What causes stomach pain in the morning? How can you stop it? What about stomach pain at night? Get the facts and solutions to ease your digestive woes.

Unravelling the Causes of Morning Stomach Pain

Waking up with stomach pain can put a damper on your day before it even begins. But what’s behind this common issue? Let’s explore the top reasons your stomach may be hurting when you rise and shine:

1. Indigestion

Indigestion, or dyspepsia, occurs when stomach acid irritates the lining of your stomach, esophagus, or upper intestine. This can be triggered by factors like medications, obesity, stress, alcohol, caffeine, or eating spicy/fatty foods too quickly. Symptoms like stomach pain, heartburn, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea often appear after eating, especially breakfast. To find relief, cut back on potential irritants, eat smaller meals slowly, and manage stress. Over-the-counter remedies like ginger ale or peppermint tea may also help.

2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that can flare up due to stress, lack of sleep, or disruption of your circadian rhythm. After a poor night’s rest, abdominal pain from IBS may be worse the next morning. Keeping your sleep debt low and sticking to a regular sleep schedule can help minimize IBS symptoms. Avoiding late-night eating, reducing fiber/fat/spice intake, and trying relaxation techniques or melatonin supplements can also provide relief.

3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD, which includes conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Symptoms like stomach pain, cramps, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss may occur, especially in the morning. If you suspect IBD, consult a doctor, as anti-inflammatory medications, immune suppressors, or biologics may be necessary.

Nighttime Stomach Pain: Causes and Cures

Stomach pain that strikes at night can disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling miserable. What might be to blame, and how can you find relief?

4. Constipation

Difficulty with bowel movements or infrequent trips to the toilet can lead to stomach pain, especially at night. Stress, lack of fiber, dehydration, and physical inactivity are common culprits. Try boosting your fiber intake, staying hydrated, getting regular exercise, and managing anxiety to ease constipation and the accompanying abdominal discomfort.

5. Acid Reflux and GERD

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into your esophagus, causing a burning sensation in your chest. Chronic acid reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). One study found nearly half of GERD patients experience an acid reflux event within 20 minutes of waking up. Symptoms like stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, and a bad taste in your mouth may crop up, especially when lying down at night. Avoiding large, fatty meals close to bedtime, elevating the head of your bed, and taking antacids can provide relief.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Stomach Pain

While occasional stomach pain is common, persistent or severe discomfort requires professional evaluation. Seek medical care if you experience:

• Severe, persistent, or worsening stomach pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood in your stool
• Difficulty swallowing
• Vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours

Your doctor can help identify the underlying cause and develop an effective treatment plan to get your digestive health back on track. Don’t let morning or nighttime stomach pain disrupt your life – take steps to find the solution and start feeling better.

Optimizing Your Sleep for Digestive Health

Given the connection between sleep and digestive issues like IBS and acid reflux, taking steps to improve your sleep quality can go a long way in alleviating stomach pain. The RISE app can help you achieve optimal sleep by tracking your sleep needs, circadian rhythms, and more. Download the app to start sleeping and feeling better today.

Conclusion

Waking up or being kept awake by stomach pain is an unpleasant experience, but understanding the potential causes and implementing the right solutions can provide much-needed relief. From managing indigestion and IBS to addressing constipation and acid reflux, there are many ways to get your digestive health back on track and start your day or night off right. Don’t hesitate to consult a medical professional if the pain persists or worsens. With the right approach, you can conquer that pesky stomach discomfort and enjoy more restful, comfortable days and nights.