Why Do I Have Stomach Pain at Night?

Cramping abdominal pain arises from hyperactivity of normal intestinal peristalsis, also known as muscle contractions, and can be caused by excess gas, irritation of the intestines from infection or inflammation, blockage, and even stress.

One of the worst feelings is waking up at night with stomach pain. It not only affects your body, but also interrupts your sleep, depriving you of the rest and energy needed for the next day’s challenges.

Research shows that individuals with sleep abnormalities are at greater risk of adverse health consequences.

Stomach pain is common, and understanding the symptoms you’re experiencing can lead to finding an effective remedy to relieve and prevent stomach pain from coming back.

While stomach pain can occur anytime, being woken up by stomach pain is not common. If this happens to you, it should be considered serious, and you should seek medical attention.

Symptoms of Stomach Pain

There are two types of stomach pain:

Cramping Abdominal Pain

This sharp and cyclical pain comes on suddenly, increasing in intensity until it subsides, only to come back later. The number, duration, and intensity of painful moments vary. This type of pain is also known as gas pain.

Constant Abdominal Pain

The second type is continuous and may vary in intensity. It has been described as "aching, burning, gnawing, hunger, or sharp" pain.

Causes of Stomach Pain

Cramping abdominal pain arises from hyperactivity of normal intestinal peristalsis and can be caused by excess gas, irritation of the intestines from infection or inflammation, blockage, and stress.

Constant abdominal pain can arise from inflammation in any abdominal organ, ulcers, gallbladder blockage, and infections called abscesses.

Other causes of stomach pain that can wake you up at night include:

Acid Reflux

Also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing damage and upset stomach.

Food Poisoning

Stomach pain can occur when you eat raw or contaminated food, resulting in diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.

Gallstones

Developed in the gallbladder, stones can block the gallbladder duct and cause constant abdominal pain.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is defined as abnormal discomfort and pain associated with altered bowel habits. Cramping abdominal pain is the most common symptom.

Menstrual Cramps

Cramping, bloating, gas, and discomfort of the abdominal area can occur during menstruation.

Stomach Ulcer

A stomach ulcer, also known as a peptic ulcer, is an open sore that develops on the lining of the stomach, causing burning stomach pain.

When to See a Doctor for Stomach Pain

Short bouts of stomach pain are common and usually pass quickly. However, stomach pain that wakes you up at night or lasts for hours or days should be considered serious and require medical attention.

Diagnosis for Stomach Pain

Doctors will perform a physical exam and ask a series of questions to diagnose the cause of stomach pain. If necessary, further tests and consultations with specialists may be recommended.

Treatments for Stomach Pain

Treatment depends on the cause of stomach pain. Non-serious causes can be relieved with over-the-counter antacids or rest. Serious causes require recommendations from a doctor, including changes in diet or lifestyle, additional medications, physical therapy, or surgery.

What Drink Helps an Upset Stomach?

An upset stomach can be relieved with simple home remedies, including herbal drinks and bland food.

Here are some effective herbal drinks for an upset stomach:

• Ginger Water, Juice, or Tea: Ginger acts as an anti-inflammatory and antiulcer. It is a remedy for nausea, flatulence, and bloating. You can make ginger water by boiling water and adding grated ginger, then straining it. Ginger tea is also beneficial.
• Peppermint Tea: Relaxing the smooth muscle, it reduces stomach cramps, bloating, and flatulence.
• Chamomile Tea: Soothes an upset stomach due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Other remedies include giving it time, using a heating pad for constipation, and maintaining hydration.

Nutrition with Liquids

When experiencing an upset stomach, switch to a diet of clear liquids in small amounts until feeling better. Stay hydrated and drink clear fluids.

If vomiting is uncontrollable, take small sips of water or suck on ice.

When feeling better, start with clear soup broth, tea, coffee, soft drinks, juices, popsicles, and fruit drinks.

The BRAT Diet

The BRAT diet is recommended for nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and includes bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.

Symptoms Associated with an Upset Stomach

An upset stomach, or indigestion, is accompanied by symptoms such as heartburn, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, fatigue, headache, body aches, chills, and blood in stools.

When to Contact a Doctor?

Most of the time, at-home treatments help with stomach upset. However, contact a doctor if experiencing severe abdominal pain, rectal pain, bloody or black stools, a fever of more than 102°F, excessive thirst, dry mouth, little or no urination, severe weakness, or lightheadedness.

Sources:

American College of Gastroenterology: "Common Gastrointestinal Problems: Abdominal Pain."

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "Food Poisoning Symptoms."

HHS Public Access: "Common Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Associated with Abdominal Pain."

Mayo Clinic: "Gas and Gas Pains."

U.S. National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus: "Period Pain."

World Journal of Gastroenterology: "Sleep, Immunity, and Inflammation in Gastrointestinal Disorders."

National Institutes of Health: "Chamomile."

American Academy of Family Physicians: "BRAT Diet: Recovering From an Upset Stomach."

Nikkhah Bodagh M, Maleki I, Hekmatdoost A. "Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review of clinical trials." Food Sci Nutr. 2018;7(1):96-108.

Chumpitazi BP, Kearns GL, Shulman RJ. "Review article: the physiological effects and safety of peppermint oil and its efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome and other functional disorders." Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2018 Mar;47(6):738-752.