Farting is a little embarrassing, but everyone does it. The act of excess gas leaving your digestive tract is labeled as “farting.” It’s fairly common to do during the day. In fact, the average person farts 5 to 15 times a day. However, there’s a fair number of people who fart while they sleep.
Can you really fart in your sleep?
Yes, you can. The muscles around your butt relax when you sleep, which can allow some air to pass through. In many cases, the sleep-farter isn’t aware of it happening. In other cases, it can actually wake the person up.
What causes sleep-farting?
When excess gas builds up in the body, it tries to escape and usually finds a path through the rear exit.
The cause is usually dietary, but it can also be caused by digestive disorders, food intolerances, stress, or changes in eating habits.
How to stop sleep-farting?
If you’re troubled by passing gas in the wee hours of the night, here are some tips to keep your bedroom quiet:
- Reduce high-fiber foods, dairy, fried food, and fatty food. You can gradually add them back into your diet once the symptoms stop.
- Kick the caffeine habit. Sugary drinks can cause gas. Drink water instead.
- Don’t eat right before bed. Make sure your last meal or snack is several hours before going to sleep so your body has time to digest.
- Give anti-gas pills a try, for a temporary solution.
- If you smoke, stop. Smoking increases the amount of air that you swallow, which puts more air in your digestive tract. The result is farting.
Will this condition stop on its own?
Yes. Usually, by making a few dietary changes, people can curb their sleep-farting. Try the tips above, but if symptoms don’t improve consider talking with your doctor.
