How to Stop Stomach Pain at Night?

Stomach pain at night is not always considered normal; in some cases, it may be a sign of an underlying condition.

However, some people may experience mild stomach discomfort at night due to indigestion after eating a heavy meal, eating spicy food or having certain food intolerances. It's important to keep a food diary to track what you eat and what symptoms you experience; this can identify any potential triggers.

There are many likely causes of stomach pain at night, and the specific cause can depend on a person's age, overall health, and other factors. Some common causes of stomach pain at night include:

1. Indigestion or heartburn: These conditions can cause stomach pain, bloating, and discomfort, especially after eating a large meal or lying down.
2. Constipation: This can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort, especially if you are straining to have a bowel movement.
3. Menstrual cramps: Many women experience abdominal pain during their menstrual cycle, which can be more intense at night.
4. Urinary tract infection (UTI): UTIs can cause abdominal pain, a frequent urge to urinate and pain or burning when urinating.
5. Appendicitis: This condition is characterised by pain in the lower right side of the stomach that may become more severe at night. It requires immediate medical attention.
6. Gallstones: These small, hard stones that form in the gallbladder can cause abdominal pain, especially after eating a fatty meal.
7. Gastroenteritis: This condition, also known as stomach flu, is caused by a bacterial or viral infection and can cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and vomiting.

Home remedies on how to stop stomach pain at night

There are multiple home remedies that you can try before taking over-the-counter medications and going to a doctor. Some home remedies on how to stop stomach pain at night according to different causes: 

Cause of stomach pain	Home remedies
Indigestion or heartburn	Avoid trigger foods, stay upright after eating, chew gum to increase saliva production
Constipation	Stay hydrated, increase fibre intake, and exercise regularly
Menstrual cramps	Apply heat, take over-the-counter pain medication (e.g., ibuprofen), get plenty of rest
Urinary tract infection (UTI)	Drink plenty of fluids, avoid caffeinated beverages
Appendicitis	Get immediate medical attention
Gallstones	Avoid high-fat meals, stay hydrated
Gastroenteritis	Get plenty of rest, drink fluids to prevent dehydration, avoid solid foods until symptoms improve

Medications for Stomach Pain at Night

Here is a table outlining some common causes of stomach pain in females and potential treatment options for how to stop stomach pain at night:

Cause of stomach pain	Treatment options
Menstrual cramps	Over-the-counter pain medication (e.g., ibuprofen), heat therapy, hormonal birth control
Ovarian cysts	Pain medication, hormonal birth control, surgery
Endometriosis	Hormonal birth control, pain medication, surgery
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)	Antibiotics, surgery
Ectopic pregnancy	Surgery
Urinary tract infection (UTI)	Antibiotics
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)	Diet and lifestyle changes, medication (e.g., antispasmodics, antidepressants)

Many lifestyle changes can avoid sudden stomach pain at night, depending on the cause of the pain. Some potential changes include:

1. Avoiding trigger foods: If indigestion or heartburn is causing your stomach pain, try avoiding foods that tend to trigger these symptoms, such as spicy, fatty, or acidic foods.
2. Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of water and other fluids can reduce constipation, which can cause abdominal pain.
3. Eating smaller, more frequent meals: Eating smaller, more frequent meals can reduce bloating and discomfort.
4. Avoid lying down after eating: Lying down immediately after eating can cause heartburn and indigestion, so try to wait at least three hours after eating before going to bed.
5. Quitting smoking: Smoking can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of heartburn and other digestive issues.
6. Managing stress: Stress can exacerbate digestive issues and increase the risk of stomach pain. Engaging yourself in stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or exercises can reduce stomach pain at night.

If you are unsure of the cause of your stomach pain in the middle of the night or if your symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes, you must speak with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

It is important to speak to a healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms along with stomach pain at night:

1. Stomach pain is severe or sudden
2. Pain persists despite home remedies or lifestyle changes.
3. If you are experiencing other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, or blood in your stool, along with stomach pain at night.
4. Pain is severe enough to wake you up at night.

In summary, stomach pain at night can be caused because of  various factors, and it is important to know about proper diagnosis and treatment options. Taking steps to manage your symptoms and prevent stomach pain at night can improve your sleep quality and overall health.

If your abdominal pain persists or is severe at night, you must speak to a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment. They can determine the cause of your pain and recommend the most appropriate treatment options. You can contact HexaHealth experts for their valuable advice! They will surely guide you through the best treatment possible.

Suggested Reads:

1. Left Side Stomach Pain Reasons for Female
2. Types of Stomach Pain Female
3. How to Stop Stomach Pain at Night
4. Acupressure Points for Stomach Pain