I’m fine during the day, but heartburn makes it hard for me to fall asleep. What can I do to avoid nighttime heartburn?
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You’re not alone! Many heartburn sufferers experience symptoms mainly or only at night. There are some basic lifestyle adjustments you can make to help. First, avoid eating within two to three hours of bedtime. Next, elevate the head of your bed (by placing a couple of phone books under each bedpost at the head of the bed, for example), as lying in an inclined position will help prevent stomach acid from making its way into your esophagus and causing symptoms. Finally, avoid sleeping on your right side: Studies have shown that heartburn is more likely to occur in this position than lying on your back, front or left side.
About the expert: Goutham Rao, M.D., is clinical director at the Weight Management and Wellness Center, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh (of UPMC); associate professor in the department of pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (UPMC); and family physician at Bloomfield-Garfield Family Health Center in Pittsburgh.
Rao has served as director of medical informatics at UPMC St. Margaret Hospital. He is course director for introduction to medical decision-making at the UPMC, associate editor at the American College of Physicians Journal Club, and editorial board member and acquisitions editor at the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Home Study Self-Assessment (HSSA) program in Kansas City, Mo. Rao serves as assistant editor of the Journal of Family Practice and editorial board member of Family Medicine. Rao has also served as a member of the American Gastroenterological Association Institute/Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement®/National Committee for Quality Assurance GERD standards committee.
The material in this site is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis or recommended treatments. OTC PPIs are only indicated for treatment of frequent heartburn. For severe heartburn or heartburn that persists after trying over-the-counter treatment or lifestyle modifications, visit your doctor to determine the right treatment for you. See the Terms and Conditions for more information.
