Insomnia is a fairly common condition in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease, especially at night. When lying down, gravity no longer helps keep acid in the stomach, making acid easily reflux to the esophagus.
This can cause a burning sensation in the chest, dry cough, choking or swallowing, making it difficult for patients to fall asleep or wake up many times at night. Not only causing discomfort, prolonged nighttime gastroesophageal reflux also reduces sleep quality, affecting both physical and mental health.
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan - Director of Surgery, Phuong Dong General Hospital, some of the following factors can increase the risk of insomnia due to reflux.
Factors that increase the risk of insomnia due to reflux
Lying positions can help improve or increase reflux.
Lying position: Lying on your left side helps limit reflux because the stomach is lower than the esophagus. Conversely, lying on your right side or lying on your back can easily cause acid to rise.
Stress, tension: Can increase acid secretion and reduce the function of the lower esophagus sphincter.
Eating late at night: Eating close to bedtime makes food not digested in time, increasing pressure on the stomach.
How to improve sleep when having reflux
Patients should combine medical treatment with lifestyle changes:
See a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate medication such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 antihistamines.
Lie on your left side when sleeping and place the head of the bed about 15-20 cm high.
Avoid eating late dinner, it is best to eat at least 3 hours before bedtime and reduce the amount of food in the evening.
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.
