Passing gas, also known as flatulence, is a normal part of human life and it happens about 13 to 21 times per day as bacteria in the large intestine digest food. Whether it’s during the day or night, farting is something we all do. However, some people are more likely to fart than others and may even experience excessive flatulence during sleep. This article answers the question, is sleep farting a thing?
While sleeping, the body does turn off most autonomic functions. However, the anal sphincter, which keeps the contents of the large intestine contained, is still active and can relax, allowing for the release of gas. While it’s rare for farts to occur during sleep, there are some situations that can cause this, such as swallowing air while eating, certain foods, pregnancy or menstruation, and digestive disorders.
The main reason why you may feel more frequent gas in the morning or overnight is due to changes in your digestive system. As you eat and drink throughout the night, the bacteria in your gut continue to work to digest this food, which produces gas. In addition, your anal sphincter is more relaxed in the evening and early morning than during other parts of the day.
It’s important to note that, although farting is generally harmless and doesn’t lead to serious health issues, it can be uncomfortable or embarrassing. If you’re suffering from severe or frequent gas discomfort, talk to your doctor. They may be able to suggest some dietary changes or medications that can alleviate your symptoms.
If you’re a Pokemon GO player, you might have noticed that your phone will record any sounds it hears in the room where you’re snoozing. Some players are reporting that this includes things like yawns, coughs, and of course, farts.
Apparently, the Pokemon GO app’s new Pokemon Sleep feature records any sound that exceeds a certain decibel level. This is a handy feature that allows you to see how well you slept, but it’s also proving to be somewhat of a gas leak, too.
There are some steps you can take to help reduce your flatulence, including eating smaller meals, avoiding foods that produce excess gas, drinking water rather than carbonated drinks, consuming probiotics, treating constipation, and stopping smoking. However, if your gas is persistent and disruptive to your sleep, talk to your doctor to get to the bottom of the issue. You may need to visit a specialist to diagnose an underlying health problem like IBS, coeliac disease, or food intolerances. And if you’re having a hard time getting a good night’s sleep, check out our article on how to get better quality sleep.