What causes stomach heat in the morning upon waking?

Waking up with a sensation of stomach heat in the morning may be caused by improper eating before bedtime, anxiety, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic gastritis, or peptic ulcers. This can be improved through dietary adjustments, emotional regulation, and medication. If the stomach heat persists or worsens, or is accompanied by acid reflux or stomach pain, medical attention should be sought promptly.

1. Improper eating before bedtime: Consuming excessive spicy, greasy foods or alcohol before sleep increases the burden on the stomach. Fermentation of food can generate internal heat, leading to a feeling of stomach heat upon waking. It is recommended to adjust pre-sleep habits by avoiding food intake at least 3 hours before bedtime and opting for light, easily digestible meals while reducing consumption of spicy and irritating foods.

2. Anxiety: Prolonged mental stress and anxiety can affect endocrine function, causing abnormal gastric acid secretion. Nighttime gastric acid may irritate the gastric mucosa, resulting in stomach heat upon waking, possibly accompanied by irritability and insomnia. Emotional regulation through meditation, listening to soothing music, maintaining regular sleep patterns, and avoiding excessive fatigue is recommended.

3. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Weakened lower esophageal sphincter function allows gastric acid to reflux into the esophagus and irritate both the esophagus and stomach during sleep, causing stomach heat along with acid regurgitation and a burning sensation behind the breastbone. Patients may take medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, domperidone tablets, or hydrotalcite chewable tablets under medical guidance to relieve symptoms.

4. Chronic gastritis: Chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or long-term dietary irritation can lead to increased gastric acid secretion, resulting in morning stomach heat accompanied by dull stomach pain and bloating. It is advisable to take medications such as lansoprazole enteric-coated tablets, amoxicillin capsules, or bismuth potassium citrate capsules under a doctor’s supervision to alleviate discomfort.

5. Peptic ulcer: Ulcers formed due to damage to the gastric or duodenal mucosa become irritated by nighttime gastric acid secretion, leading to morning stomach heat accompanied by periodic stomach pain and acid reflux. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, clarithromycin dispersible tablets, or sucralfate suspension to improve symptoms.

Maintaining regular作息 (daily routines), eating a light diet, drinking warm water upon waking, avoiding spicy or overly acidic foods on an empty stomach, engaging in moderate exercise to promote gastrointestinal motility, and maintaining a positive mood can help reduce episodes of stomach heat.