
Diarrhea, including nighttime diarrhea, can occur if a person has an infection due to a virus or bacteria; has consumed certain foods; or has certain allergies. It is likely that diarrhea will only last a short time. Chronic or ongoing nocturnal diarrhea causes are usually more serious. Here we look at various causes of nighttime diarrhea.
- Secretory diarrhea. Share on Pinterest Causes of diarrhea may include foods, infections, and stress. ...
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) ...
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) ...
- Microscopic colitis. ...
- Diabetes.
Why do I get diarrhea every day after lunch?
What causes diarrhea after eating?
- Causes of diarrhea. There are many different causes of PD or diarrhea after eating, depending on whether it is acute or chronic.
- Home care. Soup broth and over the counter medication may help to treat diarrhea. ...
- When to see a doctor. ...
- Treatment. ...
- Prevention. ...
- Outlook. ...
What are the reasons for constant diarrhea?
What we learned
- Chronic diarrhea occurs when diarrhea symptoms do not clear up in a few days, but instead last for more than a week.
- Chronic diarrhea is caused by a long list of factors, like diet, medications, infections, and allergies.
- Dietary changes are an effective, holistic way to treat certain cases of chronic diarrhea
Why am I having diarrhea if I am not sick?
- Ongoing infections from bacteria and parasites. ...
- Certain medications like antibiotics, cancer drugs, and some antacids.
- A colon disease like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. ...
- Irritable bowel syndrome and other functional bowel disorders. ...
When you have diarrhea for a week or longer?
Luckily, diarrhea is usually short-lived, lasting no more than a few days. But when diarrhea lasts beyond a few days into weeks, it usually indicates that there's another problem — such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or a more serious disorder, including persistent infection, celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

How to prevent diarrhea at night?
Limit spicy, greasy and heavy meals for dinner and minimize the intake of possible triggers like alcoholic or caffeinated beverages. Opt to exercise in the morning or during the day if late night workouts seem to correlate with nighttime diarrhea.
Why does sleeplessness cause diarrhea?
Psychological factors may contribute to diarrhea in the backdrop of certain conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and sometimes psychological stress on its own can hasten bowel motility and lead to diarrhea. If there are specific stressors at night or with nightmares when asleep, then diarrhea may occur or be aggravated. Sleep disorders may also contribute to diarrhea for various reasons, one of which is the stress that sleeplessness may cause.
Why is water pumped into the small intestine?
Normally water is pumped into the small intestine to facilitate digestion and absorption of nutrients. This water is later reabsorbed in the colon. However, in secretory diarrhea there is excessive pumping of water into the intestines which cannot be reabsorbed sufficiently to form soft solid stool. Bacterial toxins, laxatives, hormones, certain ...
Is diarrhea time specific?
Posted by Dr. Chris. Diarrhea is usually not time-specific in that it does not typically occur at some times of the day and not at others. However, some people may find that diarrheal stool is more likely to occur with eating certain foods or specific activities which may then cause the diarrhea to occur at those times.
Can you have diarrhea after taking a drug?
This diarrhea may only occur hours after the drug is consumed and this may happen during sleep. Another effect that may be related to medication is when diarrheal conditions are being treated. The drug used in treating these conditions may wear off during the course of the night.
Can diarrhea occur at night?
Diarrhea may arise at anytime, either during the day or at night, while awake or when asleep. Therefore all causes of chronic diarrhea, whether persistent or recurrent, needs to be considered as a possible factor in nocturnal diarrhea. Read more on chronic diarrhea.
Is diarrhea a complication?
Irrespective of the type of diarrhea or causes, it is important to seek medical attention for severe and/or persistent diarrhea. The main complication from diarrhea is dehydration which can be serious and even life-threatening if left untreated.
What causes diarrhea in the body?
An infection is the most common cause. It could be viral, bacterial or parasitic. These germs can lead to a gastrointestinal infection, and diarrhea is the body’s natural way of flushing them out.
What is nocturnal diarrhea?
As the name suggests, nocturnal diarrhea is loose and watery bowel movements that happen repeatedly and almost uncontrollably at night. Whether it’s day or night, this circumstance is the result of one of or more of the following factors: Nighttime diarrhea has happened to even the best of us at one time or another.
How long does diarrhea last?
Lasts for Multiple Weeks. Most episodes of nighttime diarrhea thankfully only last one or two nights. However, if your case continues, you may be battling a parasite, virus or bacterial infection. A doctor or lab could examine your stool to confirm or rule out one of these possibilities.
How to stop stomach clench at night?
Limit caffeine consumption to normal levels. Take a daily probiotic to encourage a habitat of healthy gut bacteria. Manage stress so it doesn’t make your stomach clench at night. Check your prescription medications for side effects like diarrhea and talk to your doctor about switching or stopping the medicine.
Why won't my fever go down?
A fever that won’t go down or disappear could be a sign of a more severe infection. If your diarrhea is incessant and it’s accompanied by a fever, consult with a physician.
What are the side effects of diabetes?
When this happens to the body, one of the possible side effects is nocturnal diarrhea.
What does it mean when you have diarrhea?
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “coming out of both ends.” Well, if you have diarrhea, you may experience nausea along with it.
Why do I have diarrhea at night?
Causes. Treatment. Prevention. Complications. Takeaway. Nocturnal diarrhea refers to diarrhea that happens at night. Chronic nocturnal diarrhea can be a sign of a more serious health condition, such as diabetes, a bowel disorder, or an infection. Persistent diarrhea can also interrupt sleep and affect the quality of life.
Why do I have diarrhea?
Causes of diarrhea may include foods, infections, and stress. Secretory diarrhea occurs when the intestine cannot properly absorb electrolytes. This is a common cause of both acute and chronic diarrhea. Secretory diarrhea can result from: alcoholism. bacterial toxins.
What are the symptoms of nocturnal diarrhea?
Nocturnal diarrhea symptoms commonly includes the following: bloating. fever. interrupted sleep. nausea. stomach pain. the urge to pass stool. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and they will also typically be present during the day.
What is the bowel disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) IBD refers to several chronic conditions that cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Up to 1.6 million people in the United States experience IBD. IBD causes inflammation, unlike IBS. It also leads to changes in the gut that can increase the risk of bowel cancer.
How long does it take for diarrhea to clear up?
Mild diarrhea can clear up on its own within a few days. During this time, the focus of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and keep a person hydrated. Severe or chronic diarrhea should be reported to a doctor, who will investigate the underlying cause and formulate a treatment plan. Some treatment options may include:
How to treat nocturnal diarrhea?
managing stress through relaxation techniques and a healthful lifestyle. staying hydrated, with water, juices, and clear broths. reducing the intake of caffeine and avoiding alcohol. Underlying conditions that contribute to nocturnal diarrhea will also require treatment.
What causes bowel movements?
pain during bowel movements. stomach pain and cramps. vomiting. weight loss. The exact cause of IBD is unknown, though risk factors include having a family history of bowel conditions, being a smoker, and taking certain medications. Most people with IBD are diagnosed before the age of 30.
Why does diarrhea drain at night?
It can be draining since it impacts sleep patterns and can lead to dehydration.
What to eat if you have diarrhea at night?
Some good foods to include when you have nighttime diarrhea include bananas, white rice without sauce or seasoning, boiled potatoes, boiled carrots, baked chicken with the fat and skin removed, crackers, plain toast, and eggs.
How to get rid of diarrhea after eating?
Limit spicy, greasy, and heavy meals. Avoid triggers like alcohol and caffeinated beverages. Try to have a bowel movement before bed to train your bowel to empty at this time every day. Exercise in the morning or during the day if night workouts seem to be followed by diarrhea.
What is nocturnal diarrhea?
Nocturnal diarrhea is loose, watery, and frequent stool that wakes someone from sleep. Sometimes, the disruption in sleep can further aggravate diarrhea, especially in people who have been diagnosed with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). There are those who suffer from something called osmotic diarrhea.
What happens when you drink too much sugar?
When a person drinks too much sugar or salt, it draws water from the body into the bowel and can cause osmotic diarrhea. This could also be diarrhea in the middle of the night.
What foods can cause diarrhea?
Heavy foods that are hard to digest are more likely to make diarrhea worse. Avoid foods that are greasy or fat. Foods such as fries, donuts, pizza, and breaded meats should be excluded. Also eliminate spicy foods, high-fiber foods and consider cutting down on milk products.
What to drink when you have diarrhea?
A lot of water and electrolytes are lost when a person suffers from diarrhea. It is easy to become dehydrated so make sure you drink enough fluids throughout the day. This can include water, juice, and broth. If you think you are having issues with hydration, consult a doctor.
What is diarrhea caused by?
Bacteria and parasites. Contaminated food or water can transmit bacteria and parasites to your body. When traveling in developing countries, diarrhea caused by bacteria and parasites is often called traveler's diarrhea.
What causes diarrhea in children?
Rotavirus is a common cause of acute childhood diarrhea. The virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has also been associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Bacteria and parasites. Contaminated food or water can transmit bacteria and parasites to your body.
Why do people have difficulty digesting lactose?
People who have difficulty digesting lactose have diarrhea after eating dairy products. Lactose intolerance can increase with age because levels of the enzyme that helps digest lactose drop after childhood. Fructose.
Can gum cause diarrhea?
Sorbitol and mannitol — artificial sweeteners found in chewing gum and other sugar-free products — can cause di arrhea in some otherwise healthy people . Surgery. Abdominal or gallbladder removal surgeries can sometimes cause diarrhea. Other digestive disorders.
Can antibiotics cause diarrhea?
Many medications, such as antibiotics, can cause diarrhea. Antibiotics destroy both good and bad bacteria, which can disturb the natural balance of bacteria in your intestines. Other drugs that cause diarrhea are cancer drugs and antacids with magnesium. Lactose intolerance.
What you need to know
The cause of severe stomach pain and diarrhea depends on the time frame of your symptom.
1. Acute gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is the infection of your stomach, intestine, and colon with bacteria, viruses, or other organisms such as protozoa.
Cause and transmission
The most common cause of acute gastroenteritis is viruses (reference). The common infectious organisms are summarized below:
2 . Foodborne illnesses (food poisoning)
Food poisoning is an illness caused by bacteria or other toxins in food. It typically causes diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. But it can lead to non-gastrointestinal symptoms, which can be severe.
Symptoms of food poisoning
The symptoms start suddenly, it is often more severe than viral gastroenteritis (especially in bacterial organisms).
3 . Food intolerance or allergy
You may wake up in the middle of the night with a sudden attack of abdominal pain and diarrhea. The answer to the cause may be in the food you ate before this attack.
4. Celiac disease
Celiac disease is an extreme form of food allergy. An immune reaction to eating gluten (in wheat, rye, and barley) leads to severe diarrhea and stomach pain.
1. Why does my puppy have diarrhea at night? Parasites
Parasites are the number one cause of puppy diarrhea at night. This is actually to be expected since your young pooch is just starting to come into a relationship with its surroundings.
2. Puppy with diarrhea at night – stress or phobias
Another common cause of puppy diarrhea at night is stress. This may come as a surprise since all you see is a playful, loving, and bouncy little puppy, but stress is extremely common in young canines.
3. Puppy diarrhea at night only – infections
Canines of all life stages come in contact with many viruses and bacteria on a daily basis. But, almost all of these viruses and bacteria are easily dealt with by an adult dog’s highly efficient immune system.
4. Puppy diarrhea only at night – dietary indiscretion
Dietary indiscretion refers to a change in your dog’s feeding regime leading to your dog being less picky about the kind of food they eat.
5. Puppy has diarrhea at night – an abrupt change in diet
Switching your dog’s usual kibble is not something to jump into without considering all of the side effects. When you decide to change your dog’s diet, you should make the transition as slow as possible, with the recommended period being around two weeks.
6. Puppy gets diarrhea at night – inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a condition where an abnormal response from a dog’s immune system causes the intestinal tract to become inflamed. This affects the absorption and digestion of nutrients, and if left untreated, can be detrimental to your dog’s health.
7. Why does my puppy have loose stools at night? Foods and drugs
Humans can develop severe allergic reactions to all sorts of foods and drugs. Unfortunately, our canine companions are not so different from us and can suffer from food or drug-related allergies as well. These allergies are mainly associated with genes, and some breeds of dogs are genetically more prone to developing them than others.
