Acid reflux is a term that's often heard, but unless you're a lucky individual who has yet to experience it, you might not know exactly what it is. Or, perhaps you've been suffering from the sickness but didn't know what it was called. Acid reflux is a condition where digesting stomach contents (including acid) makes its way back up into the esophagus. This can take place to a varied level of degrees – from instances that are quite mild, to those that are frequent and extremely painful.
Essentially, the throat fails to hold stomach contents in place, or acid forces its way through barrier devices – either way the condition can be uncomfortable, even painful, and can greatly affect one's eating patterns. Acid reflux can also be worsened when eating certain types of foods, or after eating too close to bedtime, as lying down (or even reclining) reduces the help of gravity to keep food within the stomach. Consuming alcohol, rich, or spicy foods can also exasperate the condition. However, some are more prone to its effects due to genetics, which can also cause some of the most severe symptoms.
Acid Reflux and Sleep
In terms of conditions, acid reflux is often most felt at night. This simply stems from body position – lying down allows acid to rise. When food hasn't had enough time to fully digest, those symptoms can hurt even worse; when there's more food, there's more acid that helps break it down (and acid that's more active), which leaves a higher chance for it to leak upward.
Luckily, there are several simple solutions to helping combat acid reflux. Start by eating earlier so your food has more time to break down. Reducing heavy or spicy foods can also help to settle the stomach. Next, sleep on an incline. A wedge pillow can encourage acid to move downward, and increase comfort while you sleep.
Doctor's agree, raising your body 6-8 inches while sleeping can help reduce or eliminate symptoms of:
- Acid Reflux
- GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease)
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Hiatal Hernia
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