Common Causes of Morning Nausea when living with autoimmune disease

 

1. Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

Overnight fasting can cause your blood sugar to drop, especially if you didn’t eat much the night before. This can trigger nausea, shakiness, or lightheadedness upon waking.

2. Dehydration

Even mild dehydration can lead to nausea. If you’re not drinking enough water during the day—or losing fluids overnight through sweating or medications—you might wake up queasy.

3. Acid Reflux or GERD

Lying flat can allow stomach acid to creep upward, especially if you ate late or have reflux. This can cause nausea, a sour taste, or burning in the throat.

4. Stress or Anxiety

Morning dread, anticipatory stress, or chronic anxiety can manifest physically. The vagus nerve, which connects your gut and brain, plays a role in this gut-brain loop.

5. Medication Side Effects

Some medications (especially painkillers, antidepressants, or supplements like iron) can cause nausea if taken on an empty stomach or before bed.

6. Sleep Disruption or Fatigue

Poor sleep quality or abrupt waking (like from an alarm) can trigger nausea. Your body may still be in a stress response mode when you wake.

What You Can Try

• Eat a small snack before bed (e.g., a banana or a few crackers) to stabilize blood sugar.

• Hydrate first thing in the morning—a glass of water with a pinch of salt or lemon can help.

• Elevate your head while sleeping to reduce reflux.

• Track your medications and consider timing or food pairing.

• Practice gentle morning routines—slow breathing, stretching, or quiet time before rushing into the day.

If this persists or worsens, it’s worth checking in with a GP or integrative practitioner. They may explore thyroid function, gut health, or hormonal shifts—especially if you’re navigating chronic illness or fatigue.