Alleviating Discomfort: Strategies for Slumber with Abdominal Pain
Suffering from a stomachache can be a real pain, especially when it's keeping you up at night. The discomfort, cramping, and bloating can leave you tossing and turning, making it hard to catch some z's. But, don't sweat it! Here's a guide to help you sleep better with a stomachache.
We'll discuss common causes of stomachaches, practical tips to help you drift off, and the best sleep positions to ease your discomfort for a more restful night.
What gives you a stomachache?
Stomachaches can be due to various factors as the stomach region houses key organs like the liver, intestines, pancreas, and gallbladder. Some common causes include gastric pain, gastroenteritis (stomach flu), constipation, stomach cramps, menstrual cramps, kidney stones, gallstones, peptic ulcers, food intolerance, or appendicitis. Issues like acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also contribute to stomach issues at night.
How to fall asleep with a stomachache?
Luckily, there are several remedies to help you drift off when you're dealing with stomach pain. Here are some top picks:
- Take over-the-counter medicines to treat abdominal discomfort, gas, constipation, or acid reflux.
- Modify your diet by avoiding fatty, spicy, or acidic foods, and incorporating more high-fiber options.
- Reduce or avoid alcohol consumption to prevent irritation of the stomach lining.
- Lose weight to relieve digestive symptoms such as heartburn or other complaints.
- Exercise regularly to stimulate digestion and promote bowel movement.
- Eat slowly to allow proper digestion and break down food to minimize stomach irritation.
- Elevate your head and upper body for smoother digestion.
- Apply a heating pad to your abdomen for relief of discomfort.
- Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your body and reduce abdominal pain, bloating, or constipation.
Sleep positions to ease stomachache
If your stomach discomfort is due to heartburn, sleeping on your right might make it worse. However, a study found that patients with chronic heartburn slept better on their left side, as it helped clear stomach acid quicker than sleeping on their back or right side.
Another effective sleep position is sleeping in the fetal position, which reduces the stretching of abdominal muscles and releases pressure on internal organs, easing pain.
Preventing nighttime stomach pain
Here are ways to prevent nighttime stomach pain and promote a restful sleep:
- Use a pillow or wedge to elevate your upper body slightly to prevent acid reflux and reduce the likelihood of indigestion.
- Avoid eating large meals too close to bedtime to prevent stomach pain and disrupted sleep.
- Practice stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing or meditation before bed to help reduce stress contributing to nighttime stomach pain.
- Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise and balanced diet to minimize pressure on the abdomen.
- Use over-the-counter medications such as antacids or simethicone as needed for relief of acid reflux, gas, or bloating.
If your stomach pain persists or becomes intense, consult a healthcare professional since recurring or severe pain may indicate an underlying issue that requires medical attention.
In summary, incorporating various tips into your nighttime routine can help prevent stomach pain, promote a comfortable sleep, and alleviate discomfort. Enjoy a restful night!
For additional support in improving sleep quality, consider using the ShutEye® App, with features like sleep tracking, soothing sounds, and insights into your sleep patterns, to help you create a more restful sleeping experience.
- Insomnia, caused by a stomachache, may affect mental health, making it crucial to follow this guide for better sleep.
- A balanced diet that includes high-fiber options and avoids fatty, spicy, or acidic foods may help improve sleep quality and abate stomach discomfort.
- Practicing deep breathing exercises, a component of health-and-wellness, may reduce abdominal pain, bloating, or constipation, promoting better sleep for those suffering from insomnia.
