Luckily, not all chest pain is life-threatening. Sometimes, you may get a stabbing pain in the chest because of muscular strain, according to MedicalNewsToday. It can happen if you rest in a painful sleeping position or sleep on a poorly supporting mattress, exerting pressure on tendons around the ribs. Injuries can also be a reason for morning chest pain, notes MedicalNewsToday. It may be caused by a forceful blow, bruises, or even fractures in the rib cage. However, most injury-related chest pain happens at the time of an accident, and the person would likely hear a cracking sound.
Cardiologist Dr. John Higgins toldLivestrongthat angina can also cause morning chest pain. Angina occurs when the heart muscles don’t get sufficient blood or oxygen because of blocked arteries. According to Dr. Higgins, this pain can get worse in the morning or after you lie down, mostly because of the sudden blood flow from the legs to the heart. Furthermore, it may also be a sign of coronary artery disease. “In the morning, the circadian rhythm increases stress hormones that make the heart pump harder and worsen angina,” Dr. Higgins explained to Livestrong.