which side should i sleep on to prevent gerd

Effect of esomeprazole on nighttime heartburn and sleep quality in patients with GERD: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Melatonin for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. Anti-reflux (GERD) surgery patient information from SAGES.You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. We link primary sources - including studies, scientific references, and statistics - within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Learn more about melatonin and dosage here. Given the findings of the two studies, it appears that melatonin may help by improving sleep quality and reducing the effects in the body that trigger acid reflux. Moreover, a 2019 study reports that melatonin reduces stomach acid secretion and helps the lower esophageal sphincter to stay closed when it should. The benefit was due to the improved sleep the medication produced. In the study, the participants who took ramelteon before bed experienced fewer GERD symptoms at night. They then carried out a study to test the effect of the sleep-inducing medication ramelteon, which acts similarly to melatonin.

This discovery led them to theorize that decreasing the time a person stays awake after going to bed may reduce these symptoms. The IFFGD state that deep sleep tends to alleviate symptoms of GERD.

It enables a person to sleep and can help prevent or ease GERD symptoms, including acid reflux. Melatonin is a hormone the body produces in the bedtime hours.

This procedure involves making several small cuts instead of one large one. The Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons state that surgeons most commonly perform fundoplication using a laparoscopy. During this procedure, a surgeon joins part of the stomach to the lower esophageal sphincter. Surgical options may include fundoplication. Surgeryĭoctors can recommend a surgery if behavioral changes and medications are not helping improve symptoms. Learn more about acid reflux medicines here. Over-the-counter medicines that reduce stomach acid levels may help a person ease symptoms of GERD.Īn older study assessing the effect of the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) esomeprazole found that it alleviated bedtime heartburn and the accompanying sleep disturbances. Learn more about the Mediterranean diet here.įor GERD in general, doctors can recommend one or more of the following: Medications

healthy fats, such as olives, avocado, and oily fishĪ diet with these foods is similar to the Mediterranean diet, which a 2016 study links to a lower risk of GERD.

The IFFGD state that incorporating the following foods in the diet may help prevent or reduce acid reflux: Learn more about foods people with GERD should avoid here. The IFFGD advise avoiding potential dietary triggers, such as: reaching or maintaining a moderate weightĭiet may also play a role in preventing acid reflux.The AAAAI note that the following lifestyle adjustments can help prevent acid reflux from occurring: This combination of sleep disturbances and more severe symptoms means that experiencing acid reflux while trying to sleep can worsen the quality of life for people with the condition.Ī person can make some changes to their diet and lifestyle that may prevent symptoms of GERD, such as acid reflux. A lack of sleep can cause increased sensitivity to acid in the esophagus.Ī person with acid reflux after bedtime may have more acute symptoms than a person experiencing it mainly during the day. While GERD influences sleep, sleep deprivation also has an impact on GERD. The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) note that 79% of individuals with GERD experience symptoms after bedtime.Īs many as 75% of those with the condition say the symptoms have an effect on their sleep, and 40% claim the loss of sleep affects their ability to function when they get up. If the condition occurs regularly, it may be indicative of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A person with acid reflux, also known as heartburn, might feel a burning sensation in the stomach, chest, and throat.

Which side should i sleep on to prevent gerd