Stomach pain is a frequent symptom linked to many different conditions, including gas, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and diverticulitis. In some cases, stomach pain that starts suddenly may need prompt medical attention.
Waking up with pain or discomfort is never pleasant. While nighttime stomach pain isn’t extremely common, the underlying causes often are. Paying attention to other symptoms you experience along with the pain can help you narrow down possible reasons and determine what kind of treatment may be needed.
Possible Causes of Stomach Pain at Night
Stomach pain can occur for many reasons. Identifying accompanying symptoms can help clarify the cause and guide treatment.
Gas
Most people are familiar with gas and the discomfort it can cause. One common symptom is stomach pain, which may feel sharp or stabbing, particularly in the upper abdomen.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS affects people differently, but many experience recurring stomach or abdominal pain.
Other symptoms may include:
Bloating
Gas
Diarrhea
Constipation
Stomach Ulcers
A stomach ulcer, also known as a peptic ulcer, often causes a burning sensation in the stomach. The pain may worsen when the stomach is full or when stomach acid increases, which is why symptoms are often more noticeable between meals or during the night.
Diverticulitis
This condition occurs when small pouches form along the lining of the digestive tract.
In addition to stomach pain, symptoms may include:
Nausea
Fever
Upset stomach
Changes in bowel habits
Acid Reflux
Occasional acid reflux may be triggered by:
Eating large meals
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
Lying down too soon after eating
Consuming foods more likely to cause reflux, such as spicy, tomato-based, or sweet foods
When acid reflux becomes chronic—occurring more than once a week—it can lead to more serious issues, including inflammation, scarring of the esophagus, bleeding, or ulcers.
Gallstones
Gallstones can cause stomach pain if they block a bile duct. This often happens after eating a large or high-fat meal, which commonly occurs in the evening. As a result, gallstone pain may develop at night or while you’re sleeping.
Sudden-Onset Conditions That Can Cause Nighttime Stomach Pain
In some situations, stomach pain may begin suddenly and become severe. Possible causes include:
Kidney Stones
When a kidney stone begins moving into the ureter, it can cause sudden, intense pain in the back that may spread to the stomach and abdomen. The pain often changes in intensity and location as the stone moves.
Viral Gastroenteritis
This contagious illness can cause stomach pain along with vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and fever. It is often contracted through close contact with someone who is infected.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning commonly leads to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Symptoms typically appear within a few hours of eating contaminated food.
Cardiac Events
Although rare, certain heart-related events can cause stomach pain. People experiencing myocardial ischemia may have stomach discomfort along with more typical symptoms such as neck or jaw pain, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath. Gastrointestinal symptoms can sometimes accompany these cardiac issues.
How Stomach Pain at Night Is Treated
Treatment depends entirely on the cause. For example, acid reflux may improve with over-the-counter (OTC) antacids, while gas-related pain often resolves once the gas passes.
Other conditions may require medical treatment. In these cases, a doctor will need to determine the cause and recommend the most effective therapy. Many common sources of unexplained stomach pain require professional evaluation and care.
When to See a Doctor
If you’re experiencing stomach pain frequently—more than once or twice a week—it may be a sign of an underlying condition. You can try OTC remedies such as antacids or pain relievers.
If these options don’t provide relief after several days, or if symptoms persist, it’s important to consult a doctor. Many causes of stomach pain are treatable, but proper diagnosis is necessary.
What You Can Do Right Now
Waking up with stomach pain doesn’t mean you’ll have to deal with it forever. Relief is often possible once the cause is identified.
Keep a Journal
If nighttime stomach pain is happening often, start keeping notes. Write down what you eat, any symptoms you experience during the day, and how you feel when you wake up. This can help you and your doctor identify patterns.
Try First-Line Treatments
Begin with OTC options such as antacids or medications for upset stomach. If these don’t help, it may be time to explore other solutions.
Make Lifestyle Adjustments
If acid reflux is the cause, consider behaviors that may be contributing. Overeating, excessive drinking, being overweight, or lying down too soon after meals can all worsen symptoms.
See a Doctor
If your symptoms continue despite home remedies and lifestyle changes, schedule a visit with your doctor. Many causes of nighttime stomach pain are easy to treat, and early care can help resolve the issue sooner rather than later.