Avoiding Choking On Vomit While Asleep: A Survival Guide

Choking on vomit during sleep can be a frightening and dangerous experience. It is often caused by acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach contents, including stomach acids and partially digested food, are regurgitated back into the oesophagus and throat. This can lead to coughing, heartburn, and choking, which can interrupt sleep and negatively impact overall health. To prevent choking on vomit while sleeping, it is recommended to adjust your sleeping position, avoid certain foods and drinks, and make lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking.

Adjust your mattress incline to keep your torso elevated

Adjusting your mattress incline to keep your torso elevated is a sure way to avoid choking on vomit while sleeping. This is because when you sleep horizontally, the contents of your stomach and acid are thrown back up into your food pipe, blocking your airways and causing you to choke.

One way to prevent this is by decreasing the incline of the upper part of your mattress. This can be done by using bed risers, which attach to the legs at the top of the bed, or by using a bed that is higher at the top than the bottom. You can also use a foam wedge between your mattress and foundation or box spring, or stack several pillows directly under your upper torso and head. However, using multiple pillows is not always recommended, as it may lead to neck discomfort and even cause neck pain and spinal misalignment.

The recommended elevation for your torso is six to eight inches, or 30–45-degree angles, which have been shown to improve lung function and oxygen saturation. This position helps to keep stomach acid and contents in the stomach, using gravity to prevent it from flowing back up into the oesophagus.

An adjustable bed is the easiest option, allowing you to quickly adjust your head and feet elevation.

Avoid sleeping on your back

If you're looking to avoid choking on vomit while sleeping, it's advisable to avoid sleeping on your back. This is because sleeping flat on your back can make it easier for stomach acid to flow back into your oesophagus, which can then lead to choking.

If you're a back sleeper, there are a few things you can do to try and train yourself to sleep in a different position. Firstly, you could try placing a pillow under your knees before bed. Your knees should be slightly bent and feel comfortable, and your neck and spine should feel aligned. Alternatively, you could place a pillow under your lower back while you sleep, although you should ensure that the pillow isn't too large or thick, as this may cause discomfort. If you're worried about rolling onto your back in your sleep, you could try surrounding yourself with pillows, although this may not be a viable option if you share a bed.

Another way to avoid sleeping on your back is to adjust the incline of your mattress. You can do this by placing a mattress wedge or mattress tilter under your mattress, which will keep your head and torso elevated throughout the night. This can help to prevent stomach acid from flowing back up into your oesophagus and reduce the likelihood of choking.

If you don't want to adjust the incline of your mattress, you could try sleeping with your head elevated using pillows or a foam wedge. However, it's important to keep your body straight and avoid just elevating your head, as this could potentially make reflux worse.

If you're struggling to sleep in a different position, it might be worth investing in a firmer mattress and pillow. A supportive mattress and pillow can help to promote spinal alignment and reduce discomfort.

Finally, if you're experiencing frequent vomiting or choking in your sleep, it's important to consult a healthcare professional, as this may be a symptom of an underlying health condition.

Limit alcohol and caffeine intake

Alcohol and caffeine are known to irritate the stomach lining and increase the production of stomach acid. Drinking alcohol can also affect your gag reflex, which can be dangerous if you vomit while sleeping.

If you have a gastric problem or a severe disease, you are probably aware that increased caffeine and alcohol consumption can worsen your condition. Therefore, to ensure a good night's sleep and minimize the possibility of vomiting during the night, you should avoid drinking these beverages, especially before going to sleep.

Alcohol is a common cause of vomiting, as it irritates the stomach lining and can lead to a buildup of acid that causes nausea. Drinking too much alcohol too quickly can also result in alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening. Alcohol poisoning affects the gag reflex, and vomiting can lead to choking. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical help if you or someone you know is displaying signs of alcohol poisoning, such as irregular, slow, or shallow breathing, vomiting or choking while sleeping, cold and pale skin, and unresponsiveness.

Caffeine can also contribute to acid reflux and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter, which allows stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. Caffeine is also a central nervous system stimulant and can disrupt sleep, especially if consumed close to bedtime.

To reduce the risk of choking on vomit while sleeping, it is advisable to avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, especially before bedtime. This is especially important for individuals with gastric problems or severe diseases, as these substances can worsen the condition and increase the likelihood of vomiting during the night.

Avoid eating certain foods and don't eat a few hours before bed

To avoid choking on vomit while sleeping, it is important to watch what and when you eat. Eating a lot of carbs and fatty foods before going to bed can trigger acid reflux symptoms, which can lead to vomiting. Spicy and overly acidic foods, as well as caffeine and alcohol, can also trigger acid reflux. It is recommended to avoid these foods and drinks, especially before going to sleep.

If you are feeling hungry before bed, you can opt for a glass of milk or a piece of toast, as these foods can help neutralize stomach acid. Eating smaller meals, eating slowly, and taking a walk after a meal can also aid digestion and prevent acid reflux.

In addition to dietary changes, it is important to maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight increases abdominal pressure, making it easier for stomach acid to flow back up. Losing weight and exercising moderately can help reduce the frequency of acid reflux.

It is also important to avoid eating a few hours before bed. Giving your stomach time to digest before lying down can reduce the chances of acid reflux. Finishing meals at least three hours before bedtime is recommended to improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of choking on vomit while sleeping.

Try natural remedies like ginger or herbal teas

If you're looking for natural remedies to help prevent choking on vomit while sleeping, ginger and herbal teas are a great option. Here are some detailed instructions and information to help you:

Ginger

Ginger is a well-known natural remedy that has been used for thousands of years to treat nausea and vomiting. It is particularly effective in reducing stomach acid flowing back into the oesophagus, which can help prevent choking on vomit. To use ginger as a remedy, you can consume it in its raw form, make ginger tea, or take ginger supplements.

Ginger Tea

To make ginger tea, simply grate a small piece of peeled ginger and steep it in boiling water for 10-20 minutes. You can adjust the strength of the tea by steeping it for a shorter or longer period. After steeping, strain the ginger and enjoy your tea as is or add a sweetener like honey, or a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. You can also buy ginger tea bags from health shops, grocery stores, or online.

Dosage and Side Effects

It is generally safe to consume ginger, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends a safe daily intake of up to 4 grams of ginger. However, if you're taking ginger supplements or consuming large amounts, it's best to consult a healthcare professional first. Some possible side effects of excessive ginger consumption include gas, bloating, heartburn, nausea, and diarrhoea. Additionally, since ginger may lower blood pressure and have blood-thinning effects, it's important for individuals taking blood-thinning medication or blood pressure medication to consult their doctor before increasing their ginger intake.

Herbal Teas

In addition to ginger tea, there are several other herbal teas that can help soothe nausea and prevent vomiting. These include:

• Chamomile tea: It has traditionally been used to relax digestive muscles and treat conditions like motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, gas, and indigestion. It is particularly beneficial for those whose nausea is caused by stress or anxiety, and it may also aid in improving sleep quality.
• Honey lemon tea: The scent of lemon alone has been shown to relieve nausea, and honey adds a sweet flavour and antibacterial properties.
• Fennel tea: Fennel is an aromatic herb that has been used to treat stomach pain, nausea, and digestive issues. It can help improve digestive health and relieve nausea and stomach discomfort.
• Peppermint tea: Peppermint has been used for centuries to soothe digestive issues and ease upset stomachs. It helps relax the muscles in the digestive tract and can effectively relieve nausea and stomach pain.
• Licorice tea: Licorice root tea is particularly beneficial for easing indigestion and reducing nausea. However, it is recommended to skip this tea if you have low potassium levels or high blood pressure.

These herbal teas are easily accessible and can be purchased in tea bags or made at home using fresh or dried herbs. They offer a natural and soothing way to help prevent vomiting and improve your overall well-being.

Frequently asked questions