Why Do You Wake Up Nauseous at Night? 10 Possible Reasons

Is Waking Up with Nausea at Night Common?

Waking up in the middle of the night feeling sick to your stomach can be scary. You might wonder if something serious is going on.

Nighttime nausea is more common than you think. Many people experience it at some point, and in most cases, it’s linked to lifestyle habits or treatable conditions.

Sometimes, your body just doesn’t agree with what you ate, how you slept, or how stressed you felt during the day. Other times, it could be a signal from your body that something needs attention, like digestion, hormones, or sleep patterns.

Most causes of nocturnal nausea (nausea during the night or while sleeping) are not dangerous and can be improved with simple changes. Let’s look at what might be behind it.

What Causes Nighttime Nausea?

1. Acid Reflux or GERD

Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus,  the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. This can happen when the muscle that keeps acid in the stomach doesn't close properly. Lying down after eating, eating big meals, or certain trigger foods can make it worse. 

When this keeps happening, it’s called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Symptoms to look for:

• Burning feeling in the chest (heartburn)
• Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
• Nausea during sleep or early in the morning
• Coughing or sore throat that gets worse at night

You can try to eat earlier in the evening and raise the head of your bed slightly.

2. Anxiety or Stress

Stress and anxiety don’t just affect your mind, they can also upset your stomach. When you’re anxious, your body releases stress hormones that can slow digestion and cause queasiness. Nighttime is often when worries come to the surface, especially in a quiet, dark room.

Symptoms to look for:

• Feeling nervous or restless before bed
• Trouble falling asleep or waking up suddenly
• Racing thoughts or tightness in the chest
• Nausea, especially when lying in bed, thinking too much

Simple calming activities before bed, like deep breathing, light stretching, or wri

3. Pregnancy

During early pregnancy, your body goes through many hormonal changes. These can slow digestion and increase sensitivity to smells, both of which can trigger nausea.

We’re all used to hearing the term “morning sickness.” However, one study shows that many pregnant women experience nausea at any time of day, including at night.

Symptoms to look for:

• Nausea at night or first thing in the morning
• Sensitive to smells or tastes
• Mild stomach cramping
• Missed period or fatigue

This may be more noticeable on an empty stomach or when you're lying down. Eating a small snack before bed (like dry toast or crackers) may help settle your stomach.

Find out the top 10 foods that fight nausea during pregnancy

4. Low Blood Sugar

Your body needs a steady supply of sugar (glucose) for energy. If you go too long without eating, especially overnight, your blood sugar can drop. This is more likely if you skipped dinner or eat very early in the evening.

Symptoms to look for:

• Feeling shaky or dizzy in the middle of the night
• Cold sweats or headaches
• Nausea that improves after eating
• Waking up hungry or irritable

A small, balanced snack before bed may help.

5. Medications

Some medications can irritate your stomach or cause nausea, especially if taken without food.

The effects might not show up right away,  some people only feel sick hours later, including during the night.

Symptoms to look for:

• Upset stomach a few hours after taking medicine
• Nausea that starts suddenly during sleep
• Bloating or gassy feeling
• Trouble going back to sleep after waking up nauseous

If this sounds familiar, check with your doctor about changing the time you take your medication, but don’t stop taking it without advice.

6. Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is when the stomach takes longer than normal to empty its contents. It happens when the nerves that control stomach muscles don’t work properly. This slows digestion and can leave food sitting in the stomach for hours.

Symptoms to look for:

• Nausea after eating, especially at night
• Feeling full very quickly
• Bloating, burping, or mild upper stomach pain
• Vomiting undigested food (in severe cases)

Gastroparesis can be linked to other health issues and needs medical care. Small, more frequent meals and avoiding fatty or high-fiber foods may ease symptoms.

7. Stomach Ulcers

Stomach ulcers are open sores in the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. They are often caused by certain infections or long-term irritation from stomach acid.

Symptoms often get worse at night, especially on an empty stomach.

Symptoms to look for:

• Burning pain in the upper belly
• Nausea that comes and goes, often at night
• Bloating or burping
• Pain that improves after eating small meals

Eating small, bland snacks in the evening and avoiding spicy or acidic foods may help reduce irritation.

8. Sleep Disorders

Poor sleep can affect your entire body, including your digestive system. If you have sleep apnea, insomnia, or restless sleep, your body stays in a state of stress, which can trigger nocturnal nausea.

One study on youth with gut-related conditions found that bad sleep was linked to more nausea and fatigue, and mood changes may also be part of the problem.

Symptoms to look for:

• Waking up feeling groggy or unwell
• Morning headaches or dry mouth
• Tossing and turning at night
• Nausea with no clear link to food

Better sleep habits and managing stress during the day can help reduce nighttime nausea.

9. Eating Too Late or Too Heavy

Large or greasy meals take longer to digest. If you eat right before bed, your body is still working hard to break down food while you're lying flat. This can slow digestion and increase stomach pressure.

One study suggests that eating at night may cause nausea because “the body is naturally less prepared to digest food” during late hours. This can lead to more discomfort, especially while resting.

Symptoms to look for:

• Feeling full or bloated in bed
• Heartburn or burping at night
• Nausea after midnight
• Trouble sleeping after a heavy dinner

Try to eat dinner at least 2-3 hours before bed and keep evening meals lighter.

10. Alcohol or Caffeine Intake

Alcohol and caffeine can both irritate your stomach lining and make it harder to fall or stay asleep. They can also increase acid production, which may lead to nausea while sleeping.

Symptoms to look for:

• Waking up feeling sick or sweaty
• Acid taste in the mouth
• Restlessness or frequent bathroom trips
• Upset stomach after late-night coffee or drinks

If you wake up feeling sick, cut back on alcohol and coffee, especially later in the day.

When to See a Doctor

Occasional nausea at night is usually not a sign of something serious. It may happen after eating too late, feeling anxious, or drinking alcohol before bed. But if your symptoms come back often or get worse, it’s important to pay attention.

See a doctor if you:

• Wake up feeling sick several nights a week
• Have trouble sleeping because of nausea
• Feel worse over time instead of improving
• Notice no clear reason for your nausea (like food or stress)

Also, get medical help right away if you notice any of these warning signs:

• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Black or tarry stools
• Sudden weight loss without trying
• Severe stomach pain that won’t go away
• High fever with chills
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, dark urine)

These symptoms could point to a more serious problem that needs fast care.

If you're unsure, it’s always better to check with a healthcare provider. 

At-Home Remedies to Ease Nighttime Nausea

If you often wake up feeling nauseous, small changes to your evening routine can make a big difference. These simple habits can help settle your stomach and improve your sleep.

Adjust Your Eating Schedule

When you eat and what you eat can directly affect how you feel at night.

• Eat dinner at least 2 to 3 hours before bed to give your stomach time to digest.
• Avoid greasy, spicy, or acidic foods in the evening, as they can trigger reflux or discomfort.
• Try to keep evening meals smaller and lighter than lunch.

Sleep Position Matters

The way you sleep can affect digestion, especially if you’re prone to acid reflux.

• Raise the head of your bed slightly, or use extra pillows to keep your upper body elevated.
• Sleep on your left side, this position is better for digestion and reduces the chance of stomach acid rising.

Manage Stress and Anxiety Before Bed

A calm mind helps calm the stomach. Make space in your routine for quiet, relaxing activities.

• Take a few deep breaths or stretch gently before bed.
• Try journaling to clear your thoughts or writing down what went well during the day.
• Warm herbal teas (like ginger or chamomile) may help relax your stomach and mind.

Avoid Triggers Before Bed

Some things make nausea worse without you realizing it. Try removing common irritants from your evening routine.

• Skip caffeine and alcohol after late afternoon. Both can upset the stomach and disturb sleep.
• Avoid large or heavy meals close to bedtime.
• Try not to lie down right after eating.

Stay Hydrated (But Not Too Much at Bedtime)

Drinking enough water during the day helps keep your body balanced. But too much liquid before bed can cause discomfort and frequent trips to the bathroom.

• Sip water slowly in the evening instead of drinking a lot at once.
• If you feel thirsty at night, take small sips rather than a full glass.

However, if your nausea keeps returning, it could be a sign of an underlying condition. Talk to a doctor to rule out anything more serious.