Why heartburn only at night

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Nighttime heartburn is an under-appreciated clinical problem that impacts sleep and daytime function: the results of a Gallup survey conducted on behalf of the American Gastroenterological Association. The American journal of gastroenterology, 98 7 , — Kim, Y. Associations between obstructive sleep apnea severity and endoscopically proven gastroesophageal reflux disease. Person, E. Journal of clinical gastroenterology, 49 8 , — Effect of different recumbent positions on postprandial gastroesophageal reflux in normal subjects.

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The American journal of gastroenterology, 94 8 , — Learn more about Physical Health and Sleep. Laying down also prevents gravity from keeping bile and acids from traveling up into the esophagus, causing heartburn. Because of this, many people find their heartburn is worse at night. News Latest Information. If heartburn at night is becoming a regular issue, it is best to see a doctor for a diagnosis and to discuss long-term treatment options.

People may notice that their symptoms get better if they sleep on their left side. Some believe that this helps relieve pressure on the stomach, making it less likely that stomach acid will leak into the esophagus. For people who sleep on their back, heartburn may occur if stomach acid leaks from the stomach back into the esophagus as they lie down.

In these cases, the person can try to reduce their symptoms by using gravity and elevating the head and chest higher than the lower abdomen. Specially designed wedge pillows are one way to keep the upper body more upright during the night. Alternatively, a person can try raising the upper half of the bed slightly. Safely placing cinder blocks, bricks, or wood beams under the head of the bed can help. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases note that simply placing extra pillows under the head will not help.

The goal is to raise the entire upper abdomen to allow the force of gravity to keep stomach acid down. Losing weight, if necessary, may help relieve symptoms. Pregnant women should not usually try to lose weight, however, so they should speak to a doctor about other options.

Sometimes, wearing tight, restrictive clothing puts pressure on the abdomen, making heartburn more likely. People may find it beneficial to wear loose fitting pajamas to bed rather than restrictive clothing, such as bras, compression shirts, or items with tight waistbands. Eating too late in the night may also cause symptoms to flare up.

It takes time for foods to pass through the stomach and further into the digestive system after eating. People who eat closer to bedtime and experience heartburn may wish to try ending their last meal at least 2—3 hours before they go to bed.

Eating a large or high fat meal in the evening may mean that the body is still trying to digest the food by bedtime. Switching to smaller or lighter meals later in the day may help reduce the risk of heartburn in some people. The authors of a study recommend that people eat no fewer than three meals each day but aim for four or five. They reason that people who eat more frequently will have smaller meals.

Alternative treatments may be available. Among the many health benefits that come with stress reduction , less heartburn is one that may inspire you to try yoga, meditation, or find other healthy ways to improve your mood and address stress. Obesity or overweight can influence the frequency of experiencing acid reflux. This is because extra weight, especially around the abdomen, can put pressure on the stomach and lead to acid spilling up into the esophagus.

Sometimes weight loss can help reduce symptoms. Speak to your doctor to see if they recommend this. Normally, when you eat or drink something, the band of muscle at the bottom of your esophagus — called the lower esophageal sphincter — relaxes and allows food and liquid to flow into your stomach.

The sphincter closes and stomach acid starts to break down whatever you just consumed. If the sphincter becomes weak, or if it relaxes abnormally, stomach acid can move up through the sphincter and irritate the lining of the esophagus. Up to 45 percent of people experience heartburn during pregnancy. Pregnancy sometimes triggers acid reflux or GERD as the growing fetus puts pressure on the organs around it, including the stomach and esophagus. A hiatal hernia can also lead to acid reflux because it causes the stomach and lower esophageal sphincter to move above the muscular diaphragm, which usually helps keep stomach acid from moving upward.

Smoking can contribute to the problem in a few ways, including increasing stomach acid production and weakening the sphincter.