Even when not pregnant, some people still experience morning nausea for various reasons.
Causes of Morning Nausea
According to Insider, if you are a woman and feel nauseous in the morning, this is often considered one of the first signs of pregnancy. However, that is not the only reason you might feel nauseous upon waking.
Medical experts indicate that nausea, including morning sickness, can stem from various factors, including diet, lifestyle, and mental health.
Nausea can be caused by diet, lack of sleep, or anxiety. (Photo: Women’s Health).
Sleep Disruption
Dr. Janice Johnston, Chief Medical Officer and co-founder of Redirect Health, states that disrupted sleep cycles—whether due to insomnia, sleep apnea, or simply staying up too late—can affect the digestive system.
“This can leave you feeling uncomfortable in your stomach when you wake up in the morning,” Dr. Janice Johnston explains.
Dr. Daniela Jodorkovsky, a physician interviewed by Refinery29, notes that feelings of malaise are closely tied to our sleep habits. Insufficient sleep disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm—also known as the biological clock—which is associated with various disorders and issues, including Alzheimer’s disease, weight gain, and mental health conditions such as depression.
Additionally, eating or sleeping at irregular hours can have a longer-lasting impact on health than we think.
Family physician Dr. Nick Knight told GQ that when you are exhausted, your body activates the “fight or flight” nervous system, which can lead to feelings of nausea.
Excess stress or lack of sleep can also make you feel nauseous upon waking. (Photo: Freepik).
Low Blood Sugar
Dr. Janice Johnston mentions that if your blood sugar is low, it can cause feelings of weakness and fatigue.
“Low blood sugar can result from missing balanced meals with fiber and complex carbs, or simply from skipping meals. If you wake up with a stomach ache, it may be because you skipped dinner or didn’t eat enough the day before,” Dr. Janice Johnston explains.
Dr. Daniela Jodorkovsky recommends eating regular meals even if you don’t feel like it. “It may sound counterintuitive, but having a light snack when feeling nauseous in the morning can completely alleviate nausea symptoms,” she advises.
Acid Reflux
According to Dr. Janice Johnston, morning nausea can also be caused by your diet. For example, having a large meal right before bed, especially one high in fatty foods, can lead to acid reflux.
Stomach acid can travel up the esophagus and cause a burning sensation, sometimes leading to discomfort in the stomach that makes you feel nauseous upon waking.
Dehydration
Family physician Nick Knight indicates that not drinking enough water can also lead to feelings of fatigue upon waking.
“Sleeping for a long period overnight can easily lead to dehydration, and this condition worsens if you’ve consumed alcohol before sleeping. When you stay hydrated, symptoms stabilize,” Dr. Nick Knight tells GQ.
Anxiety
According to Insider, anxiety can be a cause of nausea, particularly if you have an important event happening in the morning.
Dr. Janice Johnston states: “The gut or digestive system is closely linked with the central nervous system and the brain. These two systems communicate with each other, so when one system is affected, the other will have issues as well.”
Mild nausea can be treated with small changes, but if the problem persists, you should see a doctor. (Photo: Freepik).
When feeling stressed or highly anxious, certain hormones are released. When they enter your digestive tract, they can disrupt digestion and cause stomach discomfort.
If you are lying in bed and stressing about a test, or feeling anxious about an upcoming event, you may experience nausea.
If anxiety is affecting your daily life and you are suffering from panic attacks, this could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. It is important to consult a specialist for evaluation.
Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion can also be a culprit. According to Healthline, blocked nasal passages or sinuses can create pressure in the inner ear, leading to stomach pain and nausea.
On the other hand, the National Health Service of Britain lists suggestions to help alleviate nausea, including breathing fresh air, drinking peppermint or ginger tea, distracting yourself by listening to music or watching a movie, consuming ginger-containing foods, and eating smaller, more frequent meals.
“Of course, if you have concerning symptoms such as vomiting, weight loss, severe headaches, or abdominal pain, please consult a doctor,” advises Dr. Daniela Jodorkovsky.
