What Causes Nausea At Night?

Nausea isn't a disease but a symptom of an underlying illness, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It's a queasy feeling in the stomach that could lead to vomiting but doesn't always. It can be caused by a variety of things, such as a viral or bacterial gut infection, improper diet, motion sickness, heartburn, or pain (per Healthline). Nausea might also be an indicator of some serious health issues, such as liver failure or heart attack. Additionally, some people experience nausea as a side effect of certain strong medications, such as chemotherapy.

Usually, the feeling goes away on its with some proven home remedies for nausea. Otherwise, eating light, getting sufficient rest, staying hydrated, and avoiding physical activity after consuming meals are more methods to alleviate the uneasy feeling (via Cleveland Clinic). Experts further recommend consuming small portions of meals throughout the day instead of having three heavier meals. Nevertheless, it's always best to consult your doctor if nausea persists.

Stress is among the leading causes of nighttime nausea, according to The Health Board. Usually, stress and anxiety hit hard in the wee hours of the night and get disregarded during the day. While a million things can be going on during the day, at night is when you finally have a moment to really think about your day and focus on the details in a calm environment. That's when your worries may amplify and lead to nausea. Keep in mind, pregnant women might experience morning and night sickness in the early weeks of pregnancy as well (per Cleveland Clinic). In fact, nausea may occur during the first two weeks of pregnancy, but it doesn't necessarily mean every pregnant woman experiences it. 

Depending on your lifestyle, diet, and health condition, vomiting may be a result of nausea, per Healthline. In fact, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes a reflex action in the gut that makes the stomach acid flow back up to the mouth. This can lead to acidity, which may result in nausea and vomiting. Additionally, if you eat a heavy meal before bedtime or lay down right after dinner, you might experience indigestion, and later experience an uneasy feeling in your stomach (via The Health Board). At times, this too could lead to vomiting.