The Best Sleeping Positions To Relieve Stomach Pain
So, you’re just like me.
You battle with stomach pain at night.
It’s hard to sleep when your abdomen is aching and you don’t know what position will be the best for relief.
I slept on my back one night and woke up in excruciating pain the next morning!
Research has shown that there are two key positions that can reduce abdominal discomfort. The best position for you will depend on how you sleep–and whether it’s comfortable enough to prevent pain during the night.
Hopefully this article can lead to a more peaceful sleep and restful night!
Sleeping positions vs. Sleep problems
Did you know that the way you sleep can have an impact on your health? Different sleep positions can help or worsen certain conditions. For example, sleeping on your back can cause bad dreams, snoring and increase the chances of developing GERD or acid reflux.
Sleeping on your stomach is not recommended because it puts unnecessary stress on your neck, spine, and hips. This position also makes it difficult to breathe and increases the risk of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
The best sleeping position for people with stomach pain is to lie on their left side. This will help control acid reflux and heartburn symptoms when they occur. If you find it uncomfortable to sleep on your left side, try using a pillow to support your head and upper body.
What positions to lay in to relieve stomach pain?
There are a few different positions you can lay in to help relieve stomach pain. For example, the child’s pose is a great way to reduce gas. You can also try twists and squats to get rid of gas. These positions are also beneficial for people with digestive issues and chronic pain.
- The Best Sleeping Positions To Relieve Stomach Pain
- Sleeping positions vs. Sleep problems
- What positions to lay in to relieve stomach pain?
- Digestion Benefits when Side Sleeping
- Digestion Benefits when Sleeping on the Back
- Tips for a Good Digestion at Nighttime
- Stomach Pain and Sleep
- What are the causes of stomach pain?
- Sleep and Stomach Pain Reinforces Each Other
- Avoiding Stomach Pain at Night
- 6 Tips to Sleep Better with Stomach Pain
- 1. Manage the Cause of Stomach Pain
- 2. Home Remedies May Work Well
- 3. Sleep On Your Back or Side
- 4. Rise Your Bed with Accessories
- 5. Avoid Stomach Sleeping
- 6. Use Effective Medicines
- How Do Sleep and Stomach Pain Affect Each Other?
- Remedies and treatments for stomach pain
- How Should I sleep with a cold or flu?
- How to sleep with heartburn?
- Does lying on your stomach help digestion?
- What side do you lay on to relieve gas?
- Which side to lay on for stomach ache?
- Conclusion
Digestion Benefits when Side Sleeping
Did you know that sleeping on the side may help remove toxins from the brain and reduce risk of neurological disease? Sleeping on your right side can create more space in your chest cavity which helps alleviate pressure on heart muscles, while sleeping on your left side may put you at a higher risk of congestive heart failure (CHF).
Side sleeping also has other health benefits not mentioned in the passage, including less snoring and better quality sleep.
Left-side sleeping
Most people know that sleeping on the left side is better for digestion, but did you know that gravity helps the waste travel from the small intestine to the large intestine? This is because your natural position is on your left side, where you can digest food better.
The Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology published a study which found that people who sleep on their right side have a higher risk for acid reflux than those who sleep on their left side. This is likely due to the fact that when a person sleeps on their right side, they are more likely to snore and experience GERD symptoms.
People are interested in which sleep positions work best because so many Americans have sleep disorders or poor quality of sleep. In particular, around 37% of American adults report snoring regularly. If you’re one of them and are looking for ways to improve your quality of slumber, it might be worth trying out sleeping on your left side!
Disadvantages of Side sleeping
Side sleeping can cause a reduction in blood flow, putting pressure on the stomach and lungs. This is why it’s important to sleep on your back if you want to avoid these problems. It’s also crucial to have an alignment between the head and spine, which can be achieved by using a pillow that supports this alignment.
Digestion Benefits when Sleeping on the Back
There are many benefits to sleeping on the back. First, sleeping on the back can help with pain management. This is because when a person sleeps on their back, they distribute the weight of their body more evenly, which reduces pressure on certain areas that may be causing pain. Second, sleeping on the back helps reduce wrinkles. When a person sleeps on their stomach or side, they often create wrinkles in those positions.
Finally, sleeping on the back is beneficial for digestion and sleep quality. Sleeping on your left side can improve digestion by helping food move through your digestive system more easily. Additionally, sleeping on your left side helps improve sleep quality by reducing stress and acid reflux. However, avoid sleeping on your stomach because it can cause gas and bloating which will disturb your sleep quality
Disadvantages of sleeping on the back
There are a few potential cons of sleeping on your back. First, back sleeping can cause acid reflux and obstruct breathing. Additionally, tucking hands or arms under a pillow may lead to numbness, tingling, or pain. Moreover, a variety of factors can influence gut health, such as bloating and constipation. Lastly, sleep affects digestion. Eating before sleep can lead to a variety of symptoms, including disrupted sleep.
Tips for a Good Digestion at Nighttime
Sleep With An Almost Empty Stomach
It is common knowledge that people should avoid eating too much before bed. A full stomach can lead to a poor quality of sleep, with symptoms including heartburn and insomnia.
Eat 3 hours before bedtime
It is best to avoid eating high-fat foods and anything that causes a release of insulin for at least an hour before bedtime. This will help your body to digest food properly and sleep better. Lying down helps to prevent heartburn or chest pain, which can be caused by refluxing stomach contents. The contents of the stomach can reflux into the esophagus, which can lead to heartburn or chest pain.
Avoid heavy meals
It is not a good idea to eat a big meal before bedtime. A light snack, such as an apple or some avocado toast, can relax the digestive system and ease hunger pangs.
Eating slowly and chewing food well before swallowing can help reduce indigestion. Relaxation techniques may be helpful to manage stress, which could have caused indigestion in the first place.
Drink plenty of water
It’s important to drink plenty of fluids, especially clean water, during the day. However, it’s best to avoid drinking coffee late at night. Caffeine can cause sleeplessness and make it difficult to fall asleep. Avoid drinks like soda, tea with sugar and hot chocolate as they will lead to having to urinate in the middle of the night. As people get older, their sleep will be affected by pains and medical conditions. It’s essential for them to find the right position in order to sleep well.

Stomach Pain and Sleep
What are the causes of stomach pain?
There are many possible causes of stomach pain, such as:
Abdominal discomfort is a symptom of a wide range of conditions. These can include: food poisoning, lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and Crohn’s disease.
The symptoms of stomach pain include: abdominal heaviness, bloating, belching and abdominal discomfort.
Sometimes it is difficult to determine the cause of stomach pain. In these cases, you should consult your doctor for further advice.
Sleep and Stomach Pain Reinforces Each Other
Stomach pain can cause sleep deprivation which can make the pain even worse. Sleep deprivation is a risk factor for gut health, and this in turn causes increased sensitivity to stomach pain. The low metabolic activity caused by sleep deprivation can result in bloating, constipation, abdominal pain, etc., which disrupts sleep and creates a cycle of symptoms that worsen each other’s effects.
Getting enough sleep can play a role in recovery from digestive problems. Sleep is important for digestion, as it helps to regulate hormones. Sleep also has a big impact on pain levels in the morning when muscles are still recovering from last night’s activities.
Avoiding Stomach Pain at Night
There are several things you can do to help prevent stomach pain at night:
- Eating light helps prevent stomach pain at night.
- Avoid fried and oily foods, gas-producing foods, and heavy meals before bedtime.
- Focus on sleep hygiene and relaxation to prevent the onset of stomach pain at night. This includes establishing a regular sleep schedule, winding down for 30 minutes before bedtime, avoiding watching television or working on the computer in bed, and reserving the bedroom for sleep.
- Try not to eat after 1-2 hours before bedtime.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking if you have stomach pain.
6 Tips to Sleep Better with Stomach Pain
1. Manage the Cause of Stomach Pain
The most effective way to stop stomach pain at night is to treat the underlying cause with a doctor.
Common causes of stomach pain include gastritis, acid reflux disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, dysmenorrhea and certain cancers.
Stomach pain may be the result of an acute or chronic condition. Stomach pain also may be due to a urinary tract disorder, such as kidney stones, infection or tumors. If you are experiencing any other symptoms along with your stomach pain, it is important to see a doctor and get treated for all conditions.
Check if there’s anything else going on with you such as anxiety or depression which may be affecting your sleep quality
Gastrointestinal disorders are potentially dangerous if left untreated, even for few hours. If you are experiencing severe discomfort or have not been able to resolve the issue after self-treatment measures, visit the ER department or doctor to check if you have an issue which needs attention before it becomes a real problem.
2. Home Remedies May Work Well
There are many natural remedies that can be used to ease mild pain. Some of these remedies include:
- Ginger: A known remedy for digestive problems, ginger has been shown to be effective in treating mild to moderate abdominal pain.
- Fennel: Fennel is a carminative, which means it helps expel gas from the intestines and stomach.
- Peppermint: Peppermint oil has been found to help with insomnia and other sleep disturbances. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve pain in the stomach area.
- Chamomile tea: Chamomile contains anti-inflammatory properties that help to relax the GI muscles and may reduce nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy or other treatments.
People who are experiencing mild pain should try some of these home remedies before resorting to over-the-counter medication. These remedies may have side effects, so it is important to consult with your doctor before trying them out. Additionally, people should always drink plenty of water when taking any type of medication or supplement, as dehydration can worsen abdominal pain symptoms
Epsom Salt Baths
Epsom salt baths can soothe stomach pain. The perceived benefits come from the release of magnesium. A warm bath with Epsom salts is a great way to relax and reduce stressors in the body that can cause stomach pain when they are brought up to boiling temperature.
Mild Massage
Additionally, massaging the center of your abdomen can relieve abdominal pain and cramping. Keep pressure mild to moderate only, and massage both sides of your stomach.

Heat Pads
Finally, using a heating pad on your lower abdomen may also help to provide some relief from discomfort.
3. Sleep On Your Back or Side
In general, sleeping on your back may be good for gut-related disorders, while sleeping on your side is best in cases of stomach pain. The fetal position can cause worsening inflammation and increased risk of sleep apnea.
Experts know that bowel disturbances such as abdominal pain can trigger sleep disturbances and that sleeplessness can trigger the inflammation cascade and worsen pain. Sleeping on your left side relieves indigestion-related abdominal discomfort by decreasing the build-up of gases in the intestine – something that is not possible when you are lying on your right side.
Laying in the supine position can cause indigestion and even musculoskeletal pain. The supine position is not recommended for stomach discomfort since this position facilitates acid reflux into the upper GI tract which can lead to heartburn, chest pains, and difficulty swallowing.
Back sleeping and elevating your upper body are two effective ways to reduce pain caused by various medical conditions including stomachache.
Elevating your upper body is the most effective way to relieve breathlessness due to a distended abdomen; it also helps pregnant women get relief from morning sickness.
Sleeping on the floor during pregnancy improves overall sleep, posture, back pain.
4. Rise Your Bed with Accessories
We all know that getting a good night’s sleep is essential for our health and well-being, but sometimes it can be difficult to achieve. This is especially true if you’re struggling with stomach pain or another medical condition. Fortunately, there are several ways to improve your sleep quality without spending a lot of money.
Bed risers can really help with pain, acid reflux, and breathing relief by lifting the head of the bed off the ground 6-8 inches (depending on the height of your risers). Some people may struggle to find the cheaper alternative of brick or wood blocks for their bed risers if they don’t fit properly, but this is a relatively easy fix.
Recliner beds are great for people with restricted mobility and medical conditions. They allow you to recline at an angle that’s comfortable for you, which can help reduce stomach pain and promote better sleep.
Adjustable beds have several different sleeping positions that can make it easier to get into bed, and they also provide pain relief and improved sleep quality. If you’re not into DIY projects, adjustable frames are available at affordable prices if you’re looking for a quick solution to your sleeping problems.
Wedge Pillow
Wedge pillows are a cheaper alternative to a recliner bed and offer the same benefits – elevation of 30-45 degrees helps with pain, acid reflux, and breathing relief.
5. Avoid Stomach Sleeping
Sleeping on your stomach is not recommended, as it can lead to pain in the back and neck. It is also not advisable to sleep on one side for an extended period of time, as it can cause further discomfort.
It is best to avoid sleeping on your stomach altogether, as this position puts a great deal of stress on the stomach. This can be a major source of discomfort for those who are suffering from stomach pain. Additionally, sleeping in this position does not allow for good digestion.
6. Use Effective Medicines
When nothing helps there are many different types of medicines that can be used to relieve abdominal pain.
Some of the most common types are:
- Analgesics and digestive enzymes can relieve stomach pain.
- Anti-flatulence medicines and digestive enzymes, can be very effective for gastritis related pain.
- Acid reducers work well for heartburn caused by gastritis or acid reflux disease
- Stool softeners, laxatives, and enemas can help relieve stomach pain caused by constipation.
How Do Sleep and Stomach Pain Affect Each Other?
There is a strong relationship between sleep and stomach pain. When sleeplessness is not directly responsible for digestive problems, getting adequate sleep can calm your gut and help speed up recovery.
Getting enough sleep can improve your quality of sleep and help improve your cognitive performance, mood and energy levels, strengthen your immune system and protect you from chronic diseases.
Remedies and treatments for stomach pain
One of the most effective is to simply lie down. This can help reduce cramps and spasms in the stomach area. Additionally, getting some sleep can improve overall health and ease any stomach pains you may be experiencing.
How Should I sleep with a cold or flu?
When you’re feeling under the weather, it’s tempting to just curl up in bed and sleep the sickness away. However, getting quality sleep is especially important when you’re ill. Here are a few tips for sleeping well when you have a cold or the flu:
- Clear your airways and stay hydrated: Congestion and a stuffy nose can make it difficult to get good sleep. Try using saline nasal spray or decongestants to clear your passages. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to help loosen congestion and keep your body hydrated.
- Get some fresh air: Open a window or take a walk outside to improve airflow in your bedroom and help clear your head.
- Take hot showers before bedtime: The steam from a hot shower can help clear congestion and soothe a sore throat.
- Sleep on your side: This will reduce pressure on your stomach if you have the stomach flu.
Sleeping when you’re sick can be difficult, but following these tips can help make it a little easier. Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids to help your body fight off the illness.
How to sleep with heartburn?
If you’re one of the 60% of Americans who experience heartburn every month, then you know how uncomfortable it can be. You can reduce your chances of having an attack at night by keeping your food intake minimal for three hours prior to sleep time, avoid eating fatty or spicy foods, and lie on your left side when you go to bed.
These will help reduce the amount of stomach acid that travels back up into your esophagus.
Does lying on your stomach help digestion?
There is no medical evidence to support a specific sleeping position, but the stomach is located on the left side. If your stomach takes up most of your abdomen, then it should be positioned on the left side of your body so that it can digest food better.
Sleeping on your left side will help with heartburn, because it relaxes muscles that connect your stomach and esophagus. It’s been scientifically proven that sleeping on your right side has a higher likelihood of acid reflux
What side do you lay on to relieve gas?
There are many different ways to relieve gas, and finding the right position can be key. Lying on your left side is often recommended, as this allows gravity to help move the gas through your digestive system. You can also try lying on your back with your knees bent or in a fetal position which in fact, can even grow you taller during sleep.
Certain yoga poses can also help release trapped air and relieve gas pains. Twists and squats are two good examples, as they work to massage the stomach and intestines. If you’re experiencing severe pain or bloating, consult with a doctor or midwife for other helpful tips.
Which side to lay on for stomach ache?
When you’re experiencing stomach pain, the last thing you want to do is lay in bed for hours on end trying to find a comfortable position. The best sleeping position to relieve stomach pain is side sleeping. However, this position can cause wrinkles over time. To combat this, use a firm pillow and make sure your pillowcase is soft enough.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing stomach pain or even worse you have a bad sunburn, it’s important to find a comfortable sleeping position that can help relieve the pain. By following these tips, you can learn about the best sleeping positions for stomach pain and choose one that will promote better circulation and healing. If you can not fall asleep try to listen to some white noise ot try to sleep on the couch if that is better for your stomach. When the light irritates you try to use a weighted sleep mask to sleep better.
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