Why Does My Stomach Hurt When I Lie Down?

Pain or discomfort that worsens when you lie down can sometimes be caused by acid reflux, but other digestive and non-digestive conditions can cause similar symptoms. Reflux occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus and may become more noticeable when you are lying flat. The horizontal position reduces the natural downward flow of digestive contents, allowing acid to travel upward more easily. Acid reflux symptoms are common, although estimates vary depending on how reflux is defined and studied. Other causes include delayed gastric emptying, hiatal hernia, or eating large meals within 2-3 hours of bedtime. The pain often worsens when lying flat and may improve when sitting upright or elevating your head with pillows. Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms are frequent, persistent, worsening, or interfering with sleep. Seek urgent medical care for severe or sudden pain, chest pain, trouble breathing, vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, repeated vomiting, fainting, or pain with sweating or pain that spreads to the arm, jaw, back, or shoulder.