How to Sleep With a Stomach Ache?

When a stomach ache strikes you in the middle of the night or just before bedtime, it can be challenging to enjoy a peaceful slumber. Stomach aches can occur for various reasons, from heartburn to menstrual cramps. But before you turn towards a painkiller, look at how to sleep with a stomach ache with 10 easy remedies. What are they? Just keep reading to know more! 

10 Simple Ways To Sleep With A Stomach Pain

1. Sleep on your left side to improve your digestion

What side to lay on when your stomach hurts? It is believed that sleeping on your left side can be beneficial for your digestion. While we still need more studies on this subject, the location of the stomach may be the reason. Since the stomach is located on the left side, turning to the left may help with the smooth digestive process. So, if you are wondering which side lay on stomach ache? Then it is to the left. 

If you experience heartburn frequently, sleeping on the left as the muscles contract and help with the whole process. This can be an ideal sleeping position for stomach pain. 

So, ensure this is how to lay when your stomach hurts as this is the best position to lay in to relieve stomach pain.

2. Take steps to make your bed as comfortable as possible

You can take a few steps to ensure you are comfortable as you lie down. So, at least an hour before you go to bed, try a few relaxation techniques such as;

• Try deep breathing exercises 
• Do some yoga or meditation

Why is this important? When you feel anxious or tense, it can worsen the pain. Therefore, setting up a comfortable environment and keeping calm can help you.

3. Wear loose cotton clothing when you go to bed

If you wear tight clothing that compresses your abdomen, it can add discomfort and enhance your pain. Therefore, it is always essential to wear loose and comfy clothing when you go to bed. A flowy night dress or an oversized t-shirt can help you out here. Also, try comfortable positions to lay in to relieve stomach pain.

4. Keep your room at about 65 °F (18 °C)

One of the best ways to sleep with stomach pain is to ensure you keep the room cool. The ideal sleeping temperature is said to be 65 °C / 65 degrees Fahrenheit. When you feel too hot, it gets too uncomfortable, and you toss and turn, unable to sleep.

5. Don’t eat within 2-3 hours of bedtime

To avoid stomach pain at night, don’t sleep with your stomach full. Therefore, always have dinner at least two hours before hitting the sheets. Some of the tips you can try include;

• Consume light dinner
• Have smaller meals throughout the day 
• Always eat slowly and chew the food thoroughly

6. Avoid alcohol, especially before bed

While a glass of wine may seem like a great idea to induce drowsiness, it may not be the ideal solution, as alcohol can cause nausea. If you are already suffering from stomach pain, alcohol can aggravate it. For instance, beer has sulfur-containing compounds, which can cause gas and worsen the pain. And if you must drink, do it within your limits and at least an hour or two before bed. 

7. Don’t eat food that might upset your stomach

Instead of looking for ways on how to sleep with an upset stomach, try to avoid an upset stomach in the first place. We know, a juicy burger may seem like a delicious midnight snack. But your stomach may not agree. Therefore, choose something healthy that will go easy on the tummy. 

8. Sip water infused with ginger for a universal stomach cure

How to stop stomach pain at night? Ginger can be the answer. It is an excellent root that’s popular for treating stomach ailments. However, instead of store-bought ginger ale, try to make your ginger-infused drink.

• Peel about an inch of ginger and let it sit in a cup of warm water for at least 5 minutes
• Slowly sip on the drink

This can be an excellent remedy for those wondering what to do when my stomach hurts when I lay down. 

9. Drink a cup of warm herbal tea

A cup of warm herbal tea at night can be utterly relaxing and help induce sleep. But they can also be utterly beneficial to treat your stomach ache. Teas such as chamomile can be helpful. 

10. Medications to Tame Your Tummy

Finally, if nothing else works, try using over-the-counter painkillers to help you sleep. However, ensure you avoid overusing medications, as they can have harmful side effects. 

• If you have heartburn, opt for antacids 
• If you are feeling constipated, go for over-the-counter laxatives

For more, you can always ask the pharmacist to guide you in the right direction. 

Common Causes Stomach Ache

Gas: One of the most common reasons for abdominal pain is gas in the digestive tract. Belching or passing gas can provide relief. 

Acid reflux: It is a condition where stomach acid travels up the food pipe causing a burning sensation, nausea, vomiting, and even stomach pain.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):: GERD is one of the most common causes of stomach ache, and here, your food pipe becomes inflamed. However, the condition can become inflamed when you lie down. 

Gastritis: In this condition, your stomach lining becomes inflamed and irritated. It can lead to pain and burning sensation and cause nausea, vomiting, and gas. 

Stomach and intestinal, or peptic, ulcers: Ulcers can cause stomach aches and burning sensations. However, the pain usually worsens after eating. 

Gallstones: Gallstones are hardened stones present in the gallbladder. While some don’t require any medical treatment, if the pain intensifies, medical intervention is necessary. Surgery may also be a treatment option here. 

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS can cause nighttime abdominal pain and frequent stomach issues. Therefore, managing the condition is essential. 

Celiac disease: It occurs when you have an allergic reaction to gluten, where the small intestine becomes inflamed. 

Crohn’s disease: Crohn’s-disease is also a type of irritable bowel syndrome that leads to inflammation of the digestive tract lining. Managing it with your doctor can help provide some relief. 

Menstrual cramps: Stomach pain is one of the most common symptoms of monthly menstrual cramps. 

Endometriosis: Endometriosis is where the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Proper treatment is necessary to cure the symptoms, one of which is severe stomach pain. 

Food intolerances: If you suffer from food intolerances, your stomach may have problems digesting certain food items. For instance, lactose intolerance means your stomach cannot process dairy. 

Constipation: It is a condition where it becomes difficult to pass stools. This can occur due to certain medications, diet, or underlying health conditions.

Conclusion

When you are suffering from stomach pain at night, try a few home remedies to help you. This can be because of various conditions, from gas to bloating. Also, following a healthy diet can ensure you avoid aches. But if the symptoms continue despite trying everything, visit your doctor today! 

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