Viral gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as the stomach flu, is an infection causing inflammation in the lining of the stomach and intestines. Symptoms often include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Since rest is a fundamental component of recovery, minimizing discomfort and managing symptoms while lying down is important for healing. This requires a focused strategy involving body positioning, fluid management, and environmental preparation.
Body Positioning for Symptom Relief
Adjusting your posture can significantly reduce the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms that disrupt sleep. When experiencing nausea or reflux, sleep on your side with your head elevated using several pillows or a wedge. This incline allows gravity to keep stomach contents lower, reducing discomfort and minimizing the risk of pulmonary aspiration should vomiting occur.
Sleeping on the left side is advised for digestive issues, as the stomach is positioned slightly to the left, which helps keep stomach acid settled. If abdominal cramping is a factor, gently bending the knees and placing a pillow between them can help relax the abdominal muscles. Remaining in the side-lying position is safer than lying flat on your back if you must vomit.
If you experience muscle soreness after repeated vomiting, support the torso with pillows to maintain a comfortable position. This helps manage the physical toll the illness takes and promotes deeper rest.
Managing Hydration Without Disrupting Rest
Maintaining adequate hydration is paramount during gastroenteritis, as vomiting and diarrhea lead to a rapid loss of fluids and essential salts. However, consuming large volumes of liquid right before bed can lead to nighttime trips to the bathroom, interrupting necessary sleep. The strategy involves balancing the need for fluid replacement with the desire for uninterrupted rest.
Focus on consuming small, frequent sips of clear fluids throughout the day, such as oral rehydration solutions or broth, which replace electrolytes better than plain water. Avoid large volumes of fluid intake approximately two hours before you intend to sleep. This timing adjustment helps to minimize the pressure on the bladder overnight, promoting longer stretches of rest.
Avoid fluids that can irritate the stomach lining, including acidic juices, highly caffeinated beverages, and drinks with excessive sugar content. These can potentially worsen diarrhea and nausea. Keep a small amount of an electrolyte solution or water near the bedside for small sips if your mouth feels dry during the night.
Setting Up Your Sleep Space for Illness
Environmental adjustments are needed to manage the contagious and messy nature of the stomach flu. The simplest adjustment is positioning yourself as close to a bathroom as possible to minimize the distance needed during sudden episodes of diarrhea. Place a clean, easily accessible bucket or bowl within arm’s reach of the bed, providing a close receptacle for sudden nausea.
Consider using older, easy-to-wash sheets or placing towels over your pillow and mattress to protect your primary bedding from accidents. Maintaining a cool room temperature helps regulate body temperature, especially if you are experiencing a low-grade fever. Keep essential items on a bedside table, including any medications, a thermometer, and a waste bin for used tissues or wipes.
Recognizing Signs to Call a Doctor
While most cases of gastroenteritis resolve with rest and home care, certain warning signs indicate the need for professional medical evaluation. Severe dehydration is the most common serious complication of the stomach flu. Signs of severe dehydration include dizziness, persistent lightheadedness, a significant decrease in urination, or dark, concentrated urine.
Medical attention is necessary if you are unable to keep any fluids down for 24 hours. Other serious symptoms include severe, localized pain in the abdomen, or vomiting and diarrhea that persist for more than two days. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you notice blood in your vomit or stool, or if you develop a high fever above 102°F.