Why does my stomach pain get worse at night?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 21-year-old male experiencing stomach pain that feels like cramping and pulsing. It is getting worse, especially at night when it is cold. This started about five days ago. Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Akanksha Agarwal

Education:

BHMS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Akanksha Agarwal is a homeopathy specialist with nearly a decade of clinical experience. She focuses on holistic and child-centric care, using gentle, individualized remedies that align with the body’s natural healing. With a strong belief in long-term wellness, Dr. Agarwal helps families manage chronic issues like allergies, digestion, and skin conditions, especially in children, through consistent follow-up and personalized homeopathic planning.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Here is a quick summary and some ideas about what might be causing your stomach pain:

You are a 21-year-old male experiencing pulsing, cramp-like stomach pain that started about five days ago. The pain gets worse at night, especially when it is cold. You also mentioned having a similar episode six years ago that went away alone.

Possible causes could include stomach or intestinal muscle spasms, which might be related to indigestion (discomfort or pain in the upper stomach, often after eating, caused by poor digestion), gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining, causing pain, nausea, or bloating), or irritable bowel syndrome (a chronic condition causing stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation due to sensitive intestines).

Sometimes, cold temperatures can trigger muscle cramps or increase sensitivity, making the pain worse at night. There could also be inflammation or ulcers in the stomach, which often cause pain that worsens at night. Since you had a similar episode before, this might be a recurring functional abdominal pain.

To help manage your symptoms, avoid heavy, spicy, or acidic foods. Keep yourself warm, especially during the night when the pain worsens. Over-the-counter antacids or mild pain relievers may help if you can tolerate them. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids and watch for any new symptoms.

Please see a doctor urgently if you experience severe or worsening pain, blood in vomit or stool, persistent vomiting, inability to eat or drink, unexplained weight loss, or fever.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At August 18, 2025
Reviewed At August 21, 2025

Education:

BHMS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Akanksha Agarwal is a homeopathy specialist with nearly a decade of clinical experience. She focuses on holistic and child-centric care, using gentle, individualized remedies that align with the body’s natural healing. With a strong belief in long-term wellness, Dr. Agarwal helps families manage chronic issues like allergies, digestion, and skin conditions, especially in children, through consistent follow-up and personalized homeopathic planning.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

BHMS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Akanksha Agarwal is a homeopathy specialist with nearly a decade of clinical experience. She focuses on holistic and child-centric care, using gentle, individualized remedies that align with the body’s natural healing. With a strong belief in long-term wellness, Dr. Agarwal helps families manage chronic issues like allergies, digestion, and skin conditions, especially in children, through consistent follow-up and personalized homeopathic planning.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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