Indigestion at night: what to know

Night indigestion can include burning or aching in the upper abdomen, a heavy full feeling, burping, nausea or acid rising into the throat. Symptoms may disturb sleep because digestion and reflux sensations are more obvious when you are resting. A late or large meal, alcohol, caffeine, smoking and individual food triggers can play a part.

Acid reflux is a common explanation, while gastritis and a hiatus hernia can produce similar complaints. Peptic ulcer disease, gallstones and Helicobacter pylori infection are other possibilities a clinician may consider according to your pain, examination and history. Night timing does not by itself show which condition is present.

Keep dinner lighter and allow time between eating and bed. Sit upright after meals, avoid personal triggers in the evening and keep water nearby. If symptoms begin, loosen restrictive clothing and use a sleep position recommended by your healthcare professional. Do not stop prescribed treatment without advice.

For occasional symptoms, a pharmacist can check whether an antacid, alginate or acid reflux medication is appropriate. If you need relief repeatedly, arrange a review so the cause and a longer-term plan can be considered.

Arrange a non-urgent appointment if night indigestion keeps returning, affects sleep, or is accompanied by ongoing nausea, appetite change or difficulty swallowing. Seek urgent care for crushing or spreading chest pain, breathlessness, fainting, vomit with blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting or yellow skin. Contact emergency services if symptoms feel immediately life-threatening.

Does my symptom timing suggest reflux or another cause? Could any current medicine be responsible? Would testing be useful? What evening habits and treatment schedule are suitable, and which changes require urgent attention?