The Funny Side Effect of Laughter

Q. I hiccup when I laugh really hard. What is the reason for that?
-- Beth, Cincinnati, OH

A. Welcome to the club. Many people experience singultus (that's science-speak for hiccups) when they laugh, cry, or experience some strong emotion. But why it happens is one of those medical mysteries, like why both public speaking and seeing the love of your life give you the sensation that butterflies are rioting in your stomach. It has to do with nerves that are related to your vagus. But unlike the city, what happens in Vegas doesn't stay in vagus, so you hiccup as well as laugh. Good news: Hiccups are nothing to worry about, unless you can't make them go away. These uncontrollable spasms of your diaphragm usually respond to home remedies that stimulate different nerves that might be involved. Remedies include eating something (maybe a spoonful of sugar), breathing into a bag, holding your breath, or belching. Or try what a friend's grandmother recommended: Hold your breath, and think of the last time you saw a priest. No matter what you do to stop hiccups, don't let them stop you from laughing.

Q. I recently lost my spouse after 53 years of marriage. Since he died, I cannot sleep without sleep aids such as Ambien and Lortab. Is there any hope I will ever be able to sleep naturally? I am afraid to even try anymore.
-- Anonymous

A. Insomnia commonly accompanies the loss of a loved one, but it usually resolves. It may take some time, because you can only go "through" grief, not over or around it.

You're wise to be cautious about taking drugs, especially those that can potentially have side effects (Lortab is a narcotic and can be habit forming). Until you adapt to your loss, try these more natural ways to fall asleep and stay asleep:

• Avoid caffeine after noon. Caffeine (it's even in chocolate) stays in your system for many hours.
• Be active. A 30-minute daily walk can help reduce stress that may be interfering with sleep. Just don't exercise within 3 hours of bedtime or you may get too energized to sleep.
• Stick to a regular schedule. Go to bed and get up at the same times every day.
• Have a soothing before-bedtime ritual. Taking a warm bath, reading a book that comforts you, or meditating can help you relax.
• Avoid naps during the day. Even if depression makes you feel fatigued, wait until your normal bedtime.
• Pass on alcohol. It helps you fall asleep, but it may also cause fragmented sleep.
• Try a natural sleep remedy such as valerian, chamomile, or melatonin. Check with your doctor before you take these; they can interact with other drugs.

Q. I took the RealAge Test, and it told me that I'm 41.3 years old. Since I really am 41.3 years old, that's good news and bad news. I'm 7 months pregnant with baby number 5, and I'm feeling a little panicky because I'm overweight (5'2", 165 pounds and gaining), and I need to be strong and healthy to take care of all these kids. Eventually, I want to become a great-grandmother! Anything I can start doing now? -- Anonymous

A. Save the dieting for after the baby is born. For now, you need to get enough calories to feed your baby with the proper nutrients without overwhelming him or her with a fat-flooded placental buffet that will negatively influence his or her future health -- or yours. But remember, you need to eat for 1.1 (or 10% more than usual), not for 2. Eat good healthy food -- lots of vegetables and fruit, lean protein, and whole grains -- instead of the grab-and-go processed foods that are tempting when you're busy (and with four children, you must be). Get all of our best strategies for a healthy pregnancy here.

Get a jump on a new good habit by starting an exercise program before baby arrives. You should be able to start with a 30-minute daily walk, but talk with your doctor first. (Be a great role model -- take the kids.) And try our pregnancy workout video. It will help strengthen your body to handle the rigors of pregnancy, labor, and motherhood. After baby's debut, go back to eating for one, move on to our postpregnancy workout, and use breastfeeding to help take pounds off (it's smart for plenty of other reasons as well).