Ask Dr. Mark Babyatsky

Help for Nighttime GERD

Q: My acid reflux is so bad when I lie down at night that it keeps me tossing and turning. What can I do for reflux when I am sleeping? 

— Tony, Arizona

A: 

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. When you are sitting or standing, the force of gravity reduces reflux, whereas lying down worsens reflux and its associated symptoms. One way to improve GERD during sleep is to elevate the head of your bed at least six inches above the feet with a surgical wedge or wooden boards.

Other measures that can improve GERD when you are sleeping are:

• Avoid eating less than four hours before bedtime. Food stimulates acid secretion, which can damage the lining of the esophagus and increase the volume of the refluxed contents.
• Avoid alcohol, smoking, peppermint, caffeine, and high-fat foods. These substances cause relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, which normally helps keep stomach contents from refluxing into the esophagus.
• Weight loss also lowers the amount of pressure on the abdomen, which can help decrease reflux.

Alok adds: Hv light meal easily digestible in Dinner and hv hearty breakfast. 

Do self study and note carefully which items in dinner must hv caused u more trouble and avoid those item in dinner.