4 min readNew DelhiJan 5, 2025 10:00 PM IST
First published on: Jan 5, 2025 at 10:00 PM IST
Doctors recommend against having heavy meals right before falling asleep, and why not, that feeling of bile stuck in your throat can ruin even the most peaceful of nights! Want to know how to tackle late night bouts of acid reflux? Indianexpress.com spoke to a health expert and got more clarity.
Dr Dattatray Solanke, Consultant, Gastroenterologist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hopsital, Mumbai explained that gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disease caused by recurrent regurgitation of acid from the stomach into the esophagus, the tube connecting the mouth and stomach.
Acid reflux hurts the lining of the esophagus, and this acid reflux may occur with the following symptoms:
• Heartburn: Burning in the chest often happens after eating or lying down.
• Regurgitation: A sour or bitter taste of acid coming back into the throat or mouth.
• Chest Pain: Sometimes this may resemble heart-related problems.
• Dysphagia: Suspicion of food being stuck in the throat.
• Chronic cough or hoarseness: More so at night or in the morning.
According to Dr Solanke, GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), that is, a muscular ring at the end of the esophagus is weak or abnormally relaxed, allowing for the escape of stomach acid. Factors influencing the development of this condition include obesity, smoking, some types of food, certain medications, and stress.
“While occasional acid reflux is experienced by many, GERD usually involves frequent or severe symptoms that interfere with daily life and may lead to complications such as the esophagitis, strictures, or Barrett’s esophagus, which is an early-stage, precancerous change in the esophagus,” he said.
The stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, which can cause discomfort by aggravating symptoms (Source: Freepik)
How can late night GERD impact your sleep?
Dr Solanke explained that when the stomach acid backs into the esophagus, it can cause symptoms like heartburns, regurgitation, and sometimes discomfort in the area of heart burns caused by the acid reflux. “Typically, GERD gets worse at night because of lying down, making it easier for acid to rise. If it persists, GERD also disturbs digestion and very much impairs sleep quality resulting in an exhausted and cranky experience the next day.”
Late-night GERD can lead to broken sleep patterns, since acid reflux can awaken you or bar you from achieving deeper sleep stages, such as REM, necessary for physical and mental recharging. Symptoms like heartburn or coughing triggered by acid irritation may keep you awake or fail you to fall asleep. Poor sleeping patterns caused by GERD may increase cortisol levels, disrupting your sleep-wake cycle further.
How can you tackle this situation?
If GERD disrupts your sleep, Dr Solanke suggested some uselful tips to find relief:
1. Elevate Your Head While Sleeping: Use a wedge pillow or elevate the head of your bed by 6-8 inches to prevent acid from flowing back into your esophagus.
2. Avoid Late-Night Eating: Refrain from eating 2-3 hours before bedtime to allow your stomach to empty.
3. Sleep on Your Left Side: Sleeping on your left side reduces pressure on the esophagus, minimizing acid reflux.
4. Over-the-Counter Medications: Antacids or H2 blockers can provide temporary relief for mild symptoms. Consult a doctor for persistent GERD.
Here's how to fix GERD issues (Source: Pexels) 
The stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, which can cause discomfort by aggravating symptoms (Source: Freepik)
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