GERD and Sleep: How Acid Reflux Can Affect Your Sleep

GERD may also be known as acid reflux. Learn more about this condition.

GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. You may tend to experience nighttime heartburn once you have GERD. Are there any connections between GERD and sleep?

GERD and Sleep
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According to the 2001 poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, those who have GERD are more likely to have sleep problems or disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, daytime sleepiness, and restless legs syndrome as compared to those who don’t have GERD.

Factors that trigger GERD

GERD is a common condition, yet frequently overlooked for some people. There are a lot of factors that can trigger your acid reflux, including the following:

  • age
  • diet
  • alcohol use
  • obesity
  • pregnancy
  • smoking

Even certain foods in your diet could also be associated with acid reflux, including citrus fruits, chocolate, drinks with caffeine, fatty and fried foods, garlic and onions, mint flavorings, spicy foods, as well as tomato-based foods such as spaghetti sauce, chili, and pizza.

How to Manage

In order not to have acid reflux, you need to do these in order to manage your GERD. Here’s what you can do, according to the National Sleep Foundation site.

  • Avoid lying down after a large meal
  • Eat smaller meals and maintain an upright, relaxed posture
  • Avoid fats, onions, chocolate, and alcohol
  • Avoid potassium supplements
  • Always swallow medication in the upright position and wash it down with lots of water

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