Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition that occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus. This can cause a burning sensation in the chest, known as heartburn. While GERD can happen at any time, it's often worse at night, disrupting sleep and causing discomfort.
Here are some common symptoms of GERD at night:
Nighttime GERD Symptoms
- Heartburn: This is the most common symptom of GERD, and it can be especially intense at night. The burning sensation in the chest may worsen when lying down or after eating a large meal.
- Regurgitation: This is the backflow of stomach contents into the mouth. You may taste acid or undigested food in your mouth.
- Coughing: Acid reflux can irritate the throat and lungs, leading to coughing, especially at night.
- Wheezing: GERD can trigger asthma symptoms, including wheezing.
- Difficulty Swallowing: Acid reflux can cause inflammation in the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow.
- Sore Throat: The acid can irritate the throat, causing a sore throat or hoarseness.
- Dental Erosion: The acid from reflux can erode the enamel on your teeth.
- Sleep Disturbances: GERD symptoms like heartburn and coughing can disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue and daytime drowsiness.
Why is GERD Worse at Night?
There are several reasons why GERD symptoms can be worse at night:
- Gravity: When you're lying down, gravity doesn't help keep stomach acid down.
- Hormones: The hormone melatonin, which is released at night, can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that prevents acid from backing up into the esophagus.
- Eating Before Bed: Eating a large meal close to bedtime can increase the amount of acid in the stomach.
- Certain Medications: Some medications, such as muscle relaxants, can relax the LES and worsen reflux.
What to Do About GERD at Night
If you're experiencing GERD symptoms at night, there are several things you can do to help:
- Elevate Your Head: Use an extra pillow to raise your head and chest while sleeping. This helps keep stomach acid down.
- Avoid Eating Late: Don't eat a large meal close to bedtime. Give your stomach time to digest before you lie down.
- Avoid Certain Foods: Certain foods can trigger GERD symptoms. Identify your triggers and try to avoid them, especially at night. Common triggers include spicy foods, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, and citrus fruits.
- Lose Weight: If you are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can help reduce GERD symptoms.
- Lifestyle Changes: Quit smoking, avoid tight clothing, and manage stress.
- Medication: Your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce stomach acid or strengthen the LES.
Conclusion
Nighttime GERD can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience. However, by following these tips and working with your doctor, you can manage your symptoms and get a better night's sleep.
