The possible causes of nausea are numerous, from pregnancy, which causes the famous morning sickness, to chemotherapy, which induces strong reactions in the body. Food is also a major culprit, as are intestinal influences and even stress, particularly when nausea occurs just before bedtime. Having nausea can prevent you from falling asleep, but luckily there are many remedies that can relieve it and guarantee you a good night's rest.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Relieve the Symptoms of Nausea
Step 1. Try using acupressure
Massaging the points that help relieve nausea caused by movement can also be useful when the causes of the malaise are other. It focuses the pressure on the point on the wrist called "pericardium 6" (abbreviated to PC6). To find it, turn your palm up, then place three fingers (index, middle and ring fingers) on your wrist, starting from the point of contact with the hand. Now massage the area immediately next to the index finger, in the center of the forearm.
Step 2. Use a Nausea Bracelet
It is an elastic cuff that acts by prolonged pressure on the PC6 pressure point. It is generally used to relieve nausea caused by movement or pregnancy and is easily purchased at a pharmacy or drugstore. The bracelet is equipped with a hemisphere that must be positioned exactly on the PC6 point so that it applies constant pressure.
Step 3. Use Aromatherapy Essential Oils
The essential oils of lavender and peppermint are the most suitable for relieving stomach upset and nausea. You can massage them directly on your wrists or use them to create a soothing face mask. Alternatively, you can try lighting scented candles.
Step 4. Avoid strong odors
In some cases, nausea can be caused by particular, very intense fragrances. They could come from cooked food, from something decaying, or from a cosmetic. Open the windows to ventilate the room, especially the kitchen and dining room.
Method 2 of 4: Eating to Relieve Nausea
Step 1. Follow the "BRAT" method
BRAT is the English acronym for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast (i.e. bananas, rice, apple juice and toast). Some research has found that these foods help prevent dysentery, as well as relieve symptoms of nausea and vomiting. The BRAT diet is not suitable to be continued for the long term because it does not provide the necessary nutrients to keep the body healthy. When the nausea is over, you need to start adding some fresh vegetables and fruits, then gradually return to your normal diet.
Step 2. Try eating something simple
If the BRAT diet is too restrictive, you can add light foods. Very flavorful or spicy ingredients often cause nausea to worsen. Even if you're not hungry, try eating some bread or a few crackers to help ease stomach upsets.
Step 3. Stop eating long before bedtime
Going to bed with a full stomach can make the feeling of nausea worse. Give your body time to digest the meal before going to sleep. Eating shortly before bed also increases the chances of suffering from stomach acid.
Step 4. Have small, frequent meals
Even in cases where nausea is typically nocturnal, eating little but often can help prevent it. Always having something in your stomach can also help prevent nausea from getting worse.
Step 5. Avoid heavy, fatty or spicy foods
In general, they tend to aggravate the symptoms of nausea. Also, the body has a harder time digesting them. The ideal is to choose healthy and light ingredients, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, which allow the stomach to work smoothly.
Method 3 of 4: Drinking to Relieve Nausea
Step 1. Drink lots of water
Keeping your body hydrated is one of the most important steps to take when trying to fight nausea. Try to drink half a liter more water than you normally drink at night.
Step 2. Try drinking herbal tea
Many doctors recommend drinking ginger or peppermint tea as a remedy for nausea. Their properties can help you relax your stomach. As an alternative to herbal teas, you can take herbal candies or add fresh spices to food, for example in the case of ginger.
Step 3. Try drinking a fizzy drink
Many people confirm that the bubbles in fizzy drinks can help relieve stomach upset. The ideal is to choose a lemon-flavored drink, being careful not to overdo the quantities because it contains several ingredients that are not good for your health. An occasional small glass can be useful, perhaps paired with crackers or something light.
Method 4 of 4: Ask the Doctor for Help
Step 1. Get a prescription
Some types of nausea respond well only to drug treatments. Follow your doctor's advice. Remember that anti-nausea medications can cause unwanted side effects, including sleepiness.
- Prochlorperazine is the most widely used active ingredient to combat nausea. It is moderately effective for relieving gastrointestinal upset and nausea, but not if chemotherapy causes it.
- Metoclopramide and ondansetron are two additional anti-nausea medications your doctor may prescribe.
- Strictly follow his instructions in terms of dosage and duration of taking the drug.
Step 2. Evaluate the use of marijuana, if it is legal where you live
In some states around the world it is allowed to use marijuana for therapeutic purposes, and many doctors are used to prescribe it to counter the nausea caused by chemotherapy. Several researches have shown that it can be an effective cure for nausea. Remember that marijuana comes in many forms, edible options (like candy) can be a good choice. Discuss this with your doctor.
Possible side effects caused by marijuana include: dizziness, dry mouth, low blood pressure, and depression
Step 3. Get medical help if nausea is severe and recurring
If you have been nauseous for more than a month and have been vomiting for more than two days, it is recommended that you see your doctor. The same advice applies in the case of unexplained weight loss. Your doctor will be able to help you, for example by suggesting a different diet or medication.
Step 4. Monitor your symptoms
In case of intense nausea accompanied by other symptoms it is best to see a doctor as urgently as possible. Take immediate action if you experience any of the following in addition to nausea:
- Chest pains
- High fever;
- Cramps
- Stool smell in vomit;
- Loss of consciousness;
- Mental confusion;
- Blurred vision.
Step 5. Even if the nausea is not severe, it is good to go to the doctor right away if it is associated with particular symptoms
If necessary, go to your primary care physician or emergency room right away. Note if you have the following symptoms coupled with nausea, as your condition could be serious.
- Aches or headaches (which you have never experienced before);
- Difficulty not rejecting food and liquids for more than 12 hours;
- Vomiting that is greenish in color, streaked with blood or resembling coffee grains;
- Symptoms of dehydration (intense thirst, dark urine, dizziness, etc.).
