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If your heartburn is frequent enough to prevent sleep and make you cough, it may be time to consider changing your diet. Night-time GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. It occurs when the stomach acid travels backwards into the food pipe at night, interfering with your quality of sleep and overall health. An expert gastroenterologist explains why nighttime GERD develops and how to manage it.
Synopsis
How Does Night-time GERD Differ from Regular GERD?
GERD symptoms at night can be different than they are during the day. Gravity helps keep stomach acid in place when you’re standing or sitting. But when you lie down, gravity doesn’t help as much, and acid can travel further up its path into your throat. Additionally, your body makes less saliva at night. For that reason, some people may have a more difficult time noticing night-time GERD. Initially, it may be difficult for you to notice night-time GERD as these symptoms may occur normally and you may think of them as sleep disturbances or related issues.
Effects of Night-time GERD
Night-time GERD can make it hard to sleep and affect your health in many ways:
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Waking Up Often: Acid reflux can frequently wake you up, making you tired in the morning.
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Discomfort: You may experience heartburn, coughing, choking, or even a sour taste in your mouth.
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Feeling Tired During the Day: Sleeping poorly can tire you out, distract your focus, and drain your energy.
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Anxiety and Depression: If night-time GERD is ignored, it can create a cycle where poor sleep has a negative impact on your overall health. This may even cause anxiety, depression or metabolic disorders.
Consequences of Untreated Night-time GERD
If left untreated, night-time GERD can cause serious health problems, including:
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Esophagitis: Repeated exposure to stomach acid can inflame the esophagus, making swallowing difficult and painful.
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Esophagal Ulcers: Inflammation can lead to sores in the esophagus, increasing the risk of infection and bleeding.
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Strictures: Long-term acid damage can cause the esophagus to narrow, making swallowing difficult and requiring medical intervention.
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Respiratory Issues: Stomach acid can enter the lungs, causing chronic coughing, asthma, or even infections like pneumonia.
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Barrett’s Esophagus: Continuous acid exposure can lead to changes in esophagal cells, increasing the risk of esophagal cancer.
Management of Night-time GERD
Managing night-time GERD requires lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and medical treatment. Here are some effective strategies:
1. Adjust Your Sleeping Position
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Elevate your bed by 6 to 8 inches using blocks under the bedposts or a wedge pillow. This helps prevent acid from rising into your esophagus.
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Sleep on your left side to position your stomach below the esophagus, reducing acid reflux.
2. Modify Your Diet
Your dinner choices significantly impact GERD symptoms at night.
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Eat Smaller, Earlier Meals: Avoid eating 2-3 hours before bedtime to prevent excess acid production and pressure on the lower esophagal sphincter.
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Avoid Trigger Foods: Stay away from spicy, oily, or acidic foods like fried dishes, chocolate, tomatoes, citrus fruits, and alcohol, as they can worsen reflux symptoms.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess belly fat can put pressure on the stomach, pushing acid into the esophagus. Losing weight gradually can reduce GERD symptoms and improve overall health.
4. Manage Stress Levels
Stress can trigger GERD by increasing stomach acid production. Practising relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help reduce stress and improve digestion.
5. Medical Treatments
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Over-the-Counter Antacids: These provide quick relief by neutralising stomach acid.
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Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) & H2 Receptor Blockers: If symptoms persist, your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce acid production and promote esophagal healing.
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Surgical Options: If lifestyle changes and medications are ineffective, surgical procedures may be necessary to strengthen the valve between the esophagus and stomach.
If your symptoms do not improve despite treatment, consult your healthcare provider to discuss advanced management options.
Conclusion
By making simple daily changes, monitoring your diet, and following medical advice, you can effectively manage night-time GERD and protect your esophagus. If your symptoms persist, seek guidance from a healthcare professional to develop a personalised treatment plan. Taking action now can lead to better sleep, improved health, and enhanced well-being.
FAQ's
While medication helps manage symptoms, GERD often requires a combination of medical treatment and lifestyle adjustments. In severe cases, surgical solutions may be necessary.
Common signs of night-time GERD include a sour taste in the mouth, frequent coughing, hoarseness, and chest discomfort. If you notice these symptoms disrupting your sleep, consult a doctor for evaluation.
Before trying any new treatment, consult your doctor. Sleeping on your left side, keeping your head elevated, and making dietary adjustments can significantly reduce symptoms. Herbal teas like chamomile or ginger may help with digestion, but only use them with medical approval.
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