Many people with GERD have trouble sleeping well at night because of the pain that they experience. The constant heartburn and other symptoms can be very distracting, making it hard to sleep soundly. Luckily, there are some simple steps you may take to improve the quality of your sleep.
In this article, we have laid out four tips to get a better night’s sleep if you have GERD.
What is GERD, and How Does it Affect Sleep?
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, causes heartburn as a symptom. Food and stomach acid rise up into your esophagus and irritate the lining of this vital organ in this condition. The result can be heartburn or pain in your chest that makes it hard to fall asleep at night or stay asleep.
Other symptoms of GERD include a sour taste in the mouth, coughing, hoarseness, and wheezing. These symptoms can make being comfortable enough to sleep soundly challenging. In addition, GERD often causes people to wake up during the night because of the pain or discomfort that they are feeling. Ideally, it is always crucial to consult with a doctor for GERD reflux in Baltimore to help manage the symptoms.
Tips for Getting a Sound Sleep with GERD
Tip 1 – You should not eat large meals before bedtime or drink carbonated beverages as they can trigger heartburn and gas, keeping you up at night. Instead, try eating a light meal an hour or two before you plan to go to bed.
Tip 2 – Make sure that your bedroom is comfortable and free of distractions such as noise or bright lights. A good mattress and pillow can also help you sleep better at night, so make sure that yours are in good condition.
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Tip 3 – If you’re frequently waking up in the middle of the night, consider sticking to a regular sleep routine, so your body becomes used to going to bed and waking up at the same time every night.
Tip 4 – If you have GERD, you should not lay down right after eating as it can worsen some people. Instead, try to stay upright for a couple of hours before going to bed so gravity will help keep your food and stomach acid where they belong.
Wrapping Up
It’s no secret that a good night’s sleep can be hard to come by when you have GERD. With the help of the four tips mentioned above, it can help manage your acid reflux and improve overall health. If you are concerned about GERD, consult your doctor right away so they can provide specific advice tailored to your needs.