Do you find yourself tossing and turning at night, disrupted by the burning sensation of heartburn? You’re not alone. Whether you’re an occasional or regular sufferer, many people who experience heartburn can find it disruptive at night.
The nocturnal intensification of heartburn can leave you feeling frustrated and sleep deprived. But fear not, understanding why this happens and implementing a few simple strategies can help you achieve more restful sleep.
Why does heartburn seem worse at night?
So, why does heartburn often rear its uncomfortable head under the cover of darkness? Heartburn is caused by stomach acid refluxing into the oesophagus. When you’re lying down, gravity is no longer keeping stomach acid at bay and it can rise more easily, causing the burning sensation in the chest, which can give us sleepless nights.
There are a number of factors that can make nighttime acid reflux more likely, such as eating too close to bedtime, foods and drinks that are known heartburn triggers, and eating large meals later in the evening.
How to help relieve heartburn at night
If heartburn is starting to affect your sleeping routine, try our before-bed and bedtime tips.
- Timing is key: Try to eat your last meal at least 3-4 hours before bedtime. This will allow ample
time for digestion. - More is less: Large meals can make acid reflux worse. Aim to eat smaller, more frequent meals instead.
- Mindful eating: Try to avoid your heartburn triggers, which may include spicy, fatty or rich foods,
caffeinated drinks, and alcohol, particularly in the evening. - Posture matters: Try raising the head end of your bed by around 10-20cms so that your head and shoulders are above your waist to prevent stomach acid creeping up.
- On the side: Sleeping on your left side might make a difference. While there’s no evidence it prevents heartburn, one small study shows it may help to clear the acid quicker if it does happen.
ABOUT PYROCALM:
If heartburn persists despite your best efforts, speak to your pharmacist who can advise on treatments such as omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) which reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes.
Pyrocalm Control is the first branded 20mg omeprazole available over the counter that provides up to 24-hour confidence in heartburn control. Available in packs of 7 and 14 at high-street pharmacies and major supermarkets. For more information visit pyrocalmcontrol.co.uk.
Pyrocalm Control 20mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets (omeprazole) are used in adults for the short-term treatment of reflux symptoms (e.g. heartburn, acid regurgitation, acid reflux). Always read the label.
