Why tummy pain feels worse at night

Children often notice discomfort more at night because:

• The house is quieter and there are fewer distractions

• Their body is relaxed, making sensations more noticeable

• They’re lying down, which can affect digestion and reflux

• Cortisol is naturally lower at night, making pain more noticeable

Night-time pain doesn’t automatically mean something serious — but recurrent pain is always worth paying attention to.

Common reasons children get tummy pain at night

1. Constipation (very common in Australian children - and very commonly missed!)

Even children who poo “most days” can still be constipated. I’ve had lots of clients who’ve only discovered their child is constipated after a trip to the gastroenterologist & an x-ray!

Signs include:

• Hard or painful bowel motions

• Skipping days without pooing

• Belly pain that worsens in the evening

• Diarrhoea

Constipation often causes pain at night as the bowel slows down and pressure builds.

2. Blood sugar dips after dinner

If dinner is low in protein, fibre, or healthy fats, blood sugar can drop overnight.

This can lead to:

• Tummy discomfort

• Restlessness

• Waking during the night

Balanced evening meals are especially important for sensitive kids.

3. Reflux or heavy evening meals

Lying flat can worsen reflux, especially if your child:

• Eats close to bedtime

• Has large or rich evening meals

• Is prone to reflux or burping

Reflux doesn’t always look like “heartburn” — it can show up as vague tummy pain.

4. Food sensitivities earlier in the day

Some children react hours after eating, not immediately.

Common triggers include:

• Large amounts of dairy

• Highly processed foods like refined wheat flour

• Excessive sugar or additives

Night-time pain doesn’t always mean dinner was the issue — it may be food earlier in the day. (Did you know that Australian children actually have the highest rates of allergies in the world?)

5. Stress and the gut-brain connection

Children often hold it together during the day and “release” at night.

Stress can:

• Slow digestion

• Increase gut sensitivity

• Trigger tummy pain without visible symptoms

This is very real pain — not “in their head”.

6. Parasites & Microbiome Dysbiosis

From the many stool tests I’ve done in my years of clinical practice, I often see children who experiencing vague tummy pain with

• parasites

• microbiome dysbiosis or overgrowth

• H.Pylori

Does Age Matter?

Babies:
Night-time tummy pain may relate to immature digestion, reflux, feeding patterns, or gut microbiome development.

Toddlers:
Constipation, picky eating, and low fibre intake are common contributors.

School-aged children & teens:
Stress, irregular meals, low iron, and gut imbalance become more relevant.

When to see your GP

Seek medical review if tummy pain is:

• Severe or worsening

• Accompanied by vomiting, weight loss, fever, or blood in stools

• Waking your child screaming in pain

• Ongoing despite basic dietary changes

Nutrition support works alongside medical care — not instead of it.

There are simple ways we can support our child’s microbiome, ease constipation, & reduce that ongoing vague tummy pain.

How nutrition can support night-time tummy pain

A paediatric nutritionist looks beyond just “what your child eats” and considers:

• Bowel habits and fibre intake

• Meal timing and balance

• Nutrient deficiencies (iron, magnesium, zinc)

• Gut health and digestion

• Stress and nervous system support

The goal isn’t restriction — it’s helping your child’s body feel safe and settled at night.

Paediatric Nutrition support in Sydney

If your child regularly complains of tummy pain at night, personalised nutrition support can help uncover the why and create a plan that works for your family.

👉 Book a Paediatric Nutrition Consultation (online, via Zoom Australia-wide)
👉 Explore my Meal Plans & eBooks for Support

You don’t have to keep guessing — and your child doesn’t have to “just grow out of it”.

Read my article on Supporting Kids Gut Health Here>>