Winton Eliott
We have all felt under the weather before where we feel fine during the day, only for our health to gradually decline as night falls. Maybe you struggle with coughing or develop a fever.
In a nutshell: You’re feeling awful and have no idea where all of these symptoms came from. Why were you feeling fine during the day but now feel sick at night?
It’s worth taking some time to figure out what’s causing your nighttime discomfort. Although the source isn’t always clear, it’s usually not an easy problem to fix, so don’t be limited by your symptoms alone.
Why do I get nauseous at night?
There are a few reasons why you might start feeling nauseous at night. It includes:
You’re dehydrated
When you are dehydrated, your body does not have enough fluids to function properly. This can lead to various problems, including nausea.
Dehydration can be caused by many things, such as not drinking enough water, sweating heavily, or having diarrhea. If you are feeling nauseous at night, it is likely due to dehydration.
You’re overeating
In most cases, nighttime nausea is caused by overeating. When you eat a large meal, your stomach has to work overtime to digest all the food. This can lead to feelings of bloating, fullness, and nausea.
You have a migraine
One possible reason you may feel nauseous at night is that you are experiencing a migraine. Migraines are a type of headache that is often accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Migraines can be caused by a number of factors, including stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, and changes in sleep patterns.
You’re pregnant
If you’re a woman who is of childbearing age, nausea at night could be a sign that you’re pregnant. Nausea is a common symptom of pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.
If you think you might be pregnant, take a home pregnancy test or make an appointment with your doctor.
You have GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that causes stomach acid to rise up into the esophagus. This can cause heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and a bitter taste in the mouth. In some cases, GERD can also cause nausea and vomiting.
You have an infection
If you’re feeling nauseous at night and have other symptoms like fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, you may have an infection.
Infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Some common infections that cause nausea include stomach flu, food poisoning, and pneumonia.
You have a stomach ulcer
A stomach ulcer is a sore that develops in the lining of the stomach. Stomach ulcers can be caused by a number of things, including infection, stress, and certain medications.
Ulcers can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloating.
You have anxiety or depression
Anxiety and depression are two mental health conditions that can cause physical symptoms like nausea.
If you’re feeling nauseous at night and have other symptoms of anxiety or depression, such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or changes in appetite, make an appointment with a mental health professional.
You have a brain tumor
In very rare cases, nausea at night can be a sign of a brain tumor. Brain tumors can cause a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, seizures, and changes in personality.
If you have a brain tumor, you will likely experience other symptoms as well.
There are many potential causes of nighttime nausea, so it’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing this symptom.
They can help you figure out the cause and recommend treatment options.
How can I stop feeling nauseous at night?
If you’re feeling nauseous at night, there are a few things you can do to feel better. These include:
Drinking plenty of fluids
Dehydration is a common cause of nausea. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially water. If you are feeling nauseous, drinking a clear or ice-cold drink can help ease your symptoms.
Ginger ale, lemon-lime sodas, and clear broth are also good options. Caffeine is a diuretic, so it will actually make you more dehydrated.
Limit your intake of caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and soda. Alcohol can also worsen dehydration, so it’s best to avoid alcohol if you’re feeling nauseous.
Eating small meals
Eating large meals can trigger nausea, so it’s best to stick to smaller meals throughout the day. If you’re feeling nauseous, try eating dry crackers or toast.
You can also try drinking a clear or ice-cold drink like ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, or clear broth.
Avoiding triggers
There are certain things that can trigger or worsen nausea. These vary from person to person, but common triggers include strong smells, spicy food, and greasy or fried food. If you’re feeling nauseous, try to avoid your triggers.
Sitting up
When you’re lying down, stomach acid can rise up into your esophagus, which can trigger nausea. Try to sleep in an elevated position, and avoid lying down for at least two hours after eating.
Taking medication
There are a number of over-the-counter medications that can help relieve nausea. These include antacids such as Tums and Rolaids and acid blockers like Zantac and Pepcid.
There are also medications specifically designed to relieve nausea, such as Dramamine. If you’re pregnant and experiencing nausea, there are a number of safe options available as well.
Talk to your doctor about which medication is right for you.
Final thought
Getting nauseous at night is a condition that can result from a number of different causes.
Getting nauseous at night can be a disruptive and even dangerous condition, and it is important to seek medical help if you think you may be suffering from it.
There are a number of treatment options available, and with proper diagnosis and treatment, it can be effectively managed.
If you think you may be suffering from getting nauseous at night, please consult a medical professional as soon as possible.
