Similar to sleeping on your left side, this makes it so your stomach is lower than your esophagus and gravity will make it more difficult for reflux to rise into your esophagus. For example, a vacuum effect is created around the stomach and throat during an apneic episode, which draws stomach acid out of the stomach and into the esophagus and throat. Sleeping on your back, especially when youre overweight, can put pressure on the stomach and can cause acid to flow back up into your esophagus. Sleep apnea also causes symptoms of GERD because the pressure on your chest results in acid reflux. So really, the best and safest sleep position for your baby is also one of the worst positions for her acid reflux! Your symptoms of acid reflux are persistent, You have symptoms of vomiting due to acid reflux, You still suffer from symptoms of acid reflux after using OTC antacids for 2 weeks. Obviously, you cant control what position youre in while you sleep just try to be mindful of your position when you are awake. The second is post nasal drip coming down. Elevating your head with a wedge pillow or keeping the head of your bed elevated at an angle can be helpful for reducing nighttime GERD symptoms, including choking on reflux while sleeping. 7. This sleep position is a good way to prevent snoring and sleep apnea, which is connected with both acid reflux and GERD. Take Medications Antacids can temper heartburn, so you don't have to suffer or compromise the quality of your sleep. 3. Sleeping on your left side has been scientifically proven to reduce symptoms of acid reflux. : These medications act as acid blockers and provide an opportunity for the lining of the esophagus to heal. You can dissolve 1 tsp of baking soda in 6 oz of water and consume it 1 hour before going to bed. Smoking may increase the stomach acid and also the risk of heartburn. Lying down can cause the stomach acid to flow up your esophagus, so it's important to wait at least two hours after you've eaten before going to bed. Bend your arms at the elbows and bring both hands to meet your chest. Shari Forschen is a Registered Nurse at Sanford Health in North Dakota. Last Updated: July 24, 2022 Often times a Reflux related cough is from two issues combined. A doctor can diagnose GERD if acid reflux happens more than two times a week. Its a good idea to eat your last meal approximately 3-4 hours before going to sleep. Consider A OTC Decongestant. The chests negative pressure brings air in through a constricted opening due to the apnea. The acid in the lemon or lime will tell your body its time to shut down acid production. One study showed that OSA patients experiencing nighttime GERD symptoms had their heartburn scores drop by sixty-two percent when they used CPAP therapy consistently. We also encourage you to read about how we may research and/or test Products here. Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux or GERD, is estimated to affect 20% of adults in the United States. 3 293-298. The uncomfortable symptoms of nighttime heartburn can make getting proper sleep difficult, but the way we sleep can also exacerbate those symptoms. Add fresh ginger (grated) to boiling water. If you find that youre struggling to sleep even beyond your acid reflux symptoms, its possible an undiagnosed sleep disorder is to blame. GERD and acid reflux are two different things, though the terms are often used interchangeably. Try to quit smoking and drinking alcohol before bed to reduce GERD symptoms that keep you up at night. You may also want to avoid sleeping on your right side. Sleep on your left side. For severe cases of acid reflux, treatment options can range from taking medication to even receiving special surgery. If you're hungry and have to eat before bedtime, it's best to avoid certain types of food like onions, french fries, full-fat dairy products, tomato sauce, potato chips, gravies, and fried pork or beef. Finishing meals at least three hours before lying down can give your stomach time to digest and reduce the chances of reflux. Connection Between Acid Reflux And Sleep. Back sleeping is the best way to reduce the risk of SIDS and is the recommended position until babies can roll over fully on their owneven for babies with reflux. Don't eat for a few hours before going to bed. If you're struggling to fall asleep after eating, try drinking some milk or eating a piece of toast. Sleeping can become extremely difficult with acid reflux, mostly when it attacks in the night. GERD can strike anyone at any time, no matter your age or ethnicity. Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Sleep-with-Acid-Reflux-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Sleep-with-Acid-Reflux-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Sleep-with-Acid-Reflux-Step-1.jpg\/aid7309914-v4-728px-Sleep-with-Acid-Reflux-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"