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 a more severe underlying cause, 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)
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
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.
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
- 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
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common cause. Conditions that inflame the food pipe cause heartburn, nausea, and indigestion.
Gastritis
Gastritis is when the stomach walls become irritated and inflamed. This
Stomach and intestinal, or peptic, ulcers
Stomach ulcers and intestinal ulcers
Causes include:
- H. pylori bacteria
- overuse or prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- tumors, in rare cases
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
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
Irritable bowel syndrome
Some people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) experience nighttime abdominal pain.
Symptoms
Around 5–10% of people have IBS, and most are under 50.
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
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.
Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease is a type of IBD. It is an inflammation of the digestive tract lining
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.
Menstrual cramps
Cramping, bloating, gas, and discomfort
Symptoms range from mild to severe and may affect the back and legs. There may also be nausea, vomiting, headaches, and other symptoms.
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
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
Often, nighttime abdominal or stomach 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 abdominal pain can indicate a more serious condition that requires medical attention.
These conditions include:
- appendicitis
- kidney stones
- food poisoning
- heart attack
- hiatal hernia
- stomach cancer
- other cancers in the abdominal area
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 | |
| GERD, acid reflux, indigestion, heartburn | H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), surgery, endoscopy | |
| gastritis | ||
| stomach and intestinal ulcers | PPIs; antibiotics to treat H. pylori | |
| gallstones | gallbladder removal surgery | |
| IBS | medication for diarrhea, constipation, and pain; probiotics; mental health therapies | |
| celiac disease | avoid gluten | |
| Crohn’s disease | medication | |
| menstrual cramps | NSAIDs for pain relief, birth control pills | |
| endometriosis | NSAIDs for pain relief; hormonal treatments; surgery | herbal teas (such as licorice or cinnamon) and supplements |
| 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 |
Tips for preventing and managing nighttime abdominal and stomach 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 and stomach pain at night.
How do you calm a stomach ache at night?
It depends on the root cause. Stomach ache caused by gas can be calmed by avoiding certain foods or taking over-the-counter medication. Stomach ache caused by menstrual cramps can be calmed by NSAIDs or by applying heat.
What is the quickest way to make your stomach stop hurting?
A heat pad or hot water bottle can be a quick and effective way to relieve stomach ache. This can help relax the stomach muscles. If the stomach continues to hurt and is accompanied by other symptoms, 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.