What Causes Stomach Pain That Wakes You up at Night?
Medically reviewed by Andre Stone | MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on August 25th, 2026.
Nighttime abdominal pain can have many causes, including indigestion, acid reflux, peptic ulcers, gallbladder problems, and other digestive conditions. Peptic ulcer pain may occur at night or when the stomach is empty, although symptoms vary from person to person. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) also worsens at night due to reduced gravity assistance when horizontal. Other possible causes include gallstones, which may cause episodes of upper abdominal pain after eating, and gastroparesis, in which delayed stomach emptying can cause upper abdominal discomfort, fullness, nausea, or bloating. Inflammatory bowel conditions like Crohn's disease can also cause nocturnal pain flares. The timing, location, and accompanying symptoms may provide clues, but they cannot identify the cause on their own. Track recurring symptoms and contact a healthcare professional for evaluation. Seek urgent care for sudden or severe pain, vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, fainting, chest pain, a swollen or very tender abdomen, or persistent vomiting.
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