Can You Fart in Your Sleep? The Causes of Morning Gas

Flatulence occurs more commonly in the morning after sleep


Suspending Bodily Functions (Including Farting) During Sleep


In order to maintain a prolonged state of sleep overnight, we can’t be disrupted by the needs that fill our day. Our bodies are able to put these activities—like needing to wake to eat in the middle of the night like a baby—to rest during sleep. Therefore, we can normally make it through the night without feeling a need to eat, drink, urinate, or defecate. In various states of disease, or as a natural part of aging, however, this suppression may begin to fail. As an older person might attest, waking to urinate (as occurs in nocturia) can be greatly disrupting to a night’s rest. This may be worsened by untreated sleep apnea. Diabetes may affect the nerves and cause the loss of stool during sleep.

Although we do not fully understand the metabolism of sleep, it is clear that there are hormonal changes that occur that allow us to use our stored energy (including from the liver) and suppress our desire to eat. Fasting eight hours during the day (like skipping lunch) is a somewhat uncomfortable feat, but it is accomplished easily on a nightly basis with the assistance of these hormones and energy stores.

The Role of the Nervous System and Rectum in Sleep



You're unlikely to pass gas while asleep. You may do so when you awaken, even if only briefly, into a transient state of consciousness.


The Cause of Morning Gas and Farting

Why do we often pass gas in the morning? The answer is somewhat obvious: We need to. In fact, throughout the night, the healthy bacteria that work in our gut to help us digest food continue to do their work and create gas. As this gas accumulates, we may not release it while our autonomic nervous system maintains closure of the anal sphincter. However, when we awaken and realize that we need to pass gas, this inevitably follows. The volume is higher after a night of filling the colon with gas and it may be increased even further with aerophagia. For comparison, think how much gas accumulates on a long airline flight or a full day at the office; it is no wonder that we need to fart boisterously in the morning!

A Word From Verywell

If this is bothersome, you could consider the use of over-the-counter products that relieve bloating and gas, like simethicone (often sold as Gas-X). It may be worsened by certain foods that could be avoided. Otherwise, take pride in knowing that farting is a normal bodily function, especially upon awakening in the morning and just let 'em rip.

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