Nausea, Sleep Issues, and Anxiety: A Family Medicine Perspective - Family Medicine

Share to:

Nausea and sleep disturbances?


I've been feeling nauseous at the sight of food lately.
Although I get hungry, I can only eat a few bites before I feel like vomiting.
Basically, the only things I can tolerate are water and soup.
Sometimes I only eat one or two meals a day.
I'm not sure if this is related to my habit of staying up late, but I've been under a lot of stress lately, feeling anxious and on the verge of tears.
I constantly experience unexplained panic, and at night, my heart races, and I feel a bit shaky.
I would like to understand what is happening to my body.
Thank you!

Zhang Kaizhen, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/06/11

Dr. Ye Qianyu reply Family Medicine


Hello! It is recommended that you visit a gastroenterology clinic.
If symptoms such as anxiety and panic do not improve in the short term, you may also need to consult a psychiatry department.
Thank you for your inquiry, and I wish you a speedy recovery!

Reply Date: 2019/06/11

More Info


It sounds like you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that could be related to anxiety, sleep disturbances, and possibly gastrointestinal issues. Let's break down your concerns and explore them from a family medicine perspective.


Nausea and Eating Difficulties
The nausea you are experiencing, especially when it comes to food, can be quite distressing. It's important to note that nausea can be caused by various factors, including anxiety, stress, and even sleep disturbances. When you are under significant stress, your body can react in ways that affect your digestive system. The feeling of wanting to eat but then feeling nauseous after a few bites may indicate that your body is in a heightened state of anxiety, which can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.

Additionally, if you are only consuming liquids like water and soup, you may not be getting the necessary nutrients your body needs, which can further exacerbate feelings of fatigue and anxiety. It might be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider about your symptoms to rule out any underlying medical conditions, such as gastritis or other gastrointestinal disorders.


Sleep Issues
You mentioned that you tend to sleep late and are experiencing symptoms like rapid heartbeat and trembling at night. Poor sleep hygiene can significantly impact your mental and physical health. Lack of sleep can lead to increased anxiety levels, making it harder for you to cope with stress. The rapid heartbeat and trembling sensations you feel at night could be symptoms of anxiety or panic attacks, which are common in individuals who are experiencing high levels of stress.

To improve your sleep, consider establishing a regular sleep schedule where you go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Creating a calming bedtime routine, such as reading or practicing relaxation techniques, can also help signal to your body that it's time to wind down. Limiting screen time before bed and avoiding caffeine or heavy meals in the evening can also contribute to better sleep quality.


Anxiety and Panic Symptoms
The feelings of anxiety, panic, and the urge to cry are significant indicators that your mental health may need attention. Anxiety can manifest in various physical symptoms, including nausea, rapid heartbeat, and trembling. It’s crucial to address these feelings, as they can affect your overall well-being.

Consider reaching out to a mental health professional who can help you explore these feelings further. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common and effective treatment for anxiety that can help you develop coping strategies and address the underlying causes of your anxiety. Additionally, mindfulness practices such as meditation or yoga can be beneficial in managing anxiety symptoms.


Conclusion
In summary, the combination of nausea, sleep issues, and anxiety you are experiencing may be interconnected. It is essential to address each of these symptoms holistically. Start by consulting with a healthcare provider to discuss your gastrointestinal symptoms and explore potential treatments. Additionally, consider seeking support from a mental health professional to help you manage your anxiety and improve your sleep hygiene. Remember, you are not alone in this, and there are resources available to help you navigate these challenges. Taking proactive steps towards your health can lead to significant improvements in your overall quality of life.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Sleep Issues and Physical Symptoms: A Family Medicine Perspective

Hello doctor, I have been experiencing sleep issues for over a month now. I either have light sleep or wake up in the middle of the night, and sometimes I am even aware while I am sleeping. Additionally, for the past two weeks, I have been having headaches almost every day, which...


Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your symptoms include headache, insomnia, body heat and sweating, dizziness, and nausea. Given your age, you may be concerned about the following issues: 1. Infectious diseases: viruses (such as COVID-19, influenza), bacteria, etc. 2. Hormonal disorders: hyperthyroidism, d...

[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues and Physical Symptoms: A Family Medicine Perspective


Navigating Anxiety and Medication: Seeking Help for Family Mental Health Issues

Dear Dr. Chen, I hope this message finds you well! I am a student at Taipei Medical University, and although I am studying a healthcare-related field, I find myself in need of your professional guidance regarding a pressing issue concerning my older brother's family. Recent...


Dr. Chen Wenke reply Psychiatry
Hello, I apologize for not responding to your message immediately. Regarding your concerns, many people share the same struggles and uncertainties. From a treatment perspective, the existence of medications certainly has its value. Anti-anxiety medications are commonly used by ge...

[Read More] Navigating Anxiety and Medication: Seeking Help for Family Mental Health Issues


Struggling with Mental Health: Coping with Sleep Issues and Overwhelming Stress

Hello Doctor: Recently, my sleep quality has been deteriorating. I often wake up in the middle of the night; it used to be once a night, but now it's four times a night. I feel exhausted every day at work. Additionally, I have had poor health since childhood and frequently g...


Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry
Dear friend: It seems that you are facing quite a few challenges, not only emotionally but also physically, with stress from daily life as well as family and interpersonal relationships. You appear to be significantly troubled by your physical discomfort, which seems to have pers...

[Read More] Struggling with Mental Health: Coping with Sleep Issues and Overwhelming Stress


Feeling Tired and Unfocused? Understanding Chronic Fatigue in Family Medicine

I have been feeling fatigued for a long time and need to take a nap; otherwise, I often feel irritable. My appetite and food intake are normal, and my weight hasn't changed much. I don't have insomnia (I sleep for 7 hours), but I still feel like I haven't rested en...


Dr. Chen Bozhang reply Family Medicine
Dear User, You mentioned feeling persistently fatigued, unable to concentrate, and needing to take naps. This may be related to chronic fatigue, which can have various underlying causes, including metabolic disorders, sleep apnea or other sleep disorders, and psychiatric conditi...

[Read More] Feeling Tired and Unfocused? Understanding Chronic Fatigue in Family Medicine


Related FAQ

Nausea

(Family Medicine)

Sleep

(Family Medicine)

Fatigue

(Family Medicine)

Dizziness

(Family Medicine)

General Discomfort

(Family Medicine)

Headache

(Family Medicine)

Weight

(Family Medicine)

Drug Side Effects

(Family Medicine)

Cough

(Family Medicine)

Fever

(Family Medicine)