Why does my stomach hurt when I wake up? What to do about morning stomach pain? Get the answers to these questions and learn how to stop stomach pain in the morning.

Common Causes of Stomach Pain in the Morning

There are several potential reasons why your stomach might hurt when you wake up:

1. Indigestion

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a common cause of morning stomach pain. It happens when stomach acid irritates the lining of your stomach, esophagus, or the top part of your bowel. Factors like medication, obesity, stress, alcohol, caffeine, and eating spicy or fatty foods can trigger indigestion. Symptoms usually appear after eating, so you may get stomach pain right after breakfast. To help, cut down on alcohol, caffeine, and fatty/spicy foods. Eat smaller meals more slowly and manage stress.

2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that can be triggered by stress, lack of sleep, or being out of sync with your circadian rhythm. Morning IBS symptoms are often worse after a night of poor sleep. Symptoms include stomach pain, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and nausea. To manage IBS, keep your sleep debt low, avoid late-night eating, and reduce fiber, fat, and spicy foods.

3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD is a more serious gastrointestinal disorder involving chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease fall under IBD. Symptoms include stomach pain, cramps, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and blood in stool. If you suspect IBD, see a doctor, as anti-inflammatory medications or other treatments may be needed.

4. Constipation

Constipation, or infrequent and difficult bowel movements, can cause morning stomach pain. Common causes include stress, not eating enough fiber, not drinking enough water, and lack of exercise. Symptoms include stomach pain, hard/lumpy stools, and straining during bowel movements. Try lifestyle changes like more exercise, hydration, fiber, and stress reduction to ease constipation.

5. Acid Reflux and GERD

Acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, can also cause morning stomach pain. Chronic acid reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Up to half of GERD patients may experience an acid reflux event shortly after waking up. Symptoms include stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, bad breath, and a bad taste in the mouth.

How to Stop Stomach Pain in the Morning

To stop morning stomach pain, try the following:

• Avoid late-night eating and cut back on alcohol, caffeine, and fatty/spicy foods
• Eat smaller, slower meals and manage stress
• Keep your sleep debt low and maintain a healthy circadian rhythm
• Stay hydrated and increase fiber intake to prevent constipation
• Take over-the-counter medications like antacids for indigestion or acid reflux
• See a doctor if pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms

How to Fall Back Asleep When Your Stomach Hurts

If your stomach pain wakes you up at night, here are some tips to help you fall back asleep:

1. Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation
2. Avoid looking at screens and instead read a book or listen to calming music
3. Get up and do a quiet, non-stimulating activity until you feel sleepy again
4. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever or antacid to ease stomach discomfort
5. Use a heating pad or take a warm bath to soothe your stomach
6. Avoid eating or drinking anything that could further upset your stomach
7. Practice good sleep hygiene, like sticking to a regular sleep schedule

When to See a Doctor About Stomach Pain

You should see a doctor if your morning stomach pain is:

• Severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms
• Interfering with your ability to sleep or function during the day
• Not relieved by over-the-counter medications or home remedies
• Accompanied by unexplained weight loss, blood in stool, or severe vomiting

Your doctor can help determine the underlying cause of your stomach pain and provide appropriate treatment. Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if your stomach pain is causing significant disruption to your daily life.

Managing Morning Stomach Pain with the RISE App

The RISE app can help you better understand and manage morning stomach pain by providing insights into your sleep, stress, and circadian rhythm. The app tracks your sleep patterns, sleep debt, and cortisol levels to identify potential triggers for your gastrointestinal symptoms. With RISE, you can learn how to optimize your sleep and daily routines to minimize morning stomach pain and improve your overall digestive health.