which side should i sleep on to prevent acid reflux

Gravity will work in your favor on your left side as your stomach now stays below your esophagus, making reflux more difficult. But first, consult with your doctor if you suspect you have GERD or any other condition that may be disturbing your sleep. The good news is that you can drastically change your nights by changing the way you sleep. Still, how you sleep can directly affect how often you feel symptoms, how severe those symptoms are, and how long the acid sits in your esophagus. You don’t have to sleep sitting upright to take advantage of the effects of gravity and anatomy on the occurrence of GERD. Taking drugs that affect the functioning of the esophagus like anticholinergic drugs (e.g., antidepressants and muscle relaxants) and anti-inflammatory drugs (like diclofenac and ibuprofen).Consuming fatty foods, spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine.Other factors that may trigger acid reflux include

Studies suggest that those with GERD are more likely to experience acid reflux when they consume heavy meals late at night (about two hours before bedtime). It usually occurs when a person lays down soon after consuming heavy meals. This quick return of acid to your stomach typically makes your symptoms shorter and minimizes the potential harm acid can cause to the delicate lining of your esophagus.Įvidence shows that acid reflux usually happens in the first two or three hours of sleep. Plus, when upright, your esophagus naturally flows down into your stomach. You’re also more likely to manage GERD symptoms by staying upright, swallowing saliva, or taking antacids when you’re awake.

However, gravity and anatomy play a massive role in the occurrence of nocturnal GERD symptoms.ĭuring the day, you are more likely to be upright-standing or sitting up. So when stomach acid escapes, gravity and saliva quickly return the content to the stomach. What Causes Acid Reflux at Night?Īcid reflux happens when the muscles at the lower part of the esophagus (called the lower esophageal sphincter), which stop food from leaving the stomach, become weak or relaxed. A person with GERD may also experience acid regurgitation, bloating, nausea, and belching. The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn, which may come with a sour taste in the mouth. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common chronic gastrointestinal condition that happens when the contents in the stomach escape out of it into the esophagus. Let’s take a look into the sleep positions that may reduce your GERD symptoms and help you get a better night’s sleep, as well as the sleep positions to avoid because they may aggravate your symptoms at night. This condition may cause sleep issues and prevent a person from getting a good night’s rest. Supine or nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux usually occurs when acid moves back up to a person’s esophagus while lying down and mostly happens at night before or during sleep. And, 25% of people with GERD experience poor sleep, which could be from nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux (GER), a type of GERD, with the other being upright or daytime GERD.

GERD affects up to 13% of the global population at least once a week. If you’re one of them, know that you’re not alone. People with acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), usually experience these symptoms at night. But what could be the cause? Short answer: Stomach acid, when it escapes out of your stomach to the esophagus and sometimes even up into your lungs, throat, and sinuses. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on Linkedin Share via Email What Is the Best Sleeping Position for Acid Reflux? Sleeping With GERDĭo you experience burning in your throat, regurgitation, choking, coughing, or heartburn during sleep? All of these may disturb your sleep throughout the night.

Which side should i sleep on to prevent acid reflux