Nothing quite compares to the soothing sensation of slipping beneath your snug covers after a long day. On a winter night, the only rival to this coziness is the gentle crackling and warm radiance of a fireplace flickering across the bedroom. However, things take a different turn when your source of nighttime warmth becomes a troublesome bout of nocturnal heartburn. This article will discuss four tips to help keep your nocturnal heartburn at bay.

Get Gravity to do The Work For You

Restlessly shifting and stirring is a common experience for individuals grappling with nocturnal heartburn. Furthermore, during our slumber, we lose the ability to swallow. This results in a loss of the main esophageal contraction that prevents stomach acid from coming up during daytime hours. Elevate the head of your bed by a minimum of 6 inches, using either an adjustable bed frame or a wedge pillow (avoid relying on an extra pillow, as it tends to flatten as the night progresses). Numerous studies indicate that sleeping on your left side aids digestion and minimizes the symptoms of reflux.

Live a Friendly Food Lifestyle

Food holds a central role in our lives, shaping our schedules around mealtimes and filling us with anticipation for our evening treats like it’s Christmas morning. Despite this strong connection, the prospect of enjoying a restful sleep should motivate us to make better choices at the grocery store. Steer clear of highly acidic foods like tomatoes, coffee, and citrus. It is also recommended to refrain from indulging in late-night snacks, suggesting a gap of 2-3 hours between your final bite and bedtime.

Get Help From The Pharmacy

A variety of readily available over-the-counter (OTC) remedies cater to individuals grappling with heartburn. These medications predominantly work to counterbalance excessive stomach acid production, effectively reducing the volume of stomach fluids and thereby minimizing the likelihood of painful reflux. Notable choices in this category include Famotidine (Pepcid) and Omeprazole (Prilosec).

Go to The Pros

A large portion of our lives, roughly one-third, is dedicated to sleep (or should be!). Your sleep holds immense value, representing one of the most impactful avenues for enhancing your holistic well-being. Beyond the importance of sleep, neglecting to address nighttime heartburn could potentially lead to more severe conditions such as ulcers or even esophageal cancer. If the tips above have yielded no results, it might be time to arrange a consultation with your healthcare provider to steer your health in the right direction.

Treating Nocturnal Heartburn in Maryland

If you are struggling with nighttime heartburn, Bowie Internal Medicine is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.