Nighttime GERD? How to Control Acid Reflux While Sleeping

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition where stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, and discomfort. For many people, GERD symptoms worsen at night, disrupting sleep and leading to further complications. Nighttime GERD is particularly troublesome as lying down allows stomach acid to travel more easily into the oesophagus. Understanding how to control acid reflux while sleeping is essential for improving sleep quality and overall health.

If you are experiencing persistent symptoms of GERD, it’s important to consult with a GERD specialist in Singapore who can help you manage and control the condition effectively.

What Causes Nighttime GERD?

Nighttime GERD occurs because when you lie flat, gravity no longer helps keep stomach contents in place, making it easier for acid to flow upward. Additionally, swallowing frequency decreases at night, leading to less clearance of acid from the oesophagus. Factors that can exacerbate nighttime GERD include eating large meals before bed, consuming trigger foods like caffeine or spicy foods, and sleeping in positions that encourage acid flow.

Symptoms of Nighttime GERD

Common symptoms of nighttime GERD include:

• Heartburn that worsens when lying down
• Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
• Coughing or choking during sleep
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Difficulty swallowing

In severe cases, GERD can lead to complications like oesophageal inflammation, ulcers, or even a higher risk of oesophageal cancer if left untreated.

How to Control Acid Reflux While Sleeping

1. Elevate the Head of Your Bed

Raising the head of your can help gravity work in your favor, preventing stomach acid from flowing back into the oesophagus. Use a wedge pillow or place blocks under the legs of your bed to achieve this elevation.

2. Sleep on Your Left Side

Studies have shown that sleeping on your left side reduces acid reflux compared to sleeping on your right side. This is because the oesophagus enters the stomach from the right, and sleeping on the left side creates a natural barrier to prevent acid from flowing upward.

3. Avoid Large Meals Before Bed

Eating large meals, especially those high in fat, can increase the likelihood of nighttime acid reflux. Try to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day and avoid eating at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.

4. Identify and Avoid Trigger Foods

Certain foods can trigger GERD symptoms, including spicy foods, citrus fruits, caffeine, chocolate, and alcohol. Keeping a food diary can help you identify which foods exacerbate your symptoms so you can avoid them, particularly in the evening.

5. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, can put pressure on the stomach and force acid up into the oesophagus. Losing weight can significantly reduce GERD symptoms, particularly nighttime reflux.

6. Quit Smoking

Smoking weakens the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), which acts as a barrier to prevent stomach acid from entering the oesophagus. Quitting smoking can improve LES function and reduce acid reflux.

7. Consider Medications

Over-the-counter medications like antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can help reduce stomach acid and relieve GERD symptoms. However, long-term use of PPIs should be discussed with a doctor, as it may lead to side effects. A GERD specialist in Singapore can recommend the best treatment plan for managing GERD.

Conclusion

Nighttime GERD can significantly impact your quality of life and disrupt sleep patterns. By making lifestyle changes such as elevating the head of your bed, avoiding large meals before bedtime, and identifying trigger foods, you can reduce acid reflux while sleeping. If symptoms persist, it’s crucial to seek help from a GERD specialist in Singapore. Early intervention can prevent complications and help you regain control over your condition. For expert advice and treatment, visit GUTCARE to learn more about managing GERD.

Reference(s):

https://www.healthline.com/health/acid-reflux-at-night

https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/features/nighttime-heartburn-sleep-tips

https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/improve-sleep