Diarrhea is a loss of watery stools. It happens to everyone sooner or later and can be really annoying, especially if it prevents you from sleeping. The causes are various, including bacterial or viral infections, parasites, digestive or intestinal disorders, adverse reactions to particular foods or medicines. In most cases, it passes on its own within a few days. However, when you have diarrhea, there are ways to feel better and get enough sleep.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using Home Remedies
Step 1. Avoid caffeine
Not only will it keep you awake at night, it can also stimulate the intestines and make diarrhea worse. Here are some foods and drinks that contain this substance:
- Coffee.
- Black tea and green tea.
- Lots of fizzy drinks.
- Lots of energy drinks.
- Chocolate.
Step 2. Don't have a heavy dinner
Hard-to-digest foods tend to make diarrhea worse and can make you rush to the bathroom at night. Here are some foods to avoid:
- Greasy or fatty foods, including fried potatoes, donuts, oily pizzas, breaded and fried meat or vegetables.
- Spicy foods. Some people find that spicy or highly seasoned foods tend to upset digestion. As much as you like using spices in cooking, try to put them aside until you get better.
- Foods rich in fiber, including cereals, pasta and wholemeal bread, bran.
- Reduce your consumption of dairy products. Adults and children may have difficulty digesting milk during or after an episode of diarrhea. After suffering from this disorder, for some babies it can take more than a month before they can start digesting milk again without problems.
Step 3. Eat light before bed
There are foods that will help calm your stomach and prevent hunger from keeping you awake. Here are some ideas:
- Bananas.
- Unseasoned white rice.
- Boiled potatoes.
- Boiled carrots.
- Chicken (without fat and skin) in the oven.
- Cracker.
- Toasted bread.
- Egg.
Step 4. Maintain optimal hydration levels
When you have diarrhea, you tend to lose water and electrolytes. Symptoms of dehydration, such as thirst, headache, and nausea, can be so annoying that they prevent you from sleeping. Hydrate yourself by drinking not only water, but also liquids containing electrolytes, which can be sweetened or salty. Here are some examples:
- Fruit juices. In the case of children, they can make diarrhea worse. If your child prefers them, try diluting them with water.
- Sports drinks.
- Fizzy drinks without caffeine, but children can make diarrhea worse.
- Broth.
- Oral rehydration solutions, which are usually given to children. Consult your pediatrician or pharmacist to determine the correct dose for your child. Read the package insert and follow it to the letter. If you are breastfeeding a baby suffering from diarrhea, continue to do so as usual.
Step 5. Replenish the intestinal bacterial flora
"Good" gut bacteria are needed to digest properly and can help fight diarrhea. If it was caused by a recent course of antibiotics, this method may be for you. Here are two ways to restore the intestinal flora:
- Eat yogurt containing live cultures. They have bacteria that promote digestion.
- Take probiotics. They are available in the form of supplements that contain bacteria similar to those of the gastrointestinal tract (when the bacterial flora is in optimal condition). These bacteria help break down food. Before you start taking them, contact your doctor to make sure they are right for you.
Method 2 of 2: Using Medicines
Step 1. If home remedies aren't effective, try over-the-counter medications
Does diarrhea keep you up all night? There are several medications that can reduce defecation. In any case, they should not be given to children, unless prescribed by the pediatrician. Also, if the diarrhea is due to a bacterial or parasitic infection, preventing stool from passing can make the problem worse. In those cases, it is necessary to take antibiotics. Not sure whether to try over-the-counter medications to combat diarrhea? Consult your doctor. Here are some of the most popular:
- Loperamide. It slows down the passing of stool and allows you to absorb more water.
- Bismuth subsalicylate.
Step 2. Check for pain
Diarrhea can be so painful that it prevents you from sleeping. If this happens to you, you may want to take an over-the-counter pain reliever to help you rest. These medicines do not treat diarrhea, but they can give you relief and help you sleep.
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen. Read and follow the instructions on the package insert. Remember that over-the-counter medications can interact with prescription medications, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements. If you're not sure if they are right for you, see a doctor.
- Aspirin should never be given to children.
Step 3. If the diarrhea does not go away, see a doctor
Diarrhea is unpleasant, but in most cases it is not indicative of a serious disorder. However, if you observe the following symptoms, go to a doctor:
- The diarrhea lasts for more than two days.
- You experience symptoms of dehydration, such as infrequent urination, dark or cloudy urine, dry skin, fatigue, headache, nausea, and dizziness.
- Severe abdominal or rectal pain.
- Fever above 39 ° C.
- Stool containing blood or pus.
- Dark or tarry stools.
Step 4. If your child is suffering from severe diarrhea, take him to the pediatrician
Babies, especially infants, are particularly prone to dehydration. If you notice the following symptoms, see your pediatrician:
- Diarrhea lasts for more than a day.
- Symptoms of dehydration, such as xerostomia, no tearing during crying episodes, no urination for at least three hours, fever, listlessness, irritability, sunken eyes, sunken cheeks, or sunken fontanel.
- Fever above 39 ° C.
- Stools containing blood or pus, or black and tarry stools.
