Doctors Warn: Your Sleeping Position May Affect Acid Reflux Symptoms

attention to your own symptoms and notice whether changing positions makes a difference.

Elevating Your Upper Body May Help

Another useful strategy is raising the upper part of your body while sleeping.

The American College of Gastroenterology recommends elevating the head of the bed for people experiencing nighttime reflux. A foam wedge or an appropriately elevated bed can be more effective than simply stacking ordinary pillows.

The goal is to use gravity to help keep stomach contents from moving upward while you sleep.

Don’t Eat Right Before Bed

Your sleeping position is only part of the equation.

Eating a large meal shortly before going to bed can increase the likelihood of nighttime reflux. Experts commonly recommend leaving at least two to three hours between eating and lying down.

If you regularly experience nighttime heartburn, consider making your evening meal lighter and giving your stomach plenty of time to digest before