How to Sleep When You Have Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a condition involving loose stools, which almost everyone can experience at some point. It can be quite distressing, especially when it interferes with sleep. There are various potential causes, including bacterial infections, parasites, viruses, digestive disorders, intestinal diseases, and reactions to certain foods or medications. Most cases of diarrhea resolve within a few days, but during that time, there are steps you can take to improve sleep quality and feel more comfortable.

Drink Roman Chamomile Tea. Roman chamomile tea can help reduce inflammation caused by diarrhea and is also well-known as a natural sleep aid. Try drinking a cup of chamomile tea an hour before bedtime.

• You can prepare chamomile tea by steeping a tea bag or 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers in a cup of hot water, then removing the tea bag or straining the liquid. Drink the tea once it cools down a bit.

Practice relaxation techniques. Individuals with chronic gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, are often encouraged to use relaxation methods daily. Stress can worsen digestive issues, such as diarrhea. To help reduce these symptoms, try practicing relaxation exercises for 10-15 minutes before bedtime. Some beneficial options include:

• Deep breathing
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Meditation

Take an anti-diarrheal dose before bed. Over-the-counter medications like attapulgite, loperamide, and bismuth sub-salicylate may help you fall asleep more easily and enjoy better sleep quality.

• Remember, over-the-counter medications should not be used for children unless approved by a doctor.
• If your diarrhea is caused by an infection or parasite, stopping the diarrhea may make the condition worse. In such cases, antibiotics are necessary. If you are uncertain about taking anti-diarrheal medications, consult your doctor.

Manage the pain. Diarrhea can cause significant discomfort that may make it difficult to sleep. If this happens, you might want to consider taking pain relievers to help you sleep better. Although they won't cure the diarrhea, pain medications can provide relief and allow you to sleep more comfortably:

• Consider taking a dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Always read the label and follow the instructions. Be cautious that over-the-counter medications may interact with prescription medications, herbs, and supplements. If you're unsure about the safety of these drugs, consult your doctor.
• Never give aspirin to children due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, a severe condition that can occur after taking aspirin and may be life-threatening.

Consider sleeping near a bathroom. Since it might be unavoidable to wake up during the night to use the restroom, it may help to sleep closer to a bathroom. This way, you can avoid rushing and the peace of mind from having a nearby restroom will likely make it easier to fall asleep.

• For instance, if the bathroom is located on the far side of the house or apartment, consider sleeping on a sofa or in a guest bedroom near the bathroom.

Stay hydrated. Diarrhea causes loss of fluids and electrolytes, and dehydration symptoms like thirst, headaches, and nausea can be uncomfortable enough to make it difficult to sleep. Keep your body well-hydrated by not only drinking water but also consuming fluids with electrolytes, such as those containing sugar and salt, like:

• Fruit juice. However, juice can worsen diarrhea in children. If they like fruit juice, it should be diluted with water.
• Sports drinks
• Caffeine-free soda. Carbonated drinks can worsen diarrhea in children.
• Broth
• Oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte, Naturalyte, Infalyte, and CeraLyte. Consult a doctor or pharmacist to determine the correct dosage for children. Read the instructions on the packaging. If your breastfeeding baby has diarrhea, continue breastfeeding as usual.

Avoid caffeine. Not only does caffeine make it harder to sleep at night, but it can also irritate your intestines, making diarrhea worse. Caffeine is found in foods and beverages like:

• Coffee
• Black or green tea
• Many sodas
• Energy drinks
• Chocolate

Avoid heavy foods at dinner. Foods that are difficult to digest can worsen diarrhea, making you run to the bathroom in the middle of the night. The following foods should be avoided:

• Greasy foods, including many types of fast food like French fries, donuts, oily pizzas, and fried meats and vegetables.
• Spicy foods. Many people find that heavily seasoned foods tend to irritate the digestive system. Even if you typically enjoy cooking with spices, try reducing their use until you're feeling better.
• High-fiber foods. These include whole wheat bread, pasta, bran, and whole grains.
• Reduce milk consumption. Both adults and children may struggle to digest milk while or after having diarrhea. Some children may be unable to drink milk for over a month after experiencing diarrhea.

Eat bland foods. Bland foods can help stabilize your stomach during diarrhea and prevent the condition from worsening. Suitable options include:

• Bananas
• Plain white rice without sauces or spices
• Boiled potatoes
• Boiled carrots
• Skinless, lean grilled chicken
• Plain crackers
• Toast
• Eggs

Supplement with probiotics. Gut bacteria play a crucial role in digestion and can aid in treating diarrhea. This approach can be particularly helpful for diarrhea following a course of antibiotics. Two ways to balance gut bacteria include:

• Consuming yogurt with live cultures. Yogurt contains bacteria that support digestion.
• Taking probiotics. Probiotics are available as supplements containing bacteria similar to those found in a healthy gut. These bacteria assist in breaking down food. Consult your doctor before taking probiotic supplements to ensure they are safe for you.

Call your doctor if diarrhea is affecting your sleep. Sleep is essential for your body to recover, so you should inform your doctor if diarrhea is making it difficult for you to sleep. The doctor may prescribe medication to help you fall asleep. In cases of chronic diarrhea (lasting more than 4 weeks), medication or lifestyle changes may be necessary to manage the condition.

• You may need to see a gastroenterologist if you experience chronic diarrhea and frequent sleep disturbances due to it.

Visit a doctor if your diarrhea persists. Diarrhea can be uncomfortable, but in most cases, it’s not a sign of a serious illness. However, you should seek medical help if:

• Diarrhea lasts for more than 2 days
• Signs of dehydration, such as reduced urination, cloudy or dark urine, dry skin, fatigue, headaches, nausea, or dizziness
• Severe abdominal or rectal pain
• A fever of 38.9°C (102°F) or higher
• Blood or pus in your stool
• Black or tarry stools

Take your child to the doctor if they have severe diarrhea. Children, especially infants, are highly susceptible to dehydration. Bring your child to the doctor if you notice:

• Diarrhea lasting more than 1 day
• Signs of dehydration like a dry mouth, dry tongue, crying without tears, or not urinating for 3 hours, fever, lethargy, irritability, sunken eyes, hollow cheeks, or a sunken soft spot on the head
• A fever of 38.9°C (102°F) or higher
• Blood, pus, or black or tarry stools