Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Improving Sleep Quality
• Method 2 of 3: Using home remedies
• Method 3 of 3: Medical Assistance

Diarrhea is characterized by watery, loose stools. No one is immune from it, and it causes great discomfort, especially if it interferes with a person's sleep. Diarrhea can be caused by many different reasons, including a bacterial or viral infection, parasites, indigestion, intestinal illness, or a reaction to certain foods or medications. Diarrhea usually goes away within a few days, and there are several ways to improve your well-being and sleep quality during this period.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Improving Sleep Quality

1. 1 Have chamomile tea. Chamomile tea can help relieve inflammation caused by diarrhea. In addition, this well-known natural remedy promotes sleep. Try drinking a cup of chamomile tea about an hour before bed.
   • To make chamomile tea, pour a glass (240 milliliters) of boiling water over one teabag or one teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers. When the tea is brewed, remove the tea bag or strain the liquid. Drink the tea after it has cooled slightly.
2. 2 Try relaxation techniques. For those with chronic gut problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome, it is often recommended to use daily relaxation techniques. Regular relaxation techniques are recommended because stress can worsen bowel problems, including diarrhea. To relieve symptoms of diarrhea, try relaxing for 10-15 minutes before bed. The following methods can be used:
   • deep breathing;
   • progressive muscle relaxation;
   • meditation.
3. 3 Take your dose of diarrhea medication just before bed. Over-the-counter diarrhea remedies such as Smecta, Loperamide and Enterosgel are available in pharmacies to relieve symptoms and help you fall asleep for a few hours. Try to take your dose just before bed to help you fall asleep more easily and stay awake longer.
   • Note that over-the-counter drugs should not be given to a child without a doctor's approval.
   • If your diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection or parasites, diarrhea medications can make your condition worse. In this case, antibiotics are required. If you are unsure about taking over-the-counter diarrhea medications, talk to your doctor.
4. 4 Ease the pain. In some cases, diarrhea is accompanied by pain, which also makes it difficult to fall asleep. In this case, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers to help you fall asleep in the evening. While these drugs will not cure the diarrhea, they will ease the pain and help you fall asleep.
   • Try a dose of paracetamol or ibuprofen. Review and follow instructions for use. Be aware that over-the-counter drugs can interact with other medications, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements. If you are not sure if a particular drug is safe for you, consult your doctor.
   • Never give acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) to children, as it can cause Reye's syndrome. This serious illness can be life-threatening and can develop in some children as a result of the ingestion of acetylsalicylic acid.
5. 5 Consider sleeping closer to the restroom. Sometimes diarrhea forces you to get up at night, which is why you should think about sleeping closer to the toilet. This will make it easier for you to get to the restroom, and you can sleep more peacefully if you know the restroom is nearby.
   • For example, if the restroom is at the other end of the house or apartment, consider sleeping in the room closest to it (for example, on the couch).

Method 2 of 3: Using home remedies

1. 1 Maintain the body's water balance. Diarrhea loses large amounts of fluid and electrolytes. Symptoms of dehydration, such as thirst, headache, and nausea, are severe on their own and make it difficult to fall asleep. To stay hydrated, drink not only plain water, but also liquids with electrolytes. These are drinks with sugar and salts, for example:
   • fruit juices (however, note that fruit juices can worsen diarrhea in children - if your child likes juices, dilute them with water);
   • sports drinks;
   • Non-caffeinated sugary drinks (note that soda can worsen diarrhea in children)
   • broths;
   • oral rehydration solutions such as Regidron, Humana Electrolyte or Hydrovit. These solutions can be given to children. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the correct dosage for your child. Read and follow the enclosed instructions for use. If you are breastfeeding, continue to do so as usual if he has diarrhea.
2. 2 Avoid caffeine. Caffeine not only interferes with sleep, but also stimulates bowel movements, which can worsen diarrhea.It is found in the following drinks and foods:
   • coffee;
   • black and green tea;
   • many carbonated drinks;
   • many energy drinks;
   • chocolate.
3. 3 Don't eat a lot at dinner. Foods that are hard to digest are likely to worsen the situation and force you to use the restroom in the middle of the night. Avoid the following foods:
   • Fatty food. These are various fast food dishes (french fries, donuts, fatty pizza, fried and breaded meat and vegetables).
   • Spicy food. Some people find that spicy or heavily seasoned foods are more likely to cause digestive upset. Even if you enjoy spicy foods, try to refrain from them until your condition improves.
   • Foods high in dietary fiber. These include whole grain breads, whole wheat bread and pasta, bran, and whole grain cereals.
   • Limit your intake of dairy products. With and after diarrhea, both children and adults sometimes have difficulty absorbing milk. Some babies take more than a month to digest milk normally again after diarrhea.
4. 4 Eat foods that are easily digestible. These foods can help you cope with upset diarrhea and prevent it from getting worse. Try to include the following foods in your diet:
   • bananas;
   • white rice without sauces and spices;
   • boiled potatoes;
   • boiled carrots;
   • baked chicken without fat and skin;
   • crackers;
   • regular toast;
   • eggs.
5. 5 Restore your intestinal microflora. The beneficial bacteria present in the intestines are essential for normal digestion and help to cope with diarrhea. This method can be helpful if diarrhea is caused by recent antibiotic use. The intestinal microflora can be restored in two ways:
   • Eat live yogurt. These yoghurts contain bacteria that are good for digestion.
   • Take probiotics. Food supplements are commercially available that contain bacteria similar to those found in a healthy digestive tract. These bacteria help break down food. Before taking probiotic supplements, check with your doctor to see if they are safe for you.
6. 6 Take activated charcoal. Activated charcoal absorbs toxins present in the intestines and prevents the body from absorbing them, thereby helping to relieve diarrhea. It has almost no side effects, so it's worth giving it a try. Follow the directions for use and do not exceed the recommended dosage.

Method 3 of 3: Medical Assistance

1. 1 If diarrhea is affecting your sleep, see your doctor. Your body needs sleep to heal, so tell your doctor if diarrhea is interfering with sleep. Your doctor may prescribe medications to help you sleep. For chronic diarrhea (one that lasts longer than four weeks), you may need to take medications or make lifestyle changes to cope with the problem.
   • If you have chronic diarrhea that often interferes with sleep, you should probably see a gastroenterologist.
2. 2 See your doctor if the diarrhea persists. Although diarrhea is unpleasant, in most cases it is not associated with any serious medical condition. However, you should consult your doctor in the following cases:
   • diarrhea lasts longer than two days;
   • with symptoms of dehydration such as infrequent urination, dark or cloudy urine, dry skin, exhaustion, headache, nausea, and dizziness;
   • severe pain in the abdomen or rectum;
   • temperature higher than 38.9 ° C;
   • blood or pus in your stools;
   • black or tarry stools.
3. 3 See your doctor if your child has severe diarrhea. Children, especially infants, become dehydrated much faster than adults. See your doctor for the following symptoms:
   • diarrhea lasts longer than one day;
   • signs of dehydration include dry mouth, dry tongue, crying without tears, not urinating for three hours, fever, lethargy, irritability, sunken eyes, cheeks, or fontanelle;
   • temperature 38.9 ° C and above;
   • blood or pus in stools, black or tarry stools.