Can sleeping on your stomach cause acid reflux?
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), affects about 1 in 5 people in the US and is the result of stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. It can cause discomfort, damage to the esophagus, and, in rare cases, breathing problems. Sleeping on your stomach can, in some cases, aggravate GERD and worsen acid reflux symptoms.
How does sleeping on your stomach affect acid reflux?
When you sleep in the prone position (on your stomach), your stomach is pushed further up against the esophagus, causing GERD-related discomfort. Acid reflux can also be triggered by consuming certain kinds of food or drinks prior to bed, such as caffeine, processed foods, and acidic foods. In addition, when people sleep on their stomachs, they are more likely to have their upper bodies elevated higher than their lower bodies, leading to an increased likelihood of GERD.
To reduce the risk of acid reflux, it is recommended to sleep on your back or side. This will help keep your stomach and esophagus in a more neutral position, reducing the likelihood of GERD-related discomfort. Additionally, avoiding certain foods and drinks before bedtime can help reduce the risk of acid reflux. Eating smaller meals throughout the day and avoiding eating late at night can also help reduce the risk of GERD.
What are the risks associated with sleeping on your stomach?
Sleeping on your stomach increases the risk of developing GERD and other symptoms associated with acid reflux. These include heartburn, chest pain, dry cough, hoarseness, sore throat, and regurgitation. It can also lead to damage to the esophagus if left untreated.
In addition, sleeping on your stomach can cause neck and back pain due to the unnatural position of the spine. It can also cause numbness and tingling in the arms and legs due to the pressure placed on the nerves. Furthermore, it can lead to facial wrinkles due to the pressure placed on the skin.
What are the symptoms of acid reflux?
Common symptoms of acid reflux include heartburn, which is an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest or throat; chest pain associated with burning; dry cough; hoarseness; sore throat; and regurgitation, or the feeling of food coming back up through the throat. In some cases, this can lead to difficulty swallowing.
What treatments are available for acid reflux?
Treatments for GERD can include making lifestyle changes (such as avoiding foods that trigger symptoms or eating smaller meals throughout the day), over-the-counter medications such as antacids, and prescription medication. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter or to repair a hiatal hernia.
How can you reduce the risk of acid reflux when sleeping on your stomach?
When sleeping on your stomach, you should try to keep your head at a relative level with the rest of your body. This helps to reduce the chance that stomach acid can back up into the esophagus. Additionally, avoid eating for at least three hours before bed, which can allow the stomach to empty and can help reduce the symptoms associated with GERD.
How can you prevent or manage acid reflux?
In addition to making lifestyle changes such as avoiding certain foods that trigger symptoms and eating smaller meals throughout the day, there are medications that can help manage GERD. These include over-the-counter antacids or prescription medications. Avoiding eating late at night, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight by exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet are also important strategies for managing or preventing acid reflux.
What lifestyle changes can help reduce acid reflux?
Lifestyle changes that can help to reduce acid reflux symptoms include losing weight if you are overweight, quitting smoking, and avoiding certain foods that trigger symptoms. These include caffeine, fatty foods, chocolate, spicy foods, and acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus fruits. Additionally, eating smaller meals more often throughout the day and avoiding eating for at least three hours before bedtime can also help reduce GERD symptoms.
Should you stop sleeping on your stomach if you have acid reflux?
If you have acid reflux, it is best to avoid sleeping on your stomach. Sleep in a position that allows your upper body to be at least slightly elevated — either on your back with a pillow under your head and shoulders, or on your side with your knees bent. Additionally, it is important to make sure that your head is at a relative level with the rest of your body.
Is there an alternative position to sleeping on your stomach that is more suitable for those with acid reflux?
The best position for sleeping is on your back with a pillow under your head and shoulders. This helps keep your upper body raised and may help prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. Sleeping on your left side may also help reduce GERD symptoms by keeping your stomach lower than your esophagus during sleep. You may also consider using a wedge pillow under your mattress to provide additional support and elevation.
