Many people experience pregnancy-related nausea (morning sickness) or a reaction to chemotherapy during cancer treatment. However, there are many other causes of nausea, and sometimes food, the stomach flu, or stress can cause nausea, especially at night before bed. Nausea at night can make it difficult to fall asleep, but there are a number of things you can do to reduce nausea so you can sleep well and wake up refreshed.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Relieves Symptoms of Nausea
Step 1. Try acupressure
Nausea can be reduced by pressing the point that causes motion sickness. This point is called Pericardium 6 (PC6), which is located on the wrist. You can find it by placing three fingers on the crease of your wrist with your palm facing up. You can press the area on the inside of this arm/wrist with your fingers.
Step 2. Use motion sickness relief tires
These tires are designed to use acupressure to prevent motion sickness. You can buy them at drugstores or travel stores. Usually this bracelet resembles a small tire worn around the wrist at the PC6 point with a small half ball attached to provide constant pressure.
Step 3. Use aromatherapy oils
Lavender and peppermint are most often used to soothe the stomach and reduce nausea. You can use it in the form of an essential oil applied to your wrist or as a soothing face mask. You can also try it in the form of a scented candle and light it.
Step 4. Avoid strong odors
Sometimes nausea can be triggered by certain odors. This smell may come from food, strong perfume, or a bad smell. To overcome this, make sure you are in a room with good ventilation (especially in the kitchen and dining room).
Method 2 of 4: Overcome Nausea by Eating
Step 1. Try the BRAT diet
Banana (bananas), Rice (rice), Applesouce (apple sauce) and Toast (toast) are foods that have been shown to help prevent diarrhea, but can also help reduce symptoms of nausea and vomiting. The BRAT diet is not recommended to be applied in the long term because it does not provide all the nutrients needed for the body. Once the nausea subsides, you should start adding fresh fruits and vegetables and then return to your normal diet.
Step 2. Try plain food
If the BRAT diet is too restrictive for your food choices, add plain foods as a variation. Nausea often gets worse if you eat spicy food. Even if you don't have an appetite, try eating saltine crackers or bread to help settle your stomach.
Step 3. Eat well before bedtime
Nausea can get worse if you eat right before bed. Allow the food to be completely digested before you go to sleep. Eating before bedtime can also increase the likelihood of a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn).
Step 4. Eat small meals throughout the day
Although nausea usually occurs at night, eating smaller meals more often can help prevent nausea. Keeping your stomach full can also help prevent nausea from getting worse.
Step 5. Avoid oily, fatty, or spicy foods
Foods like these tend to make nausea worse. The body also has a harder time digesting it. You should eat less food, but healthy (fresh fruit and vegetables), so it does not interfere with the body's work.
Method 3 of 4: Relieve Nausea by Drinking
Step 1. Drink plenty of water
One of the important steps to combat nausea is to maintain fluid intake in the body. Try to drink half a liter more than you normally drink at night.
Step 2. Drink tea
Many doctors recommend ginger or peppermint tea as a remedy to fight nausea. The tea and its aroma can help soothe the stomach. You can also take one of these flavors in a different form, for example ginger is often added to food, and peppermint candies can also help.
Step 3. See if carbonated drinks can help
For many people, fizzy drink bubbles can help soothe the stomach. Opt for ginger ale or orange-flavored fizzy drinks. Drink only as needed because soda is very unhealthy. A small glass of this drink can sometimes help and you can also have it with crackers or other plain foods.
Method 4 of 4: Visiting the Doctor
Step 1. Try prescription drugs
Sometimes nausea can only be treated with medication. Follow the treatment your doctor prescribes. Be aware of side effects because many anti-nausea drugs cause drowsiness.
- Prochlorperazine is the most common drug used to treat nausea. This drug is quite effective for treating nausea and other gastrointestinal problems, but not very effective for nausea caused by chemotherapy.
- Two other anti-nausea drugs that your doctor may prescribe are Metoclopramide and Ondansetron.
- Always follow the doctor's instructions regarding the dosage and duration of use of the drug.
Step 2. Consider marijuana if your state's laws allow it
In some cases, doctors may prescribe medical marijuana to treat nausea that accompanies chemotherapy. Many studies show that marijuana can be an effective treatment for nausea. Be aware that marijuana is marketed in many forms: candy or food containing marijuana can be good choices. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of prescribing medical marijuana.
Unpleasant side effects include vertigo, dry mouth, low blood pressure, and depression
Step 3. Consult your doctor if you experience severe and recurring nausea
If nausea does not subside after a month and vomiting persists for two days, you should see a doctor. You should also consult a doctor if you experience unexplained weight loss. The doctor will be able to help and may suggest a different diet or even medication.
Step 4. Monitor your symptoms
Severe nausea accompanied by other symptoms may mean that you need to see a doctor or go to the hospital as soon as possible. Act immediately if you start to experience the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- High fever
- Cramps
- Smell of feces in vomit
- Faint
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
Step 5. Seek immediate medical attention if nausea is accompanied by certain symptoms
This may mean you need to go to the emergency room or make an appointment with a doctor right away. Watch out for the following symptoms if they accompany nausea as they may indicate something serious.
- Pain or headache (that you've never had before)
- You always vomit food or drink for more than 12 hours
- Vomit is green, bloody, or looks like coffee grounds
- You have symptoms of dehydration (severe thirst, dark urine, dizziness, etc.)
