Sleep Sickness: Waking Up Vomiting And Confused

Waking up in the middle of the night to throw up can be unpleasant and frustrating, especially when it disrupts your sleep and causes fatigue. There are many reasons why you might be waking up to throw up, and it's important to identify the underlying cause to guide treatment. The most common causes of nausea and vomiting at night include gastrointestinal issues, food poisoning, anxiety, medication side effects, peptic ulcers, gastroparesis, gastroenteritis, and pregnancy. If you are experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical advice to determine the cause and receive proper treatment.

Gastrointestinal issues, such as gastroenteritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and gastroparesis

Waking up and throwing up can be a symptom of a gastrointestinal issue. Gastrointestinal conditions that may cause vomiting include gastroenteritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and gastroparesis.

Gastroenteritis is a gut infection that can cause persistent vomiting throughout the night, forcing you to wake up suddenly. Most episodes of gastroenteritis last between one night and a few days. If vomiting persists beyond this, it is recommended to consult a medical professional for further examination. To manage gastroenteritis, it is important to avoid dehydration and take appropriate rehydration solutions.

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a digestive disorder caused by gastric acid flowing from the stomach back up into the food pipe (esophagus). This occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, relaxes too often or for too long. Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD, and it can be exacerbated by lying down. Other symptoms include regurgitation and trouble swallowing. If left untreated, GERD can lead to other health problems, such as Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal cancer. Management of GERD includes diet and lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain foods and medicines, having dinner 2 to 3 hours before bedtime, and raising the head of the bed or using a "wedge" pillow to keep the head and chest elevated above the stomach.

Gastroparesis is a gastrointestinal disorder that can cause night-time nausea and vomiting. While it is not life-threatening, complications such as malnutrition can affect overall health and well-being. There is no cure for gastroparesis, but it can be managed through medication to prevent nausea and small dietary changes, such as smaller, high-fibre, and low-fat meals. In extreme cases, surgery may be required to strengthen stomach muscles and improve digestive symptoms.

Hernias

Waking up and throwing up during sleep can be a symptom of a gastrointestinal condition. One such condition is gastroenteritis, which can cause persistent vomiting throughout the night. Gastroenteritis usually lasts between one night and a few days, and can be treated with over-the-counter medications for adults. However, if vomiting persists, it is recommended to consult a doctor to avoid dehydration.

Another possible cause of waking up and vomiting is a stomach ulcer. This can cause abdominal pain, which may result in nausea and vomiting, particularly of a dark colour. If you suspect a stomach ulcer, it is important to consult a doctor as ulcers can lead to serious complications such as internal bleeding, blockages, and infections.

Pregnancy is another common cause of nausea and vomiting, particularly during the first trimester due to increased hormone production.

If you are experiencing persistent or recurring nausea and vomiting, it is important to consult a doctor as it could be a symptom of a more serious underlying medical issue.

Inguinal hernias are the most common type, accounting for 75% of all hernias and predominantly affecting men. They occur when the intestines push through a weak spot or tear in the lower abdominal wall, often in the inguinal canal. This type of hernia is often not dangerous but can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated.

Femoral hernias are a less common type of groin hernia that occurs in the femoral canal, which runs beneath the inguinal canal. Fatty tissue may poke through in this type of hernia.

Hiatal hernias are another common type that occurs when the opening in the diaphragm, where the oesophagus passes through, widens, and the top of the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity. This type of hernia almost always causes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where stomach contents leak back into the oesophagus, causing a burning sensation.

Umbilical hernias are common in children and babies and often go away on their own as the abdominal wall muscles strengthen. However, if they persist beyond five years of age, surgery may be required. Adults can also develop umbilical hernias due to repeated strain on the abdomen from conditions such as obesity, fluid in the abdomen, or pregnancy.

Incisional hernias occur when tissue protrudes through a former incision in the abdominal wall that has weakened over time.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernias are a serious birth defect where the diaphragm does not close completely during fetal development, allowing abdominal organs to slip into the chest cavity and crowd the lungs.

If you suspect you have a hernia, it is important to consult a doctor, especially if it is causing pain or discomfort. Treatment options may include watchful waiting or surgical repair, depending on the severity of the hernia.

Pregnancy

The causes of morning sickness are unclear, but it is possibly related to a rapid increase in the levels of two hormones in early pregnancy: human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen. Hormones such as progesterone may also slow the movement of the digestive system, contributing to nausea and vomiting. Other factors that can cause nausea and vomiting during pregnancy include prenatal vitamins with iron, gastroesophageal reflux, and the corpus luteum, an ovarian cyst that is normal in early pregnancy. Rarely, severe and persistent vomiting can result from a molar pregnancy (abnormal placental growth with or without a fetus due to an abnormally fertilized egg).

If you are experiencing morning sickness, there are several strategies that may help:

• Keep snacks, such as crackers, by your bedside. Snacking on these when you wake up nauseous may help you feel better and get back to sleep.
• Avoid fatty, rich, spicy, acidic, and fried foods, which can irritate your digestive system and cause pregnancy gas. Instead, opt for complex carbs and lean proteins for your evening meal.
• Try an aromatherapy diffuser in your bedroom with lemon, mint, and orange scents, which can help some women feel less queasy.
• Stay hydrated by keeping a glass of water by your bed.
• Avoid eating a big meal too close to bedtime to give your body time to digest before lying down.
• Avoid alcohol, especially right before bed.
• Stick to a regular sleep schedule.
• Try relaxation techniques to deal with stress.

If these strategies are not helping, talk to your healthcare provider. They can recommend safe over-the-counter pregnancy nausea remedies and anti-nausea medications. They will also evaluate you and your symptoms, checking for dehydration and appropriate pregnancy weight gain, and give you options for relief.

Food poisoning

The treatment for food poisoning focuses on managing symptoms and preventing dehydration. It is crucial to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, broth, or an electrolyte solution, to replenish lost minerals. Consuming bland, non-fatty foods in small amounts, such as toast or rice, is recommended when you feel ready to eat again. It is best to avoid dairy, caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks, and spicy or fatty foods, as they can aggravate the condition.

In rare instances, food poisoning can lead to dizziness, blurred vision, or a tingling sensation in the arms. In very rare cases, the weakness associated with food poisoning may cause difficulty breathing. If you suspect food poisoning, it is advisable to seek medical attention, especially if you belong to a vulnerable group or experience severe or persistent symptoms.

Anxiety and stress

Waking up feeling sick can be a very frustrating experience, especially when you are unsure of the cause. While it may not be something to worry about in the long run, it is important to identify the underlying reasons and address them.

Stressful life events, health concerns, and other interpersonal issues can trigger anxiety and disrupt sleep. This disruption can create a cycle where anxiety affects sleep quality, and poor sleep, in turn, worsens anxiety. This cycle can be challenging to break, but it is important to address it to improve overall well-being.

If you frequently wake up feeling anxious and nauseous, it may be a sign of an underlying anxiety disorder such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These disorders can provoke or worsen sleep difficulties, making it hard to fall back asleep after waking up. If you suspect you may have an anxiety or stress disorder, it is recommended to seek professional help from a psychiatrist, therapist, or other mental health professional. They can provide treatments such as medications, therapy, or coping mechanisms to help manage your anxiety and improve your sleep.

Additionally, there are several self-care strategies that can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep:

• Relaxing activities: Incorporate a bedtime routine with relaxing activities such as listening to music, reading, journaling, or taking a bath.
• Task management: Write down your tasks for the day and break down stressful tasks into smaller, more manageable steps to reduce stress.
• Sleep environment: Make your sleeping area comfortable, cool, dark, and quiet, with supportive pillows and mattresses.
• Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, especially in the mornings and afternoons, to reduce anxiety symptoms and improve sleep.
• Meditation and deep breathing: Practice deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), or meditation techniques to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
• Community engagement: Volunteering or helping others can help take your mind off stress and anxiety.
• Lifestyle adjustments: Avoid eating large meals or acidic foods late at night, and elevate your head during sleep to reduce the risk of acid reflux, which can contribute to nausea.

Frequently asked questions