If you've ever had the hiccups, you know they can be a real pain in the diaphragm. And let's face it, nothing ruins a good night's sleep like an annoying bout of these pesky contractions. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get rid of them that don't involve holding your breath until you turn blue.
The Science behind Hiccups
Before we dive into how to cure hiccups (and trust me, we're going to dive deep), let's take a look at what causes them in the first place.
Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle - that big sheet of muscle between your chest and abdomen that helps regulate breathing. When this contraction happens suddenly and involuntarily, it causes a quick intake of air which is cut off by your vocal cords snapping shut. This makes that iconic "hic" sound we all know so well.
Interestingly enough, scientists aren't exactly sure why hiccups happen - though there are plenty of theories out there! Some suggest that eating too fast or swallowing air can lead to hiccupping while others argue that stress or anxiety could play a role as well.
Common Remedies for Hiccuping
Now onto the juicy stuff...how do we cure these darn things?
Here are some common remedies:
Holding Your Breath
This technique involves taking a deep breath and holding it for as long as possible before exhaling slowly through pursed lips. The idea here is that holding your breath increases carbon dioxide levels in your blood which helps relax the diaphragm muscles and effectively stop hiccups.
Note: Be careful not to hold your breath too long - passing out isn't ideal when trying to get some restful shuteye.
Drinking Water Upside Down
Yep, you read that right. The idea here is to gulp down water while bending forward at the waist and tilting your head back as far as possible before swallowing. Some believe this method works because it stimulates the vagus nerve located in the throat which can help stop diaphragm spasms.
Bonus: You'll look super stylish doing this one.
Eating a Spoonful of Sugar
This remedy suggests that eating granulated sugar will stimulate your taste buds which, in turn, could disrupt any hiccup-inducing contractions happening in your diaphragm.
Fun Fact: Studies have shown that sour flavors (like vinegar or lemon juice) are even more effective than sweet ones!
Scaring Yourself
Okay, so hear me out on this one...some people swear by scaring themselves out of hiccups. This could mean having someone jump out from behind a corner or suddenly shouting "boo!" when you're not expecting it. Apparently, this quick shock can distract your nervous system and effectively stop hiccups.
Disclaimer: We do not take responsibility for any resulting heart palpitations caused by sudden scares.
Lesser-known Remedies
If the above remedies don't work for you (or if you're just feeling adventurous), try these lesser-known hiccup cures:
Chamomile Tea
Drinking chamomile tea can be an effective way to combat hiccups due to its mild sedative properties which may help relax those pesky diaphragm muscles.
Added bonus: Drinking a warm cup of tea before bed can also improve sleep quality!
Holding pressure Points
According to traditional Chinese medicine, pressing certain acupressure points on your body - such as the webbing between your thumb and index finger - can induce relaxation throughout various parts of your body including the diaphragm muscle.
Note: It's best consult with a professional practitioner prior trying acupressure techniques.
Gargling with Ice Water
This one sounds weird, I know - who wants to gargle ice water? But the theory is that when cold water hits the back of your throat, it could disrupt or "shock" your diaphragm into stopping contractions.
Note: Be sure to thaw out your vocal cords before hitting those high notes in the shower next morning!
Breathing Exercises
There are plenty of different breathing exercises out there (including some we've already mentioned) that can help alleviate hiccups so experiment a little and find what works best for you! Just remember taking slow and deep breaths is a good starting point.
In Conclusion
Whether you prefer to hold your breath or jump out from behind corners, finding a cure for hiccuping is crucial when trying to get some sleep at night. While nobody knows exactly why they happen, there are definitely plenty of methods available (both well-known and lesser-known!) for getting rid of them once and for all.
Now go forth my fellow hiccuper's..hic'up..er's?' - see what we mean?!