How to Watch Your Body to Prevent Acid Reflux during Sleep

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Most dictionaries define sleep as the body being inactive voluntarily together with the consciousness being suspended as well.  It is characterized by laying down on the bed or any flat surface that a person is comfortable lying down with.  At times, the person sleeps sitting down or sitting while resting the head on a table. 

Medically speaking, the body needs at least 8 hours to sleep well, but depending on age and habit, some people are fine with at least 5 hours of sleep. 

In some individuals, to sleep well is not without a hindrance.  There are cases that the ability to sleep is hampered by different conditions such as sickness, substance intake, food intake, lifestyle and habits.  One of the most common sleep disturbances known to man is called Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or popularly known as acid reflux during sleep.

Symptoms of GERD

GERD is characterized by the following symptoms - constant heartburn, vomiting of acid, chest pain, voice hoarseness, painful swallowing, choking, bad breath, and hard or dry cough.  It is widely believed that acid reflux during sleep is one of the major sleep disorders.  It causes on and off sleeping patterns and consequently it deprives the person of a deserved rest needed to be active and energetic the following day. What do you do when you have this condition?

Preventing GERD

The most common suggested ways to minimize or prevent GERD is self-medication.  However, before you do them, consult with your physician first to really determine the right ways to do it.  Your doctor will recommend the following in order to sleep well:

1. Watch your diet – while sleep and alcohol do have opposing effects, there are other intakes that you need to monitor.  In order to avoid acid reflux during sleep, you have to minimize intake of fatty foods and sugar load delicacies.  These types of food are known to cause vomiting.
2. Watch intake portions – it is recommended for you to eat small portions throughout the day in order to improve digestion.  Your doctor will insist that you have to avoid eating heavy meals during night time and restrain from eating two hours before you sleep.  Remember, anything that you eat prior to bedtime can really trigger development of acid before sleeping.
3. Watch your medication – sleep and alcohol do not complement, thus, avoid the substance when you are taking medicines; it compromises the therapeutic effect of the pills and tablets you are taking.  In addition, you have to follow the dosage and prescribed time frame intake one hundred percent to avoid acid regurgitation.
4. Watch what you wear and sleeping habits – avoid wearing tight clothing that constrict your body and affects digestion; stick to your pajamas or wear anything that is comfortable and not rigid. Elevation is also important, that is why your doctor will suggest for you to elevate your head while sleeping to allow your body to keep the acid down.

You will notice that to help you address sleep and alcohol and other concerns related to acid reflux during sleep time to sleep well, lies in your hands.  With the help of your medical professionals and your ability to follow instructions, sleep disorders can be minimized if not cured. 


Written by Alden Bula