Digestion and Sleep

Although it may slow down, your digestive system is still working as you sleep. Some digestive problems can interfere with your rest. Inadvertently reducing the quality of sleep you’re getting and can lead to other sleep problems.

Fortunately, some ways to combat your digestive problems and get better sleep.

Acid Reflux Aspiration

You may have felt like something went down the wrong way when eating, drinking, or swallowing, this is called aspiration. Aspiration occurs when a substance goes below the level of your vocal cords, causing you to choke.

If you have acid reflux, there is a high chance of stomach acid aspirating into your lungs or esophagus.

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition when stomach acid constantly flows into the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. It is a severe case of acid reflux.

Constant aspiration of stomach acid can lead to GERD. People with acid reflux more than twice a week are commonly diagnosed with GERD.

GERD and Sleep Apnea

During the day, gravity does a great job of keeping your stomach acid down, but this changes with position. Lying down can cause stomach acid to come up to the esophagus easily. While the conditions are not correlated, 60% of people with sleep apnea have GERD.

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops and starts while sleeping. This condition is common in people who are overweight or obese. During sleep, the mouth’s soft tissues can block the airway because the mouth and throat are relaxed.

It’s not scientifically known what makes sleep apnea and GERD a common duo, but some scientists believe it has to do with the extra pressure on the abdomen. Difficulty breathing can cause people to try to breathe harder, inducing reflux.

How to avoid acid reflux at night:

While some of these conditions aren’t curable, there are some things you can do at home to prevent waking up at night from acid reflux or GERD:

• Avoid eating late. Eating late will give your body enough time to process your food.
• Manage your acid reflux throughout the day. Take medications and drink enough water throughout the day to settle your stomach.
• Avoid triggering foods. Foods high in acidities like tomatoes or citrus should be avoided.
• Become a side sleeper. Sleeping on the left side at an elevated angle can prevent stomach acid from coming up while you sleep.

Do people fart in their sleep?

Farting is extra gas escaping your stomach through your anus. Gas will be produced when your body breaks down the foods you eat. Certain foods produce more gas than others. High-fiber foods like beans and vegetables are necessary for nutrition but cause gas.

It’s common for people to fart while sleeping. Most people won’t know unless the sound is loud enough to wake them up or someone else tells them.

When it comes to your digestive system and how it can wake you up at night, your first step should be to avoid eating and drinking late at night. Give your body the chance to process everything you put into it well before bed so you can enjoy your sleep.