According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan - Director of Surgery, Phuong Dong General Hospital, insomnia is a fairly common condition in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease, especially at night. When lying down, gravity no longer supports keeping acid in the stomach, making gastric juice easily reflux to the esophagus.
This condition can cause burning sensations in the chest, dry cough, choking or stuck swallowing, making it difficult for patients to fall asleep or wake up many times at night.
Not only causing discomfort, prolonged nighttime gastroesophageal reflux can also impair sleep quality, thereby affecting physical and mental health.
How to improve sleep when having reflux
Patients should combine medical treatment with lifestyle changes:
See a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate medication: antacids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), or H2 antihistamines.
Lie on your left side when sleeping and place the head of the bed about 15 - 20cm high.
Avoid eating late dinner, it is best to eat at least 3 hours before bedtime and reduce the amount of dinner.
Limit stimulant foods such as spicy, sour, greasy foods, chocolate, mint, coffee, alcohol, and carbonated drinks.
Walk gently after dinner, keep your mind relaxed, avoid wearing tight clothes when sleeping.
Maintain a reasonable weight and avoid smoking.
Prevention of insomnia due to reflux
Regular health check-ups, maintaining regular sleep habits and creating a quiet, cool sleeping environment are measures that can help improve long-term sleep quality.
Insomnia associated with gastroesophageal reflux not only causes fatigue but also affects the quality of life. Patients need to combine treatment according to doctor's instructions with lifestyle changes to control symptoms and improve sleep.
