruptive – but relief from constipation shouldn’t have to be either. Reliable overnight constipation relief is available to help relieve constipation. While dietary and lifestyle changes are essential for maintaining overall digestive health and minimising the impact of constipation, there are times when medication may be necessary. In these situations, having an option that helps provide overnight constipation relief may be useful. Senokot Original, made with naturally derived senna, is an option that can help provide overnight constipation relief by stimulating bowel movements, helping alleviate the discomfort associated with constipation.

There are occasions when reliable relief from constipation is particularly important, such as when preparing for travel or attending significant events.

Senokot products are a reliable option for overnight constipation relief when taken at night. They help provide effective relief from occasional constipation.

It's important to relieve constipation effectively. This is where products such as Senokot may help by offering reliable overnight relief from constipation.

Senokot Original contains naturally derived sennosides, a natural laxative that has been used for centuries to relieve constipation. Derived from the fruit and leaves of the senna plant, senna contains compounds called sennosides. These compounds stimulate the muscles of the bowel to promote bowel movement. Senokot Dual Action with Softener includes both sennosides processed from senna leaf and docusate sodium (a stool softener). The stool softener increases water content in the stool, helping make it easier and more comfortable to pass.

Senna typically starts to work in a timeframe of about 6–12 hours.1 So Senokot products can help to relieve constipation overnight.

Sennosides are generally well tolerated when used as directed. However, you should always consult your healthcare professional if you have any concerns or if your constipation persists.

It is essential to use Senokot products only as directed for short-term use only.

Regular, healthy bowel movements depend on an adequate intake of water each day. Water plays a crucial role in the digestive process and staying adequately hydrated is an important step in preventing and managing constipation. When the body is properly hydrated, stools are easier and more comfortable to pass.

Read more about the role of hydration in a constipation diet

In addition to adequate hydration, making changes to your diet may improve bowel regularity and help prevent constipation. Incorporating high-fibre foods into your daily diet is a simple way to promote regular bowel movements and support overall digestive health.

High-fibre foods help add bulk to the stool, making it easier to pass. Eating a variety of foods containing fibre may help relieve constipation. High-fibre foods include fruits, vegetables wholegrain bread, legumes, seeds and nuts. However, for overnight relief of constipation, it may be appropriate to use a laxative.

For more information on how diet can help relieve constipation, please visit our article on Effective Diets for Relieving Constipation here.

Practical tips to help you maintain regularity and reduce the likelihood of constipation.

• Regular Exercise: Physical activity stimulates intestinal activity and promotes regular bowel movements. Try exercises such as running, light cardio, core exercises and yoga, so long as they are appropriate for you.

• Balanced Diet: Eating a diet rich in fibre from fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes helps maintain regular bowel movements. Fibre adds bulk to the stool and makes it easier to pass.

• Routine Bowel Habits: Establishing a regular bowel movement routine and responding promptly to the urge to go can help prevent constipation.

• Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep stools soft and easy to pass. Staying well-hydrated supports overall digestive health.

While dietary and lifestyle changes can often help manage constipation at home, there are times when it is important to speak with your doctor. You should seek medical care if you experience severe constipation or if your symptoms do not improve with simple lifestyle adjustments. Make an appointment to see your doctor straight away if you experience unexplained weight loss, have bleeding from your rectum or have blood in your stools, or have persistent abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating. You should also see your doctor if your normal bowel habits change suddenly, and/or you are over the age of 50 years, or if you are concerned for any reason.

Incorporating healthy lifestyle habits and dietary changes is essential for maintaining long-term digestive health and preventing constipation however, there are times when overnight relief from constipation may be necessary. Senokot products provide a reliable option for overnight constipation relief in cases when taken at night.

Senokot is for short-term use only. Do not use it for longer than a week unless advised by your healthcare professional. Prolonged use of Senokot is not recommended. If constipation symptoms persist, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Senokot Original is a reliably effective laxative made with natural senna to give overnight relief from occasional or non-persistent constipation.

Senokot Dual Action with Softener offers overnight relief and treatment of constipation using a combination of two active ingredients which work together to make bowel movements easier and more comfortable by both softening stools and stimulating the muscles in the bowel.

This article is for general information only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. For all health-related matters, always consult your healthcare professional.

1. Australian Medicines Handbook. Senna. Australian Medicines Handbook(online). Adelaide: Australian Medicines Handbook Pty Ltd; 2024 July. Available from: https://amhonline.amh.net.au.