Remember Keith from an earlier post? He had gained weight and became obese, drank excessively and smoked far too much. He developed GERD. He had sleep problems. Whatever position he slept, heartburn bothered him. He would sleep for an hour or two only to be awaken by heartburn or fluid rushing upwards into his mouth. At first this happened occasionally then it came on every other night, then every night. Not only was Keith having problems with his acid reflux but he felt tired and exhausted during the day.

A survey in 1998 showed that in GERD sufferers, 65% admitted that acid reflux affected their sleep.

Experts have also suggested a link between GERD and sleep apnoea. Sleep apnoea is a disorder where during sleep a sufferer will stop breathing for short periods of time. They often wake up gasping for breath or choking. Sleep apnoea causes extreme tiredness. It is linked to stroke and heart attacks. Long distance lorry drivers are now being screened for sleep apnoea because of the risk of falling asleep at the wheel of an awesome auto mobile.

The link between sleep apnoea and GERD is in sufferers that are obese and consume alcohol. Obesity and alcohol consumption on their own are linked to sleep apnoea. Experts suggest that in GERD sufferers with sleep apnoea, acid reflux during sleep can reach the larynx and cause it to swell (develop oedema). This swelling can cause obstruction of the larynx and sleep apnoea.

During sleep you naturally lie flat in bed. It is no surprise that acid reflux can be worse at night. The problem escalates if a heavy meal is consumed soon before going to bed. Statistics show that midnight is the popular time for the first attack during the night of acid reflux. At midnight most people are in bed and lying down.

Some drugs can affect the efficiency of the lower esophageal sphincter. A person with sleep problems may be prescribed a hypnotic or tranquilliser. These drugs relax muscles and can relax the LES causing nocturnal acid reflux and disturbing sleep it is meant to improve.

Alcohol and caffeine affect the LES and can encourage acid reflux.

Dr. Phil Hariram

Acid Reflux.