Can Lack of Sleep Cause Nausea? Tips to Manage

Yes it can. When your body is sleep deprived your body’s systems get disrupted including your digestive system and you get nausea.

The connection between sleep and gut health is key as poor sleep can affect gut function and balance.

In this article we’ll look at how lack of sleep causes nausea, the symptoms and tips to manage.

Sleep Deprivation and Nausea

Not getting enough sleep isn’t just about feeling tired, it can disrupt your digestive and immune systems and cause nausea.

Because of this without enough rest our bodies can become impaired in ways that trigger queasiness and stomach upset.

Also, Sleep deprivation causes physiological changes like dehydration and fluctuating brain oxygen levels which are linked to this yucky symptom.

In fact these changes make you feel miserable and also show how important it is to get enough sleep for overall health. The symptoms of nausea from lack of sleep include:

  • Feeling sick
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • General discomfort

These symptoms are worse in the morning so it’s tough to get going with energy. Knowing these signs allows you to take proactive steps to improve your sleep and get rid of the discomfort.

Insdier Tips: Good sleep habits and sleep deprivation strategies are a must.

How Sleep Deprivation Disrupts Sleep and Gut Health

Sleep deprivation can disrupt your digestive system and often causes nausea. When you don’t get enough sleep your digestive organs can become impaired and worsen existing digestive issues.

Research has shown that disruptions in sleep patterns can exacerbate symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux and add to the discomfort and queasiness of poor sleep.

Unfortunately not getting enough rest can intensify symptoms of various gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Sleep disorders like insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea can further complicate digestive health issues.

Key things to remember:

  • Sleep disrupts digestive health and causes nausea.
  • Sleep disorders worsen IBS and GERD.
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms persist if you’re chronically sleep deprived.

If you’re not getting enough sleep you may experience gas buildup, stomach pain or diarrhea along with nausea.

These persistent gastrointestinal symptoms are warning signs for those who are chronically sleep deprived.

Moreover, sickness can mean long term digestive damage from prolonged poor sleep. So timely intervention against continuous disruptions in your sleep pattern is key to avoiding more serious health issues.

Knowing how sleep and gut health are connected gives you the opportunity to manage and improve your condition by taking care of your sleep hygiene which in turn benefits your gut health.

Inflammation in Sleep Induced Nausea

Not getting enough sleep can increase pro-inflammatory cytokines which causes digestive discomfort and issues. This connection between poor sleep and an overactive immune system is clear.

This hyperactivity can cause inflammation in the gut which can worsen existing digestive disorders or create new ones. So getting enough sleep is key.

Also research states that 35.2% of U.S. adults report getting less than 7 hours of sleep per night, falling short of the recommended 7-9 hours for optimal health.

Usually poor sleep can exacerbate inflammation in the digestive tract and make you feel nauseous. This creates a vicious cycle where poor sleep leads to more inflammation which in turn disrupts sleep even further.

Breaking this cycle is good for your health and wellness. Not sleeping well is also linked to high blood pressure which can worsen inflammation and contribute to chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Hormonal Imbalance from Not Sleeping

Now let’s talk about hormonal imbalances. Not sleeping well can disrupt the hormones that control hunger and your digestive system and cause various problems.

When you don’t get enough sleep your body releases cortisol a stress hormone that can trigger cravings for unhealthy foods and disrupt glucose levels.

Prolonged periods of poor sleep can lead to widespread hormonal imbalances that affect your body’s overall functions.

Among these are suppressed cytokines which are important for immune defense leaving you more prone to infections and inflammatory conditions.

Long term hormonal imbalances from chronic sleep deprivation can cause changes in the gut and queasiness.

Sleep Deprivation Induced Nausea Symptoms

Nausea from not sleeping enough can manifest as:

  • Continuous queasiness
  • Frequent headaches
  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • General discomfort or unease

These symptoms can prevent you from doing your daily tasks and affect your overall well being. Sleep deprivation nausea is a direct result of not sleeping and you need to address both together for relief.

Mornings make these symptoms worse so knowing this is helpful if you want to improve your sleep habits.

Also not sleeping well can trigger cravings for unhealthy foods that can worsen blood glucose fluctuations and nausea. This creates a vicious cycle where poor sleep leads to unhealthy eating habits and makes the problem worse.

Check your recent sleep pattern to see if nausea is from lack of sleep. If symptoms persist see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Drink plenty of water

Drink plenty of water, especially if you are suffering from nausea due to lack of sleep. You see, dehydration can make you feel queasier, so make sure you drink plenty of fluids.

Here are some natural remedies for nausea due to lack of sleep:

  • Ginger tea or fresh ginger can help, as it has anti-nausea properties. Isn’t it great that nature has given us such remedies?
  • Peppermint tea is another good option. It can help soothe your stomach.
  • Herbal tea with chamomile and cloves may help you feel better.
  • Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing may help reduce nausea symptoms.
  • Light foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast can help you feel better.

These remedies can help you feel better if you are suffering from nausea due to lack of sleep.

Healthy Sleep Habits

Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. A consistent sleep and wake schedule can help your body’s internal clock.

As you can see, calming activities, such as taking a warm bath or practicing deep breathing exercises, can help you relax before bed.

By the way, reading a little or dimming the lights can help you fall asleep. Good sleep hygiene and relaxation techniques can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.

Avoiding screens, caffeine, and other stimulating activities before bedtime can affect your sleep quality. Also, good sleep hygiene making sure your bedroom is dark and quiet is important for a good night’s sleep.

Also, avoiding spicy or salty foods and limiting alcohol can help minimize nausea and improve your sleep quality.

When to See a Doctor

You should see a doctor if sleep apnea is affecting your daily life. Don’t ignore symptoms such as severe abdominal pain or headaches; they may be a sign of a serious medical condition.

If nausea persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should see a doctor.

Chronic sleep deprivation and persistent nausea that doesn’t improve with better sleep quality should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Bottom Line

At the end of the day, it can affect your body in many ways, and nausea is one of the most common symptoms.

Bear in mind the signs that poor sleep is affecting your gut and take action to reduce those symptoms.

Dr. Clifton Morris
Dr. Clifton Morris

Meet Dr. Clifton Morris, MD. He's a highly accomplished medical professional with an impressive career. He graduated from University Of North Carolina in 1994

He's also a Senior Cardiometabolic Faculty at Baim Institute for Clinical Research.

He did his training in Internal Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and specialized in Gastroenterology and Cardiac Ultrasound at Tricities Hospital..