GERD Can Cause Poor Night Sleep

Heartburn is the most common symptom of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

GERD is a condition in which stomach acid or bile flows back (refluxes) into your food pipe (esophagus) even when you are standing because the pressure in the abdomen (where the stomach is present) is greater than the pressure in the chest (where the esophagus is present).

This constant backward of acid can irritate the lining of your esophagus causing it to be inflamed and irritated.

The esophagus normally contracts (i.e., after swallowing), and this sends a wave down the length of the esophagus, pushing food down into the stomach and clearing the esophagus.

Thus, any stomach juices that reflux up into the esophagus are sent back down. Saliva also helps to neutralize the acid brought up into the esophagus. Since the esophagus is above the stomach when we are standing, this helps limit exposure of the esophagus to stomach juices.

If you are suffering with GERD, you have worse reflux after meals (because the increased content in the stomach leads to higher pressures) and at night (because when you lie down, you lose the protective effect of gravity).

Patients with sleep problems but no heartburn symptoms suffered episodes of nighttime acid reflux according to research presented at the 70th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology.

In a separate study, researchers found that symptoms of gastro esophageal reflux (GER) are common and frequently severe in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Some individuals with gastro esophageal reflux commonly report poor sleep [Good Night's Sleep], waking at night because of acid reflux. Some people who have respiratory problems aggravated by acid reflux may frequently be without symptoms of heartburn.

In a study of 81 patients with documented sleep problems at least three nights per week who underwent polysomnographic sleep evaluations, 26 percent had acid reflux.

Of those who suffered with reflux, 94 percent of the recorded reflux events were associated with arousal from sleep or awakening.

The main symptom of GERD is persistent heartburn in the center of the chest. The pain can last as long as 2 hours. Heartburn is sometimes referred to as indigestion.

Heartburn is usually worse after eating. Lying down or bending can make reflux even worse. You may feel bitter taste in the mouth. Persistent dry cough and wheezing may occur. It is not necessary that everyone with GERD should have heartburn.

Natural Treatment for improving quality of sleep:

By changing your habits and lifestyle, you can reduce reflux significantly and can improve quality of sleep:

Don’t eat before bed time. Wait at least three to four hours after eating to go to bed. This allows your stomach to become empty and acid production to decrease.

Elevate the head of your bed about six to nine inches by placing wooden blocks under the feet at the head of your bed. This helps to put the gravity which prevents reflux. But don’t raise your head using pillows as it is not a good alternative.

Don’t eat large meals as it increases the amount of acid needed to digest it. Eat smaller meals throughout the day. Eat smaller meals especially at night.

Excess weight is the major factor of heartburn. Excess weight put pressure on your abdomen, pushing up your stomach and causing acid to back up into your esophagus. Control your weight to prevent heartburn.

Avoid heartburn foods such as fatty or fried foods, chocolate, garlic, caffeine, nicotine, onion, citrus, alcohol, and mint-flavored foods.

Loosen your belt as the clothes that fit tightly around your waist put pressure on your abdomen and the lower esophageal sphincter.

Don’t stoop or bend immediately after eating. Stand upright or sit up straight, maintain good posture. This helps food and acid pass through the stomach instead of backing up into the esophagus.

Smoking may increase stomach acid. There fore stop smoking to prevent acid reflux.

Some of these changes may be difficult for you to make. Talk to your doctor if the symptoms persist after the changes and you can take medications with the doctor’s advice.