Why does my stomach hurt when I wake up. What causes stomach pain in the morning. How can I stop stomach pain in the morning. When should I see a doctor about stomach pain.

Common Causes of Morning Stomach Pain

Waking up with stomach pain can be a frustrating and uncomfortable way to start your day. Understanding the potential causes is the first step towards finding relief. Here are some common reasons why you might experience stomach pain in the morning:

1. Indigestion (Dyspepsia)

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a frequent culprit behind morning stomach discomfort. It occurs when stomach acid irritates the lining of your digestive tract. While not a standalone condition, indigestion is often a symptom of other issues like acid reflux or ulcers.

What triggers indigestion? Common causes include:

• Medication
• Obesity
• Stress and anxiety
• Alcohol consumption
• Caffeine intake
• Consuming spicy or fatty foods
• Eating too quickly

Indigestion symptoms typically manifest after eating, which is why you might experience stomach pain shortly after breakfast. Key indicators of indigestion include:

• Stomach pain
• Heartburn
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that can lead to morning stomach pain. Various factors can trigger IBS symptoms, including:

• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Circadian rhythm disruptions

Interestingly, poor sleep quality can exacerbate IBS symptoms. Research indicates that sleep disruption can worsen gastrointestinal symptoms and increase visceral hypersensitivity, which refers to pain in organs like the stomach.

Common symptoms of IBS include:

• Stomach pain
• Cramps
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Bloating
• Nausea

3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a more severe gastrointestinal condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. The two main types of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Symptoms of IBD can include:

• Stomach pain
• Cramps
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Blood in stool

4. Constipation

Constipation, defined as infrequent or difficult bowel movements, can cause significant discomfort upon waking. It’s typically characterized by fewer than three bowel movements per week. Several factors can contribute to constipation:

• Stress and anxiety
• Insufficient fiber intake
• Inadequate hydration
• Lack of physical activity

Symptoms of constipation often include:

• Stomach pain
• Hard or lumpy stools
• Straining during bowel movements
• Pain during bowel movements

5. Acid Reflux and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest and potentially stomach pain. Chronic acid reflux is known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). A small study found that nearly half of GERD patients experience an acid reflux event within the first 20 minutes of waking up.

Common symptoms of acid reflux and GERD include:

• Stomach pain
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Bad breath
• Unpleasant taste in the mouth

Effective Solutions for Morning Stomach Pain

Now that we’ve explored the potential causes of morning stomach pain, let’s discuss some strategies to alleviate this discomfort and start your day on a better note.

Lifestyle Modifications

Making certain changes to your daily habits can significantly reduce the occurrence of morning stomach pain:

• Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption
• Reduce intake of spicy and fatty foods
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Practice mindful eating and chew slowly
• Manage stress and anxiety through relaxation techniques
• Increase fiber intake gradually
• Stay hydrated throughout the day
• Engage in regular physical activity

Dietary Adjustments

What you eat can have a significant impact on your digestive health. Consider these dietary changes:

• Incorporate probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kefir
• Add ginger or peppermint to your diet, known for their digestive benefits
• Avoid eating large meals close to bedtime
• Keep a food diary to identify potential trigger foods

Sleep Hygiene Improvements

Quality sleep is crucial for digestive health. Enhance your sleep hygiene by:

• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
• Creating a relaxing bedtime routine
• Ensuring your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool
• Avoiding electronic devices before bed
• Limiting fluid intake before bedtime to prevent nighttime bathroom trips

Over-the-Counter Remedies

For occasional relief, consider these over-the-counter options:

• Antacids for indigestion and heartburn
• Simethicone for gas and bloating
• Gentle laxatives for constipation
• Probiotics to support gut health

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication regimen.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Stomach Pain

While occasional morning stomach pain may not be cause for alarm, certain situations warrant professional medical attention. Consider consulting a doctor if you experience:

• Persistent or severe stomach pain
• Pain accompanied by fever, vomiting, or bloody stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty swallowing
• Stomach pain that interferes with daily activities
• Symptoms that worsen or don’t improve with home remedies

A healthcare provider can perform a thorough evaluation, order necessary tests, and recommend appropriate treatment options based on your specific condition.

The Role of Circadian Rhythms in Digestive Health

Our body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including digestion. Disruptions to this natural rhythm can contribute to digestive issues and morning stomach pain.

How Circadian Rhythms Affect Digestion

Circadian rhythms influence several aspects of digestion:

• Gastric acid secretion
• Enzyme production
• Gut motility
• Nutrient absorption

When these rhythms are disrupted, it can lead to digestive discomfort and irregularities in bowel movements.

Strategies to Align Your Circadian Rhythm

To support your digestive health, try these methods to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm:

• Expose yourself to natural light during the day
• Avoid bright lights and screens in the evening
• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends
• Time your meals consistently
• Avoid late-night snacking

The Gut-Brain Connection and Morning Stomach Pain

The relationship between our digestive system and our brain, often referred to as the gut-brain axis, can significantly impact our overall well-being, including the occurrence of morning stomach pain.

Understanding the Gut-Brain Axis

The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication system between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system. This connection explains why stress and anxiety can manifest as digestive symptoms and vice versa.

Strategies to Support the Gut-Brain Connection

To promote a healthy gut-brain relationship and potentially reduce morning stomach pain:

• Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing
• Engage in regular physical exercise
• Ensure adequate sleep
• Consider cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic stress or anxiety
• Incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine

Nutritional Approaches to Alleviate Morning Stomach Pain

Diet plays a crucial role in digestive health and can significantly impact the occurrence of morning stomach pain. Let’s explore some nutritional strategies that may help alleviate this discomfort.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Chronic inflammation can contribute to digestive issues. An anti-inflammatory diet may help reduce symptoms:

• Incorporate omega-3 rich foods like fatty fish, chia seeds, and walnuts
• Consume plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables
• Choose whole grains over refined grains
• Include anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric and ginger
• Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive red meat

Low FODMAP Diet

For some individuals, particularly those with IBS, a low FODMAP diet may provide relief:

• Avoid high FODMAP foods like certain fruits, dairy products, and wheat
• Focus on low FODMAP alternatives like rice, quinoa, and certain vegetables
• Gradually reintroduce FODMAP foods to identify personal triggers

Always consult with a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet.

The Impact of Hydration on Digestive Health

Proper hydration is essential for maintaining digestive health and potentially reducing morning stomach pain. Let’s examine the role of hydration in digestion and strategies to stay adequately hydrated.

How Hydration Affects Digestion

Adequate hydration contributes to digestive health in several ways:

• Helps break down food more effectively
• Supports the mucosal lining of the intestines
• Aids in preventing constipation
• Facilitates the transportation of nutrients

Hydration Strategies

To ensure proper hydration and support digestive health:

• Drink water consistently throughout the day
• Start your day with a glass of water
• Incorporate hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and zucchini
• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, as they can contribute to dehydration
• Consider herbal teas as a hydrating alternative

Remember, individual hydration needs can vary based on factors such as activity level, climate, and overall health.

By implementing these strategies and maintaining awareness of your body’s signals, you can work towards reducing morning stomach pain and improving your overall digestive health. Remember to consult with healthcare professionals for persistent or severe symptoms, as they can provide personalized advice and treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

Why Does My Stomach Hurt When I Wake Up? What to Do About It

When your alarm goes off in the morning, you should be waking up excited for a new day, or at least for the coffee that’s been brewing. But, instead, you’re struck down with stomach pain that makes it hard to get out of bed. 

If this is a rare occurrence, it’s probably nothing to worry about, and the pain should go away on its own soon enough. If, however, you’re regularly waking up with stomach pain, or your stomach pain wakes you up early, stopping you from getting a full night’s sleep, you need to find the fix and/or seek medical attention. 

Below, we’ll cover the common reasons your stomach might be hurting when you wake up and what you can do to fix it. Plus, we’ll share how the RISE app can help.

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What causes stomach pain in the morning?

How to stop stomach pain in the morning?

How to fall back to sleep when your stomach hurts?

What causes stomach pain at night?

When to see a doctor about stomach pain?

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What Causes Stomach Pain in the Morning?

Here’s what could be behind your morning stomach pain.  

1. Indigestion 

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is common. It happens when stomach acid irritates the lining of your stomach, the top part of your bowel, or your esophagus. 

It’s not a condition in its own right, however. It’s a symptom of a condition like acid reflux or ulcers.  

Medication, obesity, stress, anxiety, alcohol, caffeine, eating spicy or fatty foods, or eating too quickly can cause indigestion. Symptoms usually appear after eating, so you may get stomach pain right after breakfast. 

Symptoms of indigestion include: 

• Stomach pain 
• Heartburn 
• Bloating 
• Nausea 
• Diarrhea 

The fix: Cut down alcohol, caffeine, and your intake of spicy and fatty foods. Try eating smaller meals and eating more slowly, and keeping your stress and anxiety in check.

Over-the-counter pain relief like aspirin can help reduce pain in the moment, but these can also irritate your stomach. Ginger ale and peppermint tea are home remedies that may ease stomach pain. 

We’ve covered what helps with digestion and how to improve gut health naturally here. 

2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) 

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a functional gastrointestinal disorder. It can be triggered by stress, a lack of sleep, or being out of sync with your circadian rhythm — your body’s roughly 24-hour biological clock. 

If you’ve had a night of poor sleep, abdominal pain from IBS may be worse the next day. And sleep disruption can make GI symptoms and visceral hypersensitivity (pain in your visceral organs like your stomach) worse. Morning IBS symptoms are also worse after a night of poor sleep. 

Symptoms of IBS include:

• Stomach pain
• Cramps 
• Diarrhea 
• Constipation 
• Bloating 
• Nausea 

The fix: Keep your sleep debt low and circadian rhythm in check (more on how to do that soon) as these can trigger IBS and make symptoms worse. Avoid eating within two to three hours of bedtime and reduce how much fiber, fat, and spicy foods you eat. Exercise, lowering anxiety, and melatonin supplements can also help. 

To see more causes and treatments, check out how to sleep with IBS here. 

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3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) 

Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is a more serious gastrointestinal disorder. It happens when your gastrointestinal tract is chronically inflamed. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease come under IBD. 

Symptoms of IBD include: 

• Stomach pain 
• Cramps 
• Diarrhea 
• Fatigue 
• Weight loss
• Blood in stool 

The fix: Speak to a doctor if you think you have IBD. Anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, and biologics (which neutralize inflammation-causing proteins) may be needed.

4. Constipation 

Constipation is infrequent bowel movements or having difficult bowel movements. It’s usually described as fewer than three bowel movements a week. 

Common causes of constipation include stress and anxiety, not eating enough fiber, not drinking enough water, or a lack of exercise.

Symptoms of constipation include: 

• Stomach pain 
• Having hard or lumpy stools 
• Straining to have a bowel movement 
• Pain when having a bowel movement 

The fix: Try lifestyle changes like doing more exercise, drinking more water, eating more fiber, and reducing your anxiety to ease constipation. Medications like laxatives can also help.    

5. Acid Reflux and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Acid reflux is usually felt as a burning sensation in your chest, but you may also feel stomach pain. 

It happens when stomach acid flows back up your digestive tract into your esophagus. Chronic acid reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 

One small study found almost half of GERD patients have an acid reflux event within the first 20 minutes of waking up.

Symptoms of acid reflux include: 

• Stomach pain
• Heartburn 
• Nausea 
• Bad breath
• A bad taste in your mouth 
• Bloating 

The fix: Try eating smaller and more frequent meals and avoid overeating, reducing your anxiety, losing weight if you’re overweight, avoiding eating too close to bedtime, and sleeping with your head elevated. You can also take over-the-counter medication like Prevacid, Nexium, or Prilosec, after consulting with your doctor. 

Sleeping on your left side may also help. A 2022 study found left-side sleeping helped those with GERD have more reflux-free nights. 

You can learn more about the best side to sleep on for digestion here and how to sleep with acid reflux here. 

6. Food Intolerances and Allergies 

You might have had something new for dinner last night — or accidentally consumed something you know you’re allergic to — and now you’ve woken up in pain or with an upset stomach.  

Allergies or intolerances to dairy, shellfish, wheat, gluten, soy, eggs, or nuts can cause stomach pain, as can celiac disease. 

Symptoms of food allergies include: 

• Stomach pain 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Hives
• Wheezing
• Swelling of the tongue, lips, or eyes 
• Diarrhea 

The fix: If you don’t know of any food allergies, keep a food diary to track what you’ve eaten and when you get symptoms. You can also speak to a doctor about allergy tests. 

7. Pancreatitis 

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. You might feel pain in your stomach, especially after eating — so this may come on after breakfast. 

Symptoms of pancreatitis include: 

• Sharp pain in your stomach or back 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting
• Fever 
• Having a swollen or tender belly  

The fix: Seek medical attention. Pain relief can help in the moment, but you may need antibiotics, fluids, or surgery. A doctor will also be able to determine the cause of your pancreatitis and treat that. This could be something like gallstones or alcohol misuse. 

8. Peptic Ulcer 

A peptic ulcer is an ulcer found on your stomach lining or in your small intestine. They’re caused by a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infection or from overusing anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) like aspirin. 

You may get peptic ulcer pain at any time of the day, but it might feel worse in the morning as you have an empty stomach. 

Symptoms of peptic ulcers include: 

• Stomach pain 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Loss of appetite 
• Weight loss 
• Indigestion  

The fix: An over-the-counter antacid can ease pain. See a doctor if you think you have a stomach ulcer as you may need antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid, or surgery. 

9. Period Pain 

Cramps and bloating can hit you at any time of your period, including the morning. And period pain may be made worse by the fact it’s hard to get enough sleep (due to a potent cocktail of pain, anxiety, and fluctuating hormones). 

Symptoms of period pain include: 

• Stomach cramps 
• Bloating
• Lower back pain
• Breast tenderness
• Migraines 

The fix: Try a hot water bottle or heating pad to ease the stomach ache and pain relievers like ibuprofen. Yoga, a brisk walk, and abdominal massage can also help.

Getting enough sleep can make the pain easier to deal with, but sleep can be hard to come by on your period. We’ve covered how to sleep on your period and more about insomnia before your period here.  

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10. Gastritis 

Gastritis is when your stomach lining becomes inflamed. This can be caused by an infection, overuse of certain pain relievers, or overuse of alcohol. 

Gastritis may become worse when you eat, so you may feel your stomach pain more after breakfast.  

Symptoms of gastritis include: 

• Stomach pain 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Feelings of fullness in your upper abdomen 

The fix: Speak to a doctor. You may need antibiotics, acid blockers, or proton pump inhibitors. 

11. Diverticulitis 

Diverticulitis happens when small sacs develop in the wall of your large intestine and become inflamed. 

Symptoms of diverticulitis include: 

• Stomach pain, usually in the lower left side of your abdomen  
• Constipation 
• Fever 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting  

The fix: Speak to a healthcare professional. You may need antibiotics. Mild cases can be treated with rest and dietary changes, but more severe cases may need surgery. 

12. Gallstones 

Gallstones are small stones, usually of cholesterol, that form in the gallbladder. 

You may have no symptoms and not even need treatment. But, if a gallstone becomes trapped in a duct in your gallbladder, you may feel symptoms like: 

• Stomach pain in the center or upper right of your abdomen 
• Back or right shoulder pain 
• Nause
• Vomiting 

The fix: Speak to a doctor. They may prescribe medication to dissolve your gallstones or recommend surgery to remove your gallbladder. 

13. Food Poisoning 

You can get food poisoning from eating contaminated food. It usually goes away on its own within a few hours or days. 

Symptoms of food poisoning include: 

• Stomach pain
• Cramps  
• Diarrhea 
• Vomiting 

The fix: Unfortunately, you’ll have to ride out the illness. Keep hydrated, eat small meals of bland foods, and rest as much as possible. Get medical advice if your symptoms don’t improve after a few days, you’re pregnant, over 60, have an underlying serious condition, or it’s your child who’s sick. 

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How to Stop Stomach Pain in the Morning?

Apart from treating the root cause (see our fixes above), here’s what you can do to reduce stomach pain in the morning. 

1. Lower Your Sleep Debt 

The RISE app can tell you how much sleep debt you have.

Sleep debt is the name for the amount of sleep you owe your body. It’s compared to your sleep need, the genetically determined amount of sleep you need. 

When you don’t meet your sleep need at night, you start building up sleep debt, and this can lead to low energy levels, poor mood, and many mental and physical health conditions — including those that could be causing your stomach pain.  

Poor sleep has been linked to a number of causes of stomach pain including: 

• Upper and lower GI symptoms 
• Upper abdominal pain 
• Reflux 
• Diarrhea
• Constipation 
• IBS 
• Low cortisol

To make matters worse, when you don’t get enough sleep, you feel pain more acutely. So, even if a lack of sleep isn’t behind your stomach pain, it could very well make it much harder to deal with. 

Plus, sleep deprivation can throw your hunger hormones out of whack, making you more likely to overeat and reach for unhealthier foods — both of which can contribute to digestive issues and stomach pain. You learn more about the link between sleep and what and how much you eat here.

Luckily, you can pay down the sleep debt you’ve built up. 

To lower your sleep debt, you can: 

• Take naps: Check RISE for the best time to do this. 
• Go to bed a little earlier. 
• Sleep in a little later: Keep this to an hour or two to avoid messing up your circadian rhythm (more on that soon). 
• Improve your sleep hygiene: Sleep hygiene can cut down the time it takes you to fall asleep and reduce how often you wake up during the night, helping you get more sleep overall. More on what to do soon.

The RISE app can work out how much sleep debt you have and keep track of it as you pay it back. We measure your sleep debt over your past 14 nights and recommend you keep it below five hours to feel your best. 

RISE users on iOS 1.202 and above can click here to view their sleep debt.

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2. Get in Sync with Your Circadian Rhythm

The RISE app can predict your circadian rhythm each day.

Your circadian rhythm is your body’s biological clock. When you’re out of sync with it, you can not only cause low energy and sleep problems, but a whole host of health issues — including in your digestive system, causing stomach pain. 

But you don’t just have one circadian rhythm to think about. You have one master clock in your brain that controls your sleep-wake cycle. And you have clocks in almost every other tissue and organ — these are called peripheral clocks. 

When your master clock, peripheral clocks, and the outside world are at odds, you can easily suffer from digestive issues like constipation, acid reflux, IBS, IBD, and even digestive cancers. 

Here’s how to get in sync: 

• Keep a consistent sleep schedule: Aim to go to bed and wake up at roughly the same times each day, even on your days off.  
• Eat meals at roughly the same times and during the day: Eating can change the timing of your circadian rhythm, so keep meals at roughly the same time and avoid eating when your body’s not expecting it (i.e. at night). Finish up your final meal two to three hours before bed to stop digestive issues from keeping you up. What you eat matters, too. We’ve covered the best foods for sleep here. 
• Go to bed during your Melatonin Window: This is what we call the roughly one-hour window of time when your body’s rate of melatonin production is at its highest. Melatonin is your body’s sleep hormone, so going to bed during this window can help you fall and stay asleep.

The RISE app predicts your circadian rhythm each day based on factors like your inferred light exposure and last night’s sleep times. You can then see when your body naturally wants to wake up, wind down for bed, and go to sleep, and sync up your sleep and meal times to it.  

RISE can also remind you when to have your final meal of the day and show you when your Melatonin Window will be. 

RISE users on iOS 1.202 and above can click here to see their circadian rhythm on the Energy screen.

3. Improve Your Sleep Hygiene 

The RISE app can remind you when to do 20+ sleep hygiene habits.

Sleep hygiene can help you both meet your sleep need each night and stay in sync, by helping you feel sleepy at bedtime and fall asleep at the right times. 

Here’s what to do: 

• Get bright light first thing: Morning light resets your circadian rhythm for the day. Aim for at least 10 minutes of light as soon as possible after waking up, and get 15 to 20 minutes if it’s overcast or you’re getting light through a window.
• Avoid light close to bedtime: As light suppresses melatonin, you want to avoid it in the run-up to bedtime. Dim the lights and put on blue-light blocking glasses 90 minutes before bed.  
• Avoid caffeine, large meals, intense exercise, and alcohol too late in the day: All four can keep you up or wake you up during the night. These things may also be a trigger making stomach pain worse if you have indigestion, acid reflux,  IBS, or GERD. 
• Do a calming bedtime routine: Lower your stress (another trigger for issues causing stomach pain) and slow your brain and body down for sleep. Try reading, listening to music, or doing yoga. We cover how to relax before bed, even when you’re stressed, here.
• Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet: Set your thermostat to 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, use blackout curtains, and wear earplugs and an eye mask. 

To remember it all, the RISE app can guide you through 20+ sleep hygiene habits each day and tell you the ideal time to do each one based on your circadian rhythm to make them more effective.

RISE users on iOS 1.202 and above can click here to set up their 20+ in-app habit notifications.

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How to Fall Back to Sleep When Your Stomach Hurts?

Woken up before your alarm with stomach pain? Here’s how you can get back to sleep to get some more shut-eye: 

• Treat the pain: If pain has woken you up, try grabbing a hot water bottle or heat pad, doing some gentle stretches, or abdominal massage. 
• Keep the lights low: Light suppresses melatonin, so keep the lights as low as possible if you get up during the night. 
• Do a sleep reset: If you find yourself awake in bed for more than 20 minutes, get up and do a relaxing activity until you feel sleepy. Try reading, meditating, or journaling. This will stop your brain from associating your bed with wakefulness.  
• Keep calm: Easier said than done, but anxiety over pain or lost sleep will only make it harder to drift back off. As much as you can, try to remain calm. Avoid looking at the time and counting down the hours until you need to get up. RISE can guide you through science-backed relaxation techniques to help slow your mind. 
• Sleep on your side: If you’re a front sleeper, try switching your position to avoid putting weight on your stomach when it’s in pain. Left-side sleeping has been shown to help those with GERD. We’ve covered the best side to sleep on here and the best sleeping positions to lose weight here.
• Maintain excellent sleep hygiene: To stop anything like caffeine or alcohol from waking you up in the future, keep your sleep hygiene on point each day. 

RISE users on iOS 1.202 and above can click here to go right to their relaxation audio guide homepage and get started.

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What Causes Stomach Pain at Night?

Going to bed with stomach pain or waking up with it in the middle of the night? Many of the causes of stomach pain in the morning are the same as nighttime stomach pain.

These include: 

• Indigestion 
• IBS 
• IBD 
• Constipation 
• Acid reflux and GERD 
• Food allergies 
• Pancreatitis 
• Peptic ulcer
• Period pain
• Diverticulitis 
• Gallstones 
• Gastritis 

Your stomach pain may feel worse at night as you’re laying down, which makes it easier for stomach acid to rise into your esophagus, for example. Pain may be worse after a large meal, and you may have just eaten dinner close to bedtime. Pain may also feel worse because you have no distractions like work or family when you’re laying in bed. 

Speak to a doctor if stomach pain at night is a regular occurrence for you. 

Waking up with stomach pain can be a scary experience, or you may be worrying as battling pain has become a regular part of your morning routine. But when does stomach pain in the morning go from harmless to something serious? 

Most of the time, stomach pain is harmless and will go away on its own. But you should seek medical help for stomach pain if it’s a regular occurrence or if severe pain has woken you up from sleep. 

Soothe Morning Stomach Pain the Night Before 

There are many causes of morning stomach pain, ranging from food allergies and indigestion to acid reflux and IBS. Speak to a doctor if you regularly wake up with stomach pain or if it’s severe enough to wake you up in your sleep.  

For other times, focus on lowering your sleep debt and syncing up with your circadian rhythm to keep your digestive health in tip-top condition. Maintain excellent sleep hygiene to help make this happen. 

The RISE app can work out how much sleep debt you have, predict your circadian rhythm each day, and remind you when to do 20+ sleep hygiene habits. All this will help you get a good night’s sleep, improving your overall health and wellness and, hopefully, leading to pain-free mornings. 

Abdominal or stomach pain at night: Common causes and prevention

Nighttime abdominal pain, sometimes called stomach pain, can occur for various reasons. Often, it is due to gas or other digestive issues, but there may be more severe underlying issue, such as gallstones.

Here, learn about some common causes of nighttime abdominal pain and how to manage or treat it.

Digestive problems are considered the most common cause of abdominal pain at night.

Eating close to bedtime means digestion is more likely to occur while lying down, making it easier for stomach acid to travel back up the digestive tract.

Sleeping difficulties and sleep disorders can make conditions like ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) more likely or worse.

Lying down can also increase pressure on some muscular, joint, or bone injuries, making pain and discomfort more intense.

Here are some common causes of nighttime abdominal pain:

Gas

Gas in the digestive tract is a common cause of abdominal pain. It can lead to distention, bloating, and discomfort. It leaves the body through belching or passing gas.

Gas usually enters the body when people swallow gas, for example, when smoking, chewing gum, eating quickly, or consuming fizzy drinks. Certain bacteria in the gut also produce gas when they break down carbohydrates. Sometimes, it results from a medical condition, such as IBD or food sensitivity.

What can I do about flatulence?

Acid reflux

Acid reflux is when stomach acids travel up into the food pipe. It can cause a burning sensation, nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, sore throat, and a cough.

Various factors may increase the risk of acid reflux, such as:

• high alcohol consumption
• overeating, especially close to bedtime
• lying down too soon after eating
• being overweight
• high-fat, spicy, and fried foods, along with chocolate and coffee

What are some home remedies for heartburn and acid reflux?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common cause. Conditions that inflame the food pipe cause heartburn, nausea, and indigestion. Symptoms often intensify when lying down.

Which diet is good for people with GERD?

Gastritis

Gastritis is when the stomach walls become irritated and inflamed. This can lead to a sense of pain or burning, as well as nausea, vomiting, and gas. Untreated cases can lead to ulcers, bleeding, and cancer.

What should you eat and avoid with gastritis?

Stomach and intestinal, or peptic, ulcers

Stomach ulcers and intestinal ulcers can cause a burning sensation in the stomach region. Pain can worsen after eating as well as when the stomach is empty. Nighttime is often the longest stretch of the day between meals.

Causes include:

• H. pylori bacteria
• overuse or prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• tumors, in rare cases

Learn more about peptic ulcers

Gallstones

The gallbladder is a small organ beneath the liver that releases bile. Secretions can build up and form hardened lumps called gallstones.

Gallstones can range in size from a speck of sand to a golf ball. Pain occurs when gallstones cause a blockage in the duct system of the gallbladder, liver, or pancreas.

Fatty or rich meals can worsen gallstone symptoms since bile helps the body digest fat.

Some individuals with gallstones have no symptoms and do not need medical help. People with recurring gallbladder pain or inflammation may need surgery to remove the gallbladder.

As well as pain, gallstones can also cause the following complications:

• nausea or vomiting
• fever
• yellowing of the skin and eyes
• unexplained exhaustion
• light-colored stool

What can people eat for a healthy gallbladder?

Irritable bowel syndrome

Some people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) experience nighttime abdominal pain.

Symptoms include abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements. Having a large evening meal may worsen nighttime abdominal pain in individuals with IBS.

Around 5–10% of people have IBS, and most are under 50.

What should you eat with IBS?

Celiac disease

An allergy to gluten, a protein in wheat, barley, rye, and spelt, causes inflammation of the small intestine, often with cramping and abdominal pain. Genetic factors probably underlie the allergy.

Symptoms typically relate to the digestive system and include diarrhea, tiredness, and bloating. However, some people have no symptoms.

Without diagnosis or treatment, complications can arise. They include dental problems, delayed puberty, mood changes, and reduced growth due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Around 1 in 100 people globally have celiac disease, but around 30% do not have a diagnosis.

What is a gluten-free diet?

Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is a type of IBD. It is an inflammation of the digestive tract lining that causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, anemia, and fatigue, among other symptoms.

Experts do not know why it develops, but it may be due to an autoimmune reaction or genetic factors. Smoking may also increase the risk.

Which foods should people avoid during a Crohn’s flare-up?

Menstrual cramps

Cramping, bloating, gas, and discomfort are common during menstruation as the uterine lining sheds.

Symptoms range from mild to severe and may affect the back and legs. There may also be nausea, vomiting, headaches, and other symptoms.

What is the best way to manage menstrual cramps?

Endometriosis

With endometriosis, tissue similar to endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. This can cause severe or persistent pain, bleeding and spotting, and digestive problems. It can make it harder to become pregnant.

Endometriosis may affect over 11% of females aged 15–44 in the United States.

Can home remedies help with endometriosis?

Food intolerances

Individuals with a food intolerance have a sensitivity to certain foods and cannot properly digest or process them. They may experience pain, bloating, diarrhea, and gas. Symptoms usually start soon after eating the food but may appear up to 48 hours later.

Lactose intolerance is a common food intolerance that causes severe abdominal cramping and pain.

Constipation

Constipation makes it difficult to pass stool. As a result, waste products build up in the colon, leading to distention, pain, and pressure throughout the abdomen. Stools will be hard, dry, and difficult to pass.

Constipation can happen for many reasons, including dietary factors, certain medications, or an underlying health condition.

Which foods can help relieve constipation?

Often, nighttime abdominal pain is not a reason for immediate concern. Severe or persistent symptoms, however, need medical attention.

People also should seek medical advice if they have additional symptoms, such as:

• severe or ongoing pain that does not lessen with over-the-counter medications
• fever
• difficulty breathing
• unexplained weight loss
• abdominal swelling or inflammation
• abdomen that is painful to touch
• yellowing of the skin and eyes
• ongoing nausea or vomiting, especially if vomiting blood
• blood in the stool
• pain that occurs during pregnancy
• joint and muscle aches

Sometimes, sudden severe pain can indicate a more serious condition, such as appendicitis. Appendicitis can cause pain that begins around the belly button and travels downward into the lower right side. It then usually worsens with the slightest activity or movement.

Other conditions that involve severe abdominal pain and need medical attention include:

• Kidney stones. Sharp, stabbing pain that begins in the mid back and spreads to the abdomen can indicate kidney stones. There is often blood in the urine.
• Food poisoning. Food poisoning can cause intense and sudden vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and fever or chills. A person should see a doctor if they have a high fever, vomiting or diarrhea that is severe or contains blood, dehydration, or diarrhea lasting longer than 3 days.
• Cardiac events or conditions. A person should seek urgent medical help if abdominal pain occurs with changes in heart rate, sweating, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, tingling in the arms or chest, or pain in the jaw and neck. It may be a sign of a heart attack.
• Hiatal hernia. Occurs when a part of the stomach passes into the chest cavity. Lying flat can increase reflux symptoms that commonly occur with a hiatal hernia.
• Cancer. Stomach cancer and other cancers in the abdominal area can cause various abdominal or digestive symptoms that may be severe, persistent, or both.

In the case of any of these conditions, medical evaluation is important to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.

The table shows some treatments and home remedies for conditions that cause abdominal pain at night.

Condition	Treatment options	Home remedies
gas	medications to reduce gas or address an underlying health condition	avoiding swallowing air, for example, by eating slowly; eating smaller meals more often; avoiding foods that cause gas
GERD, acid reflux, indigestion, heartburn	h3 blockers, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), surgery, endoscopy	maintaining moderate weight; sleeping with head raised; avoiding smoking; making dietary changes
gastritis	depending on the cause: PPIs, antibiotics to treat H. pylori, and others	avoid high alcohol intake, check for allergies, follow doctor’s advice when using iron supplements
stomach and intestinal ulcers	PPIs; antibiotics to treat H. pylori	avoiding or stopping NSAIDs; avoiding alcohol
gallstones	surgery to remove the gallbladder	maintaining moderate weight; avoiding rapid weight loss
IBS	medication for diarrhea, constipation, and pain; probiotics; mental health therapies	eating more fiber, avoiding gluten, following a low FODMAP diet, exercising, managing stress, getting enough sleep
celiac disease	avoid gluten	avoiding all products containing gluten
Crohn’s disease	medication to manage symptoms, bowel rest for severe symptoms, surgery in some cases	avoiding fizzy drinks and high fiber foods, staying hydrated, eating small meals more often
menstrual cramps	NSAIDs for pain relief, birth control pills	applying heat; doing exercise, such as yoga
endometriosis	NSAIDs for pain relief; hormonal treatments; surgery	herbal teas (such as licorice or cinnamon) and supplements may help
food intolerance	avoid products containing the substance, such as lactose	checking labels to avoid foods containing the substance; using alternatives, such as oat milk for people with a lactose intolerance
constipation	laxatives or stool softeners; changing existing medications; surgery, in some cases	dietary fiber, water, and exercise may help

Tips for preventing and managing nighttime abdominal pain will depend on the cause.

They include:

• avoiding eating close to bedtime
• raising the head of the bed while sleeping
• avoiding rich or fatty foods, coffee, or chocolate at night
• avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption
• avoiding overeating
• using over-the-counter medications
• asking a doctor about symptoms that could indicate an underlying condition

Here are some answers to questions people often ask about abdominal pain at night.

What causes abdominal pain at night?

Pain that is worse at night is often due to digestive issues, such as gas. Sometimes, however, there may be a more severe underlying cause, such as IBS or IBD.

What can I do about abdominal pain at night?

The first step is to try eating smaller meals and avoiding eating close to bedtime. If dietary changes do not help or symptoms are severe or persistent, a person should seek medical advice.

There are many possible causes of abdominal pain at night, ranging from gas from eating too fast to more serious conditions that may need surgery.

Tips that may help include eating smaller meals more often, avoiding eating too near bedtime, and eating more slowly.

Anyone with concerns about symptoms should seek medical advice. A doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or do tests to identify an underlying cause.

Read this article in Spanish.

Appear in the morning: 6 signs that it is time to treat the stomach: September 11, 2022, 10:00

Photo: elements.envato.com

September 11, 2022, 10:00

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If in the morning you suffer from abdominal pain, epigastric pain or other unpleasant symptoms, such as nausea, this is a reason to visit a gastroenterologist. Valeria Shevko, a therapist, told Tengri Lifestyle about which of the morning complaints can indicate problems with the stomach and intestines.

It is not always clear what worries you

Digestive problems in the morning are also possible in relatively healthy people. For example, after a party with alcohol or eating dense, fatty foods, irritating dishes at night. In this case, the night’s sleep can be “heavy” due to a feeling of heaviness in the stomach, belching, flatulence, stomach seething with constipation or loosening of the stool (diarrhea) are possible.

If complaints appear with enviable regularity in the morning, even against the background of a completely familiar diet, you should worry. But often people can not really describe their feelings. They come to the doctor with general complaints, saying that in the morning they are “disgusted”, they do not feel like eating at all, one kind of food causes disgust in the morning. In this case, it is worth understanding, clarifying complaints and looking for the causes of problems. We have collected the most frequent and unpleasant complaints that indicate problems with the stomach and intestines.

Pain in the abdomen in the morning

One of the unpleasant and alarming signs of digestive problems, mainly in the stomach, is pain in the abdomen, in its upper part, mainly under the spoon or above the navel. Often such pain in the abdomen, which occurs in the morning on an empty stomach, and also some time after eating (breakfast), may be associated with peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum.

In addition to these unpleasant sensations, general weakness, malaise, heartburn, belching, a feeling of bitterness in the mouth are possible. Peptic ulcer disease is dangerous with possible complications, among which one of the most formidable is bleeding. It can occur with the progression of the disease, when the mucosal defect becomes deep enough and reaches the underlying vessels.

If you feel sick in the morning

Unless you are a pregnant woman, for whom morning sickness is a relatively acceptable condition, the appearance of such a complaint is a sign of stomach problems that require attention. In most cases, nausea in the morning on an empty stomach indicates possible pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.

Such a symptom can be a signal of malnutrition, banal overeating, abuse of fatty or fried foods, alcohol, and so on. If this happens constantly, and almost every morning a person wakes up with a feeling of nausea, you should definitely contact a gastroenterologist to determine the cause of the problem.

If breakfast is not a joy

In the morning after breakfast, there may be discomfort in the stomach, which can also be a signal that you need to visit a doctor. So, a feeling of fullness in the abdomen after eating, increased gas formation, bubbling, bloating and a general unpleasant feeling in the epigastric region may indicate a violation of the motility of the gastrointestinal tract. Often this condition is called the “lazy stomach” syndrome, although it is possible that the problem lies in the lack of hydrochloric acid, a decrease in muscle tone.

If you suffer from heartburn

Heartburn, frequent belching, feeling of bitterness in the mouth may be signs of hydrochloric acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus. This symptom cannot be ignored – if left untreated, reflux disease can eventually lead to cancer of the esophagus.

Other warning signs

Frequent stool disorders (diarrhea) usually indicate a malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract. However, this symptom is not considered specific for the pathology of the stomach or intestines. Diarrhea can occur with a variety of conditions, such as thyroid problems, certain infectious diseases (such as HIV infection), and cancer, and may be a side effect of certain medications.

Bad breath even after brushing your teeth can sometimes indicate diseases of the digestive tract, gastritis and gastroduodenitis.

Separately, we note that a very common cause of the so-called dyspeptic symptoms (pain in the upper abdomen after eating, a feeling of fullness after eating), I also erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract becomes infection Helicobacter pylori . That is why testing for the detection of H. Pylori is so often included in the examination plan.

If you have such complaints, you should contact a general practitioner or gastroenterologist, who will interview and examine you in detail, and draw up a plan for examination and treatment.

Worth an endoscopy

One of the most advanced tests to detect H. Pylori, gastric and duodenal ulcers, erosions and other problems with the gastrointestinal tract is video endoscopy.

Earlier, we talked about what signs on the skin indicate too thick blood.

Why does abdominal pain occur at night? There are contraindications, it is necessary to consult a specialist. Hospitalization of patients with acute vascular disorders (stroke, heart attack, transient ischemic attack, stroke, etc.) is not performed.
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What diseases are characterized by nocturnal abdominal pain?

Late evening is the time when ambulances and emergency departments of hospitals are especially busy. During the day, changes occur in the human body. Late in the evening, the production of glucocorticoids, hormones of the adrenal cortex, which suppress inflammation and associated pain, reaches a minimum. The threshold of pain sensitivity decreases. Any pain associated with inflammatory processes makes itself felt stronger.

Our expert in this area:

Sergeev Petr Sergeevich

Deputy chief physician for medical work. Oncologist, surgeon, chemotherapist, Ph.D.

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Closer to the night, hospitals are usually more intensively filled with new patients, many of whom complain of pain in the abdomen, under the ribs, in the pit of the stomach. Some morning it will get better and they will go home. Others will have to undergo a course of treatment for a week or two.

• It is often at night that pain in acute appendicitis begins to disturb. Usually, at the beginning, the whole stomach hurts, around the navel, then the pain shifts to the right iliac region.
• “Hungry”, night pains in the upper abdomen are characteristic of some forms of chronic gastritis, ulcers in the lower part of the stomach, duodenum. Usually, if you eat, the condition improves.
• In gastroesophageal reflux disease (a condition in which the contents of the stomach are periodically thrown into the esophagus), chalazia cardia (insufficiency of the muscular sphincter in the lower part of the esophagus), diaphragmatic hernia, the condition worsens when a person is in a horizontal position, especially if he ate shortly before sleep. At the same time, the contents of the stomach enter the esophagus more easily, causing heartburn and pain.
• Dyspepsia is a digestive disorder that occurs with various diseases. Pain, heaviness and bloating in the abdomen can bother you at night if you eat before bed.
• Night and morning pains under the right rib can disturb with cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, liver diseases. Especially if there was a holiday the night before, a stormy feast with an abundance of fatty foods and alcohol.

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Where can I get help?

If the pain is very intense, the general condition has greatly worsened, other symptoms are bothering you, such as nausea and vomiting, yellowness of the skin, pallor, dizziness, fever, you need to call an ambulance. Until the doctor arrives, you can not take painkillers, laxatives, or do an enema.

If there was no ambulance, the next day you need to visit a general practitioner or gastroenterologist. If the pain bothers you not for the first night in a row or occurs periodically for a long time, do not hesitate to go to the hospital. Symptoms of a chronic disease can be tolerated for some time, but gradually the condition will worsen anyway, serious complications may develop.
In order to diagnose the cause of nighttime abdominal pain, the doctor may prescribe blood tests, abdominal ultrasound, X-ray contrast studies, CT, MRI and other procedures.