Farting or passing gas, while often a source of embarrassment, is a natural body function and usually harmless. However, sometimes they can be flammable if they contain hydrogen and methane, but that shouldn’t be an issue unless you try and test it.
Farting in your sleep is usually due to diet and lifestyle. But some digestive disorders can also cause farting.
Let’s learn about it more in detail.
What Is a Fart?
Flatulence or farting is the
release of gas
from the digestive system through the rectum. The gas we release in a fart is a byproduct of the digestive process that takes place in the stomach and intestines.
As the body digests food, complex components like carbohydrates don’t break down completely in the stomach. When they reach the intestines, bacteria and enzymes, break them down through
fermentation,
which produces gas.
This
fermentation,
nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and methane. The exact composition varies based on the person’s diet and the bacteria present in the intestines.
However, sometimes the gas contains other compounds, such as hydrogen sulphide, which makes them smelly. Still, most gas
does not have
an odor. When flatulence does have a smell, it’s due to the large intestine’s bacteria releasing small amounts of gases with sulfur.
Plus, when you swallow air while eating, drinking, or even talking, this air can accumulate in your digestive system. After swallowing air, some of it is absorbed into the bloodstream and then expelled through your lungs when you exhale, but a portion of it can travel through the digestive tract. Once the swallowed air reaches the lower gastrointestinal tract, it can contribute to the formation of gas in the intestines.
Regardless, farting is the body’s natural way of expelling excess gas that has built up in the digestive system.
What Causes Farting in Sleep?
Gas is produced as a natural byproduct of the
undigested food
in the intestines. However, certain factors can amplify the frequency of this process, especially during sleep when the body is working on restorative functions.
Let’s delve deeper into the primary culprits that might affect the frequency of nighttime flatulence.
Foods & Drinks
Some foods and drinks contribute to gas production in your gut. These foods are called flatulogenic because they contribute to how much gas your digestive system produces. Here is a list of foods you should watch out for to avoid nighttime gas.
- Beans and lentils: The oligosaccharides in these foods can produce gas when broken down by bacteria in the intestines.
- Cruciferous vegetables: These vegetables — broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts — contain raffinose sugar which produces gas on fermentation.
- Carbonated drinks: The carbon dioxide gas in carbonated beverages can be released as a burp or a fart.
- Dairy: Lactose in dairy products can be hard to digest and produce gas, especially in lactose-intolerant individuals.
- Whole grains: Fiber present in whole grains can produce gas during digestion.
- Artificial sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, are not fully absorbed in the small intestine, leading to fermentation by gut bacteria in the large intestine.
- Spicy foods: Capsaicin and other compounds in spicy foods can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to increased gas production.
- Fatty foods: Because they slow down digestion, fatty foods allow more time for gas-producing bacteria to ferment undigested food in the intestines, leading to gas buildup.
However, the foods that can trigger gas symptoms can vary from person to person, and some will have food sensitivities that others do not. Symptoms of food intolerances can include digestive issues, such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation, as well as headaches, skin problems, and fatigue after consuming specific foods.
Sometimes it’s also just not what certain foods you eat but when or how. For example, eating too close to bedtime and then lying down flat is more likely to cause acid reflux and digestive upset. Eating too fast can also introduce more air into your digestion, which can create a need to release more gas.
Menstrual Cycle
During a 28-day normal menstrual cycle, many hormonal changes take place in people who menstruate. In the luteal phase, or the second half of the cycle, progesterone rises, which can slow down gastrointestinal motility, leading to bloating and increased gas.
Lifestyle Factors
Lifestyle factors like your eating habits, stress levels, and physical activity will also affect your gut health and gas production. Many of these also impact your ability to sleep well, as a few of our sleep health guides have covered:
Quick consumption of meals can lead to swallowing excess air, which eventually requires to be expelled. Chewing gums and drinking through the snow can introduce more air into the digestive system.
Chronic stress impacts your gut health and motility. Moreover, you need to move enough per day to facilitate the passage of gas through the digestive system.
Medical Issues
Certain health conditions can exacerbate gas production and release, such as:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
This condition can cause a range of digestive symptoms, including increased gas. It’s a chronic condition that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, although
IBS
doesn’t cause inflammation or permanent damage to the digestive tract like IBD.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
IBD refers to two chronic disorders that cause inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.
These conditions,
Crohn’s disease
and ulcerative colitis, involve the immune system mistakenly attacking the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in long-term inflammation and potential damage to the digestive organs.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
This condition is associated with an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, which produces gas.
SIBO
is also a cause of chronic diarrhea and malabsorption, or the body’s inability to absorb or assimilate nutrients from the digestive tract properly. Patients with SIBO may also suffer from unintentional weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and osteoporosis.
Gastrointestinal infections
Bacterial or viral infections
can affect
the microflora in your gut and increase gas production, along with other symptoms like diarrhea.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
GERD is
a chronic digestive disorder where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, leading to symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and irritation of the esophageal lining. It primarily causes acid reflux but
GERD
can also lead to increased belching and flatulence.
Food intolerance
Unlike a
food allergy
that involves the immune system’s reaction to a specific food, food intolerances can be non-immune responses to food that typically lead to digestive discomfort or other mild symptoms. People with food intolerance conditions lack enzymes to digest food properly. Conditions like lactose intolerance can lead to increased gas when trigger foods are consumed.
Celiac Disease
Neither a food allergy nor an intolerance,
celiac disease
is a genetic autoimmune disease. When individuals with celiac disease consume gluten in foods, their immune system triggers inflammation and damages the lining of the small intestine.
This damage impairs the intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients, including
carbohydrates.
Undigested carbohydrates then pass into the large intestine, where they can ferment and produce excess gas.
Additionally, the altered gut microbiome in individuals with celiac disease can contribute to increased gas production and gastrointestinal discomfort.
When Should I See a Doctor for Gas Symptoms?
Experiencing occasional gas is normal, and it’s not usually a cause for concern. And doing so
up to 25 times
a day is considered normal.
However, if you’re consistently troubled by excessive or bothersome gas symptoms, it’s a good idea to consider seeking medical advice. Timely medical evaluation can help identify and manage any underlying gastrointestinal conditions or disorders causing your gas symptoms.
Here are some scenarios in which you should consult a doctor about your gas symptoms:
Persistent or Severe Symptoms
If you’re experiencing persistent and severe gas symptoms such as frequent bloating, abdominal pain, excessive flatulence, or changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhea or constipation), it’s essential to see a doctor. These symptoms could be indicative of an underlying digestive disorder or gastrointestinal condition that needs evaluation.
Unexplained Weight Loss
If you’re unintentionally losing weight and experiencing gas symptoms, it could be a sign of an underlying medical issue like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or certain
gastrointestinal cancers
Unexplained weight loss should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Blood in Stool
If you notice
blood in your stool,
whether it’s red or black, it’s crucial to see a doctor promptly.
Blood in the stool can be a symptom of various gastrointestinal conditions, including bleeding ulcers, hemorrhoids, a tear in your anal sphincter, or even
colorectal cancer.
Family History
If you have a family history of gastrointestinal conditions like colorectal cancer, Crohn’s disease, or celiac disease, you may be at higher risk. Regular check-ups and discussions with your healthcare provider can help monitor your digestive health.
Persistent Discomfort
If gas symptoms cause significant discomfort, disrupt your daily life, or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms like fatigue, fever, or unexplained pain, consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues and get professional help to relieve gas symptoms.
Tips to Reduce Excessive Gas at Night
Flatulence at night can be uncomfortable and disruptive. Sometimes it can be embarrassing, especially when you are on a sleepover.
Here are some tips to help you reduce excessive gas at night.
Watch What You Eat
Some nutritious foods — beans, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, and onions — can be healthy but are also linked with increased flatulence. You should opt for minimizing their intake a bit or avoid these foods at dinner.
Instead of three large meals, consider taking smaller and more frequent meals to provide enough time for your digestive tract to process food better.
Avoid carbonated drinks and dairy products, which can induce extra gas in your system.
Plus, take time to chew food thoroughly and eat slowly to reduce the amount of air swallowed during meals.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water helps regulate many functions in your body. Drinking enough water can help aid in digestion and reduce the risk of constipation. This helps limit the buildup of gas-producing bacteria by keeping the bowel movement right.
Say ‘No’ to Late-Night Snacking
Eating close to bedtime can increase the work of the digestive system. It keeps the digestive process active during sleep and leads to more gas.
It is best to have dinner two to three hours before going to bed. It will provide enough time for the digestive tract to process food.
Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity is essential to stimulate the natural contraction of intestinal muscles. It helps in the expulsion of gas, improves digestion, and prevents bloating.
Probiotics
Taking
probiotics
can enrich your gut with healthy microflora, which aids in digestion and reduces the production of gas in the gut. Consume probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or take supplements.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress has adverse effects on gut health. Engage in destressing activities like deep breathing exercises and regular physical activity to help manage and reduce stress.
Other Useful Tips
Other tips to help you reduce the frequency of flatulence at night include:
- Getting products like simethicone (Gas-X, Mylanta), which can help break down the gas bubbles in the gut, while activated charcoal tablets might help reduce both gas and bloating.
- If you are on medications with side effects to cause gas, consult with your healthcare provider. You might want to get your dosage adjusted or take any alternative.
- Keep track of what you eat and drink and note when you experience excessive gas. By identifying the foods that cause gas in your body, you can identify specific triggers.
FAQs
Can you fart in your sleep without knowing?
Farting sleep without realizing it is common. During the deep sleep stage, our sphincter muscles relax, which allows for the passive release of gas. We are unconscious in deep sleep stages that’s why we are typically unaware of such bodily functions, including farting.
It’s also entirely possible to pass gas without consciously knowing it while awake, especially if if the gas release is relatively quiet or odorless.
Do people fart in their sleep every night?
It varies among individuals, their diet, and other factors. However, yes, most people will release gas or fart during sleep. The frequency, volume, and smell of the released gas depend on factors like their diet, digestive health, and sleep position.
Gas passing through the anus happens multiple times a day, with a dozen to two dozen times being within the normal range. So, it is a common occurrence.
Can farts stink up my bed?
It’s possible, but unlikely. When you fart in and out of bed, the odor-causing particles should eventually dissipate into the air around you, causing the smell to fade away. However, these odorous compounds can accumulate over time in your bedding materials, especially if proper ventilation is lacking or if fecal incontinence accompanies your release of gas.
However, if you need to freshen up and deodorize your mattress after passing gas or for any other reason, try a quick run of the vacuum hose over the bed’s surface and sides. Then indulge in a sprinkling of baking soda across the mattress and leave it alone for a few hours, then vacuum it up quickly.
What is your body telling you when you fart?
Flatulence is a natural body function. It is usually normal and common. However, excessive or odorous farts might indicate your dietary choices, food intolerances, or digestive issues that need medical professionals concerns.
Conclusion
Farting in bed can be embarrassing. However, it is a natural indication of our digestive processes at work. Though it occurs unconsciously during the depths of sleep, it’s a testament to the body’s continuous efforts.
But you can still manage to reduce flatulence by limiting some foods like broccoli and lentils and adding some healthy lifestyle activities like staying hydrated and adding some movement to your routine.
