The Link Between Acid Reflux and Sleep: How to Sleep Better with GERD

If you struggle with acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you may notice that your symptoms worsen at night, disrupting your sleep. GERD is strongly associated with sleep disturbances, causing heartburn, discomfort, and frequent awakenings (Nakahara et al., 2016). This blog will explore why GERD affects sleep, how Tampa Bay Reflux Center offers expert solutions, and practical strategies for getting better rest despite acid reflux.

How Acid Reflux Disrupts Sleep

Studies show that GERD and sleep are deeply interconnected. At night, stomach acid can more easily reach the esophagus due to the lying-down position, which can cause:

Heartburn and chest pain – Acid irritates the esophagus, leading to a burning sensation.
Regurgitation – Stomach contents may flow back up, leading to discomfort and choking.
Frequent awakenings – The body's response to acid reflux can disrupt deep sleep.
Worsening of sleep apnea – GERD is linked to sleep apnea, further affecting sleep quality (Shibli et al., 2020).

One study found that GERD patients experience more severe reflux symptoms and prolonged acid exposure at night, significantly worsening sleep quality (Huang et al., 2024).

Tips for Sleeping Better with GERD

1. Elevate Your Head While Sleeping
   Keeping your upper body elevated reduces nighttime reflux by preventing stomach acid from rising into the esophagus. Consider using a wedge pillow or adjusting the head of your bed.

2. Avoid Eating Late at Night
   Eating too close to bedtime increases acid production, making reflux more likely. Aim to stop eating at least 3 hours before lying down (Sun et al., 2020).

3. Sleep on Your Left Side
   Studies suggest that sleeping on the left side helps prevent acid reflux, while lying on the right side can make symptoms worse. This is due to the position of the stomach and esophagus in the body.

4. Reduce Acid-Producing Foods
   Certain foods trigger reflux, including:

• Spicy foods

• Citrus fruits

• Chocolate

• Caffeine

• Carbonated drinks

5. Keeping a food journal can help identify your personal triggers.

6. Manage Stress and Anxiety
   Stress can worsen acid reflux by increasing stomach acid production. Incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation to manage stress.

Medical Treatment Options for Nighttime GERD

If lifestyle changes aren't enough, there are several medical options available to control GERD symptoms:

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) – Reduce stomach acid production, helping prevent reflux.
H2 Blockers – Help decrease acid production before bedtime.
Antacids – Provide quick relief but are not a long-term solution.

However, medications don’t work for every patient. Some individuals continue to experience nighttime reflux, even with treatment (Fujiwara et al., 2016).

Tampa Bay Reflux Center: Expert Solutions for Lasting Relief

At Tampa Bay Reflux Center, we specialize in advanced GERD treatments designed to permanently relieve reflux symptoms. Our team provides:

State-of-the-art diagnostics – We use pH monitoring and manometry testing to determine the severity of GERD.
Minimally invasive procedures – For patients with chronic GERD, we offer surgical solutions like LINX® and TIF® for long-term relief.
Personalized care plans – We create tailored treatment strategies based on each patient’s unique symptoms.

If GERD is severely affecting your sleep, Tampa Bay Reflux Center can help restore your quality of life.

Acid reflux and poor sleep often go hand in hand, but you don’t have to suffer. By making lifestyle adjustments, exploring medical treatments, and seeking expert care from Tampa Bay Reflux Center, you can take control of your nighttime reflux and improve sleep quality.

If GERD is keeping you up at night, schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward better rest and a healthier future!

Works Cited

1. Nakahara, K., Fujiwara, Y., Hiramoto, K., & Arakawa, T. (2016). GERD and sleep disturbances. Nihon rinsho. Japanese journal of clinical medicine. Link

2. Fujiwara, Y., Kohata, Y., Nakahara, K., Tanigawa, T., Yamagami, H., Shiba, M., Watanabe, K., Tominaga, K., Watanabe, T., & Arakawa, T. (2016). Characteristics of nighttime reflux assessed using multichannel intraluminal impedance pH monitoring and a portable electroencephalograph. Diseases of the Esophagus. Link

3. Huang, Y., Liu, J., Xu, L., Qi, W., Dai, J., Wang, B., Tian, J., Fu, X., & Yu, Y. (2024). Exacerbation of symptoms, nocturnal acid reflux, and impaired autonomic function are associated with sleep disturbance in GERD patients. Frontiers in Medicine. Link

4. Shibli, F., Skeans, J. M., Yamasaki, T., & Fass, R. (2020). Nocturnal GERD and sleep. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. Link

5. Sun, K., Ma, S., Hui, Y., Wang, B., Yang, B., Zhu, L., Wang, S., Li, S., Zhao, W., Jiang, K., Zhao, J., Wang, B-M., Chen, X., Zhang, G., Zhou, Z-H., Liu, Y., Ye, Q., Deng, Q., Liu, G., & Wang, J-M. (2020). Efficacy of proton pump inhibitors on nighttime reflux symptoms. Northern China Study. Link