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GERD sufferers frequently have sleep problems because of nocturnal reflux and due mainly because they are lying flat. The refluxed gastric contents rush up the esophagus and wakes the sufferer.

Elevating the bed has been proven to be a very good idea. It means the esophagus sits higher than the stomach while asleep. Similarly by sleeping on your left side you can reduce reflux. During foetal development, the stomach rotates and the left side becomes the top (anterior) and the right becomes the bottom. So if you lie on your right side, the stomach is high. By lying on your left side the bulk of the stomach is below the esophagus.

If you have acid reflux and you go to bed with a full stomach, you are likely to have problems. You are not likely to get a good night’s sleep. It takes approximately three hours for the stomach to empty it’s contents into the small bowel. If your stomach is empty before you go to sleep, reflux is less likely. So make sure you have nothing to eat or drink for 3 hours before going to bed. Alcohol increases acid production in the stomach and relax LES. If you have acid reflux and you want a better night’s sleep, consider your relationship with alcohol. If alcohol is a culprit, consider reducing or stopping.

If you need a good night’s sleep, avoid too much sleep during the day and make sure the environment is right for a good night’s sleep. This means looking at the room temperature, aroma and using fresh linen. How about a nice relaxing bath before retiring. Use your bed only to sleep, apart from sexual reasons. Do not lie in bed watching TV or reading a book.

If all this fails you may need to discuss your problems with your doctor. He may prescribe a sleeping tablet.

Dr. Phil Hariram

Acid Reflux.