Ashwin Lewis
Vomiting in your sleep can be extremely unpleasant and dangerous, and it can be caused by various factors. It can be a symptom of acid reflux, GERD, sinusitis, or pregnancy. Vomiting in sleep can also be caused by food allergies, gastrointestinal conditions, or cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS). CVS is characterised by episodes of severe vomiting with no apparent cause and can affect both adults and children. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Gastrointestinal disorders or conditions, such as Gastrointestinal Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD or GERD), acid reflux, cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS), pregnancy, medication side effects, or peptic ulcers |
| Risk Factors | Lying flat in bed, large meals before bed, specific foods (alcohol, coffee, chocolate, fatty or spicy foods), stress, lack of sleep |
| Complications | Dehydration, choking, damage to throat, fatigue, weight loss |
| Treatment | Sleep with head raised, avoid certain foods and drinks, medication to suppress stomach acid production, home remedies (ginger or peppermint tea, light bland food), see a doctor |
| Prevention | Avoid lying down, adjust diet, keep a diary of triggers, small sips of fluid |
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What You'll Learn
- Gastrointestinal issues, such as acid reflux, GORD, or GERD, can cause vomiting in your sleep
- Pregnancy, due to increased hormone production, can cause vomiting in sleep
- Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) is a rare disorder characterised by severe, recurrent vomiting episodes
- Food sensitivities or allergies can cause vomiting in children while sleeping
- Sinusitis, peptic ulcers, and anxiety can also cause vomiting in your sleep
Gastrointestinal issues, such as acid reflux, GORD, or GERD, can cause vomiting in your sleep
Gastrointestinal issues such as acid reflux, GORD, or GERD can cause vomiting in your sleep. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid rises into the oesophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. Lying flat does not allow gravity to help move food and acids down the oesophagus, so the acid can pool, leading to acid reflux. This can cause nausea and vomiting during sleep.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) happens when stomach acid leaks into the food pipe, causing symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation. GORD can cause nausea and vomiting at night, especially if lying down for extended periods, as the position promotes the flow of stomach contents back into the oesophagus. Eating large meals before bed can also contribute to this.
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a more severe form of acid reflux that can cause distress or complications with feeding. It can also lead to vomiting in your sleep, especially when lying down. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain foods and drinks, can help manage GERD symptoms.
Pregnant women are also more vulnerable to GORD and hiatus hernias, which can lead to night-time nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Additionally, nausea and vomiting at night can be related to other gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers or cyclic vomiting syndrome, a rare disorder characterised by recurring episodes of severe nausea and vomiting.
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Pregnancy, due to increased hormone production, can cause vomiting in sleep
Pregnancy can be a challenging time for many women, and one of the common challenges is morning sickness, which can cause vomiting in sleep. Morning sickness, characterised by nausea and vomiting, can occur at any time of the day or night and is not restricted to the morning hours, despite its name. It is estimated to affect up to 80% of pregnancies, typically beginning around week six.
The exact cause of morning sickness is not fully understood, but it is believed to be linked to hormonal changes and increased hormone production during pregnancy. Specifically, rising levels of hormones such as human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and estrogen are thought to contribute to the condition. These hormonal fluctuations can wreak havoc on the body, resulting in nausea and vomiting that can disturb sleep and cause fatigue.
In most cases, morning sickness is not harmful to the baby and usually clears up by weeks 16 to 20 of pregnancy. However, severe cases of morning sickness, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, can lead to weight loss and dehydration due to the inability to keep food and liquids down. This severe form of morning sickness occurs in up to 3% of pregnancies and may require hospitalisation and specialist treatment.
Pregnant women experiencing morning sickness can try various home remedies and lifestyle changes to alleviate symptoms. These include dietary adjustments, such as eating small, frequent meals that are high in carbohydrates and low in fat, as well as consuming cold or plain foods if the smell of hot meals triggers nausea. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, in small amounts throughout the day, can also help prevent vomiting. Additionally, ginger-containing foods or drinks may help reduce nausea, but it is recommended to consult a pharmacist before taking ginger supplements during pregnancy.
If home remedies are insufficient, seeking medical advice is essential. Healthcare providers may recommend vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and doxylamine, which is also a sleep aid. In more severe cases, anti-nausea medications, known as antiemetics, may be prescribed. These are typically given as tablets, but for severe morning sickness, injections or suppositories may be suggested.
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Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) is a rare disorder characterised by severe, recurrent vomiting episodes
Vomiting in your sleep can be indicative of underlying gastrointestinal conditions. One such condition is Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS), a rare disorder characterised by severe, recurrent vomiting episodes.
CVS involves sudden, repeated episodes of severe nausea and vomiting. These episodes are divided into four phases: inter-episodic, prodrome, vomiting, and recovery. During the inter-episodic phase, there are no discernible symptoms, and normal activities can occur. The prodrome phase is marked by feelings of nausea and sweating, signalling an approaching episode. The vomiting phase involves intense persistent nausea and repeated vomiting, lasting hours to days. The recovery phase is when vomiting stops, nausea diminishes, and appetite returns.
CVS is more common in children than adults, with approximately 3 out of every 100,000 children affected. Episodes typically begin between ages 3 and 7, but the disorder can start at any age. In children, episodes usually last several hours to a few days, while in adults, they occur less frequently but can last longer, even over a week. The frequency of episodes may be higher during times of excitement or pleasure.
The exact cause of CVS is unknown, but it is believed to be related to issues with the brain-gut axis and the autonomic nervous system. There is also a strong link between CVS and migraines, with many patients experiencing migraines during episodes. Additionally, a family history of migraines or gastrointestinal disorders is common among those with CVS.
While there is no cure for CVS, treatments are available to manage symptoms and reduce episode frequency and severity. These include medications to control nausea, reduce stomach acid, and treat migraines and anxiety. Home remedies, such as sleeping with your head raised, can also help prevent vomiting at night.
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Food sensitivities or allergies can cause vomiting in children while sleeping
Vomiting while sleeping can be indicative of several underlying conditions. Gastrointestinal disorders, acid reflux, anxiety, medication side effects, peptic ulcers, and pregnancy are some common causes of nausea and vomiting at night. In some cases, vomiting while sleeping could also be a symptom of a more serious problem.
Food allergies often cause other symptoms, such as a rash, swelling, redness, itchiness, coughing, congestion, stomach pain, and nausea. A child with a food allergy may experience a slight cough during the day, which can worsen at night, triggering their gag reflex and causing them to vomit. This can be due to a dry or wet cough. A dry cough may intensify if the child breathes through their mouth while sleeping, leading to a dry and irritated throat, resulting in more coughing and subsequent vomiting. A wet cough, typically associated with a cold or flu, produces excess mucus, which can trickle into the airways and stomach, causing nausea and vomiting.
Children with food sensitivities or allergies may also experience other symptoms, such as hives (red raised bumps), indicating an immediate-type food allergy. In some cases, vomiting may be the only symptom, suggesting a delayed-type food allergy or food intolerance. It is crucial to monitor any reactions and consult a doctor if concerned.
It is important to note that vomiting in children while sleeping can also be caused by other factors, such as acid reflux, asthma, cyclic vomiting syndrome, or other health conditions. Treating the underlying cause can help prevent vomiting at night.
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Sinusitis, peptic ulcers, and anxiety can also cause vomiting in your sleep
Vomiting in your sleep could be a sign of sinusitis, which is caused by excess mucus and other bodily fluids blocking the sinuses. Sinusitis can cause post-nasal drip, which leads to mucus accumulating at the back of the nose and then dripping down into the throat and, eventually, the stomach. This can cause nausea and vomiting, especially as post-nasal drip tends to increase at night and in the early morning when there is less food in the stomach to absorb the fluids.
Peptic ulcers may also be the cause of vomiting in your sleep. Peptic ulcers are open sores or raw areas in the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. The most common cause of peptic ulcers is an infection of the stomach by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). In some cases, peptic ulcers can lead to emergency situations, such as severe abdominal pain or serious bleeding. Vomiting of a substance that resembles coffee grounds may indicate serious bleeding.
Anxiety can also cause vomiting in your sleep. The mind and the stomach are connected through nerves and chemical receptors. When someone experiences anxiety, it sends signals to the stomach related to the fight or flight response, altering the way the stomach and gut process and digest food, causing nausea. In cases of extreme anxiety, this nausea can become so strong that vomiting occurs.
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Frequently asked questions
Vomiting in your sleep can be a result of acid reflux, GERD, sinusitis, or pregnancy. It can also be caused by Gastrointestinal Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD), which is triggered by a weakened muscle that separates the stomach from the food pipe.
Vomiting in sleep in children can be caused by acid reflux, which can irritate the throat and trigger coughing and vomiting. It can also be caused by food sensitivities or allergies, which can trigger a child's gag reflex and make them vomit.
Some general remedies include sleeping with your head in a raised position, avoiding large meals before bed, and adjusting your diet to avoid certain foods that may trigger nausea, such as coffee, meat, eggs, dairy products, spicy foods, alcohol, and chocolate.
There is no single cure for CVS, but medical professionals can prescribe medications to provide relief from nausea and suppress stomach acid production. It is important to identify triggers, which may include certain foods, large meals, stress, or lack of sleep.
Vomiting in your sleep can be a sign of a more serious problem. It is recommended to seek medical attention if you experience severe or long-lasting nausea, bad headaches, unexplained weight loss, or other concerning symptoms.
