15 Reasons You Wake Up With Stomach Pain Every Morning
Waking up with a stomach ache can ruin your whole day. Not only is the pain itself annoying, but it can also be a sign that something is wrong with your health. Read on to learn about some of the most common causes of stomach pain every morning and what you can do to find relief.
1. Eating Late at Night
Eating late at night is one of the most common reasons for morning stomach pain. When you eat close to bedtime, your body doesn’t have enough time to digest all the food before you go to sleep. This can lead to indigestion and heartburn, which can wake you up feeling uncomfortable and in pain. If you want to avoid morning stomach pain, ensure you eat your last meal at least 3 hours before bed.
2. Drinking Too Much Alcohol
Another common cause of waking up with an upset stomach is drinking too much alcohol the night before. Alcohol can irritate your stomach lining and cause inflammation, leading to pain when you wake up in the morning. If you frequently wake up with stomach pain, try to avoid drinking alcohol or limit yourself to 1-2 drinks per night and drink plenty of water in between alcoholic beverages.
3. Spicy Foods
Spicy foods are another common trigger for morning stomach ache. If you ate something spicy for dinner, your stomach might be inflamed and irritated when you wake up in the morning. To find relief, try eating a light breakfast like toast or oatmeal and drinking lots of fluids like water or herbal tea.
4. Dehydration
Dehydration is one of the leading causes of stomach pain. When you’re dehydrated, your body cannot properly digest food or absorb nutrients. This can lead to cramping, bloating, and other uncomfortable symptoms. To avoid dehydration, drink plenty of fluids during the day and cut back on diuretics like caffeine and alcohol.
5. Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is the most common reason for stomach pain in the morning. It occurs when you eat food in the evening or at midnight that has been contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Symptoms of food poisoning include abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you think you might have food poisoning, call your doctor right away.
6. Food Intolerances or Allergies
If you’re intolerant or allergic to something you ate or drank at night, it can cause stomach pain when you wake up in the morning. Common triggers include gluten (in wheat products), lactose (in milk and dairy products), eggs, soy, peanuts, citrus fruits, spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners. If you suspect that you might be intolerant or allergic to something, see your doctor so they can help you figure out what’s triggering your symptoms.
7. Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a condition that causes open sores to form in the lining of the digestive tract (stomach or duodenum). The most common symptom of PUD is abdominal pain that gets worse when your stomach is empty (gnawing or burning feeling). Other symptoms include bloating, burping, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. See your doctor for diagnosis and treatment possibilities if you think you might have PUD.
8. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Can GERD cause stomach pain in the morning? GERD is a condition that causes stomach acid to leak back up into the esophagus. This can lead to heartburn, chest pain, and other uncomfortable symptoms. If you have GERD, you might notice that your stomach pain is worse when you lie down or first wake up in the morning. Talk to your doctor about taking antacids or other medications to find relief.
9. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a chronic condition that can cause abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Many people with IBS find that their symptoms are worse in the morning. If you have IBS, talk to your doctor about ways to manage your symptoms and get relief.
10. Stress
Stress is a common trigger for stomach aches every morning. When you’re stressed, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode and produces stress hormones. These hormones can lead to abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. If you frequently wake up with stomach pain, try to find ways to reduce stress in your life. Meditation, yoga, and exercise can all help to relieve stress.
11. Constipation
Another reason for waking up with a stomach ache is constipation. When you’re constipated, it means that you’re having trouble passing stool. This can be caused by various things, such as not eating enough fiber, not drinking enough water, or stress. If you think constipation might be the cause of your stomach pain, there are some things you can do to ease the symptoms. Try eating foods high in fiber, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You should also make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. And lastly, try to find ways to reduce stress in your life.
Also read: 9 Foods that Relieve Constipation Quickly
12. Gastritis
Gastritis is inflammation of the lining of the stomach. This can be caused by a bacterial infection, stress, or certain medications. If you have gastritis, you might experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, bloating, and upset stomach in the morning. If you think gastritis might be the cause of your stomach pain, it’s crucial to see a doctor so they can prescribe medication to help ease the symptoms.
13. Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is an infection of the gastrointestinal tract that can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Symptoms of gastroenteritis include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. If you have gastroenteritis, it’s essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding spicy or fatty foods. You should also see a doctor so they can prescribe medication to help ease the symptoms and prevent dehydration.
14. Appendicitis
Appendicitis is a condition that occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed and swollen. Symptoms of appendicitis include nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain that gets worse when you move around or cough/sneeze, and fever. If you assume appendicitis might be the cause of your stomach pain, see a doctor right away because appendicitis can lead to severe complications if it’s not treated promptly.
15. Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches in the gastrointestinal tract become inflamed or infected. It’s more common in older adults, and symptoms include abdominal pain (usually on the left side), bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. If you think you might have diverticulitis, it’s important to see a doctor so that they can rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.
When to see a doctor for stomach pain every morning?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s essential to see a doctor right away:
- Severe or constant abdominal pain
- Pain that gets worse when you move or breathe
- Pain that radiates to your back or chest
- Blood in your stool
- Black, tarry stools
- Weight loss and appetite loss
- Nausea or vomiting that lasts more than a few days
- Fever
- Changes in bowel habits (e.g., diarrhea that lasts more than a few days)
- Rectal bleeding
Don’t hesitate to see a doctor if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. While waking up with stomach pain is often harmless, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
