From Irritable Bowel to Fibromyalgia
After a night of sleep, most people will feel better the next morning than before they went to sleep. Fresh, rested and ready for a new day. Yet for many the opposite is true. Many health problems arise in the morning.
Irritable bowel syndrome
Sore bowels, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating and flatulence. All symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS. The so-called ‘morning diarrhea’ is a common problem of this disease. The symptoms of IBS are different for everyone. In some cases, symptoms can be relieved by avoiding alcohol and carbonated drinks. A low-fat diet and less caffeine can also offer a solution.
Cough
A condition that many people suffer from in the morning is cough. This is often caused by reflux. Lying down at night causes stomach acid to rise and irritate the airways. This causes a strong urge to cough. The complaints can be prevented by avoiding hearty meals and not eating too late before going to bed.
Certain medications can also trigger morning coughing. For example, it is known that ACE inhibitors, drugs that people receive for high blood pressure, can cause dry cough. The complaint usually arises a few months after starting the medication. If you stop taking the drugs, the coughing will stop within two months. Always discuss this with your treating doctor first.
Another cause can be a buildup of mucus in the throat from a cold, flu, allergy or even pregnancy. An allergy to house mites can also trigger coughing.
Gout
Another disease that often causes symptoms in the morning is gout. Gout is an inflammation of the joints. In the body, cells are constantly broken down and replaced by new ones. This process releases a substance called purine, which is broken down into uric acid. Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood, after which it is excreted by the kidneys through the urine.
A person can have too much uric acid in their blood for a variety of reasons. It then forms crystals that, among other things, precipitate in the joints. The body sees those crystals as unnatural invaders and gets to work to clean them up. The painful inflammation that accompanies it is called an acute gout attack.
Several studies have shown that gout attacks are most common late at night and early in the morning. This could be because the inflammatory process is worse at night and the joints are colder.
Headache
In most cases, migraines start in the morning. Other types of headaches, including tension headaches, also cause the most complaints in the morning. Several factors can be responsible for this. For example, between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m., the presence of natural painkillers, such as endorphins and enkaphalin, in the body is at its lowest level. At the same time, there is a lot of adrenaline in the body. People with COPD also often suffer from headaches, which are at their worst in the morning. That’s because they don’t breathe deeply enough at night. It may help to sleep on more pillows or tilt the bed slightly.
Sore throat
All forms of sore throat, whether caused by a virus or bacterial infection, are often worse in the morning. You can also suffer from it because the throat has been ‘dry’ all night. This is often caused by dry air in the room or because your nose is blocked and you slept with your mouth open. A humidifier can help raise the humidity in the room. A glass of water or a cup of tea with honey can also help with a sore throat.
Backache
Many people experience back pain after a night’s sleep. In most cases, this is due to poor posture or because the mattress is too soft. Invest in a good mattress and pillow. This can make a big difference. Other back conditions can also cause the complaints. People with osteoarthritis in the back, for example, often need hours to be able to move properly and pain-free after waking up. The blood circulation decreases because you lie still all night. Movement will start it up again and the symptoms will subside.
Fibromyalgia
This disease is characterized by pain and stiffness. This is usually worst in the morning. Fibromyalgia literally means ‘pain in connective tissue and muscles’. The condition causes pain, stiffness, and fatigue, which are chronic. It is unknown what exactly causes people with fibromyalgia to develop symptoms. There is nothing in their bodies that can explain the condition. It is therefore very difficult to determine. Also, there are no drugs to cure the condition. However, the symptoms can be reduced with painkillers, moderate exercise and rest.
