How to Relieve Nighttime Nausea

Many people experience nighttime nausea linked to morning sickness during pregnancy or as a side effect of chemotherapy treatments. However, this condition can also be caused by various other factors. Food, stomach flu, or stress can sometimes trigger nausea, especially at night before sleep. Nighttime nausea can disrupt your sleep, but there are several ways to ease the symptoms so you can rest well and wake up feeling refreshed in the morning.

Try acupressure. You can relieve nausea by applying pressure to the acupressure point that helps ease motion sickness. This point is known as the Neiguan (PC6) point, located on the inner wrist. To locate it, place three fingers of one hand on the wrist crease with the palm facing up. Apply pressure to this area with your fingers to relieve symptoms.

Use anti-motion sickness bands. These bands are designed to function similarly to acupressure therapy to combat motion sickness. They are commonly available at pharmacies and travel supply stores. Anti-motion sickness bands are often shaped like sweatbands and are worn around the wrist at the Neiguan point, with a small ball constantly pressing on the point.

Try aromatherapy. Lavender and peppermint are two of the most effective herbs for soothing the stomach and reducing nausea. You can use these herbs in the form of essential oils by applying them to your wrists, adding a few drops to a facial mask, or lighting a lavender and peppermint-scented candle to benefit from their soothing effects.

Avoid strong smells. Certain odors can sometimes trigger nausea, such as strong food smells, perfumes, or the stench of decay. It's advisable to keep the room well-ventilated (especially in the kitchen and dining areas) to prevent this condition.

Try the BRAT diet. The BRAT diet consists of the first letters of Banana, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. These foods are known to help prevent diarrhea, but they can also ease symptoms of nausea and vomiting. However, the BRAT diet is not recommended for long-term use as it lacks essential nutrients for the body. Once nausea subsides, you should gradually reintroduce fresh fruits and vegetables before returning to a normal diet.

Try eating bland foods. If the BRAT diet feels too restrictive, consider adding other bland options. Nausea can worsen when you consume foods with strong spices. Even though it might not sound very appealing, try having saltine crackers or bread to help settle your stomach.

Eat earlier before going to bed. Nausea can increase if you eat right before sleeping, so allow your body ample time to digest the meal before bed. Heartburn is also more likely to occur when you eat too close to bedtime.

Have several small meals throughout the day. Although nausea often happens at night, you can prevent it by eating smaller meals throughout the day. Keeping your stomach lightly filled is a great way to prevent nausea from becoming worse.

Avoid greasy and spicy foods. Spicy or oily dishes can aggravate nausea. Your body may also have difficulty handling these types of foods. It's best to stick to light and healthy options like fresh fruits and vegetables to keep your body running smoothly.

Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is one of the most important steps to combat nausea. Try drinking an additional 480 ml of water at night, on top of your usual daily intake.

Drink tea. Many doctors recommend drinking ginger or peppermint tea as a remedy for nausea. The flavors and aromas of these teas can help soothe your stomach. You can also try ginger or peppermint in other forms—ginger is common in many dishes, or peppermint candies can also provide relief.

Try carbonated drinks to see if they help. Many people find that the bubbles in carbonated drinks can help settle the stomach. You might opt for ginger ale or lemon-lime soda. Just be sure to drink in moderation, as soda isn't the healthiest option. A small glass with a few crackers or other bland foods can sometimes help too.

Take prescribed medication. In some cases, nausea will only respond to medication. Be sure to follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor and be aware of potential side effects—many anti-nausea medications can cause drowsiness.

• Prochlorperazine is the most commonly used anti-nausea medication. It works relatively well for nausea and other digestive disorders, though it is not very effective for nausea caused by chemotherapy.
• Metoclopramide and ondansetron are two other anti-nausea medications your doctor may prescribe.
• Always follow your doctor's instructions regarding dosage and duration of use.

Consider using marijuana if it's legal. In the United States, if you live in a state where marijuana is legally allowed, many doctors may prescribe it for treating chemotherapy-related nausea. Numerous studies have shown that marijuana can be highly effective in combating nausea. Remember that marijuana comes in different forms—edibles or gummies might be a good option. Ask your doctor if they can prescribe it for you.

• Common side effects of marijuana include dizziness, dry mouth, low blood pressure, and depression.

See a doctor if your nausea is severe and recurring. If your nausea lasts for more than a month or your vomiting continues for more than two days, you should consult a doctor. It's also important to seek medical attention if you're experiencing unexplained weight loss. A doctor may recommend a different diet or even prescribe medication to help manage the symptoms.

Monitor your symptoms. If your nausea is severe and accompanied by other symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention. Act quickly if your nausea is accompanied by:

• Chest pain
• High fever
• Contractions
• Vomiting with the smell of feces
• Fainting
• Confusion
• Blurred vision

Seek urgent medical care if nausea is accompanied by certain symptoms. In this case, you may need to go to the emergency room or see a doctor immediately. Watch for the following symptoms alongside nausea, as they can be very serious:

• Severe headache (unlike anything you've ever experienced)
• Inability to keep food or fluids down for 12 hours
• Vomiting that is green, contains blood, or resembles coffee grounds
• Signs of dehydration (severe thirst, dark urine, dizziness, etc.)