Morning nausea is the feeling that you might throw up when you wake up. You may also have:
-
Sweating
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
Many things can cause morning nausea, not just pregnancy. Below are 23 possible reasons.
23 Common Causes of Morning Nausea
1. Pregnancy (Morning Sickness)
- Nausea and vomiting are common in early pregnancy.
- Usually starts around week 6 and ends by weeks 16–20.
- Called “morning sickness,” but it can happen any time of day.
2. Poor Sleep or Fatigue
- Lack of sleep, jet lag, or waking up too early can upset your body.
- This can lead to nausea.
3. Inner Ear Infection
- Your inner ear helps with balance.
- An infection can make you dizzy and nauseous.
4. Hunger or Low Blood Sugar
- If you haven’t eaten for many hours (like overnight), your blood sugar may drop.
- This can make you feel weak, dizzy, or sick.
- Skipping breakfast can make it worse.
5. Acid Reflux
- Stomach acid can rise into your throat, especially when lying down.
- This causes a sour taste, burping, and nausea.
6. Sinus Problems or Postnasal Drip
- Congestion or mucus dripping down your throat can upset your stomach.
- It can also cause dizziness and nausea.
7. Anxiety or Stress
- Stress can make you feel sick in the morning.
- Big events (like a job interview) or ongoing stress may trigger nausea.
8. Hangover
- Drinking too much alcohol can cause nausea the next morning.
- Alcohol leads to dehydration and low blood sugar.
9. Food Allergies or Overeating
- Eating something you’re sensitive to can cause nausea.
- Eating too much (especially in the morning) can also make you feel sick.
10. Gastroparesis (Slow Stomach Emptying)
- When your stomach doesn’t empty food properly, it can cause nausea and vomiting.
11. Gallstones
- Hard deposits in the gallbladder can block digestion.
- This causes severe pain, nausea, and vomiting.
12. Pain Medications
- Some strong painkillers (like opioids) can cause nausea.
13. Chemotherapy
- Cancer treatments often cause nausea and vomiting.
- Even thinking about treatment can trigger nausea.
14. Head Injury or Concussion
- A brain injury increases pressure in the skull, leading to nausea.
- Vomiting after a head injury needs emergency care.
15. Food Poisoning
- Eating spoiled food can make you nauseous, even hours later.
- You may also have vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps.
16. Stomach Virus (Gastroenteritis)
- A viral or bacterial infection can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
17. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
- A serious diabetes complication where the body burns fat instead of sugar.
- Causes nausea, extreme thirst, and confusion. Get emergency help.
18. Stomach Ulcers
- Sores in the stomach lining cause pain and nausea.
19. Constipation
- When digestion slows down, it can lead to nausea.
20. Motion Sickness
- Your brain gets mixed signals about movement (like in a car).
- This causes dizziness and nausea.
21. Dehydration
- Not drinking enough water can make you feel sick.
22. Medications
- Some prescription drugs list nausea as a side effect.
23. Migraines
- Severe headaches often come with nausea.
How to Treat Morning Nausea
If Caused by Pregnancy:
- Eat small, frequent meals.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Try antacids (ask your doctor first).
If Caused by Diet or Lifestyle:
- Avoid heavy meals before bed.
- Eat a small snack when you wake up.
- Limit alcohol.
- Reduce stress with relaxation techniques.
If Caused by Medication:
- Talk to your doctor about switching medicines.
- They may prescribe anti-nausea drugs.
If Caused by Stomach or Ear Problems:
- Treating the main issue (like acid reflux or an infection) should help.
If Caused by Motion Sickness:
- Sit where you feel less movement (like the front seat of a car).
- Look at the horizon.
- Try anti-nausea patches or pills.
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if:
- Nausea lasts more than a few days.
- You can’t keep food or water down.
- You have severe pain, fever, or dizziness.
Morning nausea has many causes, but most can be treated with simple changes or medical help.