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Having abdominal pain or stomach ache can disrupt your ability to sleep well at night. The cramping, bloating, and discomfort can leave you tossing and turning, making it hard to settle in for rest. If you’re in this situation and find yourself questioning the internet, ‘How to sleep with a stomach ache?’, look no further.
In this guide, we’ll explore common causes of stomach pain, practical tips to help you fall asleep, and the best sleep positions to ease discomfort for a more restful night.
What Causes Stomach Ache?
Feeling discomfort in your stomach can be attributed to a list of different factors. The stomach region is home to not just the stomach but also key organs like the liver, intestines, pancreas, and gall bladder. So, it’s not a surprise if your pain is caused by an issue in these areas [1].
Some of the common causes of stomach aches are gastric pain, gastroenteritis (stomach flu), constipation, stomach cramps, menstrual cramps, kidney stones, gallstones, peptic ulcers, food intolerance, or appendicitis.
Conditions such as acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which occur when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, can also contribute to stomach issues at night [2].
How To Fall Asleep If You Have Stomach Pain?
There are many different kinds of remedies that you can try to help you fall asleep at night when you have stomach pain.
Here are some of the top remedies:
- Take over-the-counter medicines: Taking medicines can help to treat abdominal discomfort and other issues with the digestive system such as gas, constipation, or acid reflux.
- Change of diet: Avoid fatty foods, spicy or acidic foods, and incorporate more high-fiber foods.
- Reducing or avoiding alcohol consumption: Doing this helps to prevent irritation of the stomach lining.
- Losing weight: Losing weight may help to relieve digestive symptoms such as heartburn or other similar complaints.
- Exercising regularly: Helps to stimulate digestion and promote bowel movement.
- Eating slowly: Allows for proper digestion, breaks food down to reduce straining of the stomach and minimize irritation.
- Elevating your head: Elevating your head and upper body can help to smoothen the process of digestion.
- Apply heating pad: Applying a heating pad to your abdomen may assist in relieving some discomfort.
- Practice deep breathing exercises: Calms the body and reduces abdominal pain, bloating or constipation.
Sleep Positions to Help Relieve Stomach Ache
If your stomach discomfort is caused by heartburn, sleeping on your right might just make it feel worse. A study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology found that patients with chronic heartburn, had their stomach acid cleared much faster when they slept on their left side as opposed to lying on their back or right side [3].
It’s also a good sleeping position for pregnant women with heartburn or abdominal cramps.
Besides sleeping on your left side, sleeping in the fetal position may also be effective in relieving stomach pain as it reduces the stretching of the abdominal muscles and releases pressure on the internal organs. Thus, easing the pain.
How to Prevent Nighttime Stomach Pain
Here are also some ways that you can prevent nighttime stomach pain and promote a restful night’s sleep:
- Use a pillow or wedge to elevate your upper body slightly. This can help prevent acid reflux and reduce the likelihood of indigestion.
- Avoid eating large meals too close to bedtime, as this can cause stomach pain and disrupt your sleep. Instead, have a light snack if you’re hungry.
- Practice stress-reducing techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation. Stress can contribute to nighttime stomach pain, so finding ways to relax before bed can be helpful.
- Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet. Excess weight can put pressure on your abdomen and lead to nighttime stomach discomfort.
- Use over-the-counter medications such as antacids or simethicone if needed, for relief of acid reflux, gas, or bloating.
Incorporating these tips into your nighttime routine can help prevent stomach pain and promote a more comfortable and restful sleep.
When to See a Doctor for Stomach Pain at Night
If you experience severe or persistent stomach pain or inflammation, it’s important to talk to your doctor. While occasional stomach pain can be normal, recurring or intense pain may indicate an underlying issue that requires medical intervention.
If your stomach pain is accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, difficulty breathing, abdominal swelling, pain when touching the abdomen, unexplained weight loss, muscle and joint aches, or dark or bloody stool, it’s especially important to consult with a healthcare professional.
They’ll conduct an examination, review your medical history, and perform diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your nighttime stomach pain. Seeking medical help can lead to better sleep and improved overall health.
Conclusion
By following the remedies and preventive tips shared, you should be able to find relief for your nighttime stomach problems and rest better. It’s also equally important for you to sleep on your left side or in a fetal position to minimize further discomfort.
For more support in improving your sleep quality, consider using the ShutEye® App. With features like sleep tracking, soothing sounds, and insights into your sleep patterns, ShutEye can help you create a more restful sleeping experience.
