4 min read
Do you suffer from nighttime heartburn? You’re not alone. Four out of five people who suffer from regular heartburn and acid reflux experience nighttime discomfort and a bitter taste that can make sleep difficult. But don’t worry – there are things you can do to prevent nighttime heartburn and finally get a good night’s sleep.
According to Lawrence J. Cheskin, MD, and Brian E. Lacy, MD, PhD, in their book Healing Heartburn, “the cornerstone of treatment for any disease or disorder is prevention.” So let’s focus on preventing nighttime heartburn so you can sleep well tonight. We asked the experts for their tips on how to do just that:
1. Sleep on your left side. Dr. David A. Johnson, an internal medicine specialist, recommends sleeping on your left side to reduce nighttime heartburn symptoms.
2. Lose weight, even a little. Even a small weight loss can help reduce heartburn symptoms, so it’s definitely worth a try.
3. Elevate your upper body. Try sleeping with the head of your bed elevated or using a specially designed pillow to keep your upper body elevated. This can help prevent stomach acids from flowing up your esophagus.
4. Wear loose-fitting clothes. Tight clothes, especially around your waist, can put pressure on your stomach and worsen heartburn symptoms.
5. Avoid trigger foods. Foods that trigger heartburn can vary from person to person, but common triggers include alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, and spicy or acidic foods.
6. Don’t eat late-night or big meals. Eating large meals or eating too close to bedtime can contribute to nighttime heartburn, so try to eat smaller meals earlier in the evening.
7. Relax when you eat and stay upright after eating. Stress and lying down after eating can lead to increased stomach acid production, so try to relax and stay upright after meals.

