Why do I get hiccups at night?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
Evening stacks the hiccup triggers: fast eating, fizzy or alcoholic drinks, spice, and lying down on a full stomach. The NHS's trigger list covers exactly those, since hiccups are diaphragm spasms, and an irritated, stretched stomach pokes the diaphragm. Slow, smaller dinners and staying upright for two hours after eating prevent most night bouts. For an active bout, the NHS suggests brief breath-holding, knees to chest, ice-cold water sips, or breathing into a paper bag. Hiccups over 48 hours, or frequently returning ones that disrupt your life, are the GP line.
What to do
- Slow down at dinner; eating quickly is a listed trigger.
- Go easy on fizzy drinks, alcohol, and spice in the evening.
- Stay upright for two hours after eating.
- Try breath-holding, knees to chest, or ice-cold sips for an active bout.
- See a GP for hiccups past 48 hours or frequently recurring ones.
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