Ashwin Lewis
Heartburn is a burning pain in the chest, caused by acid reflux. It is usually harmless, but it can be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Occasional acid reflux is uncomfortable, but chronic acid reflux can affect your quality of life and cause real damage to your tissues. If you experience heartburn, there are several at-home remedies and over-the-counter medications that can help you get a good night's sleep.
What to take for heartburn to sleep
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medication | Antacids, H2 Blockers, Proton Pump Inhibitors |
| Home Remedies | Ginger Tea, Baking Soda, Licorice Root, Aloe Vera Juice, Bananas |
| Lifestyle Changes | Elevate the head of the bed, Avoid tight clothing, Maintain a healthy weight, Avoid large meals, Avoid eating late at night, Avoid alcohol and tobacco |
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What You'll Learn
Elevate your bed or use a wedge pillow
If you experience heartburn at night or while trying to sleep, it is recommended that you elevate the head of your bed. This can be done by physically lifting the head of your bed by about six to eight inches so that you are sleeping on an incline. This method can help to prevent stomach acid from rising up into your oesophagus and causing irritation and discomfort.
If lifting the head of your bed is not possible, an alternative solution is to insert a wedge pillow between your mattress and box spring. This will elevate your body from the waist up, creating a similar incline to that achieved by elevating the bed itself. The wedge pillow provides a convenient way to reduce the occurrence of heartburn while sleeping, without having to make permanent adjustments to your bed setup.
Using additional pillows to raise your head is generally not an effective method for reducing heartburn. This is because the angle of elevation provided by extra pillows is often insufficient to prevent stomach acid from rising up into the oesophagus. Therefore, it is recommended to focus on either elevating the entire bed or using a dedicated wedge pillow to achieve the necessary incline.
By implementing these elevation techniques, you can create a more comfortable sleeping environment that minimises the occurrence of heartburn. This can help you get a good night's rest without the disruptive effects of heartburn, improving your overall sleep quality and reducing the need for medication or other remedies. Elevating your bed or using a wedge pillow can be a simple yet effective strategy to manage heartburn while sleeping.
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Avoid eating late at night
Eating too late at night is a common cause of heartburn. Lying down too soon after a meal can trigger heartburn. This is because when you lie down, it is easier for stomach acid to leak back up through the esophageal sphincter (the valve that keeps the stomach closed) and into your oesophagus, causing a painful burning sensation in your chest.
To reduce the risk of heartburn, it is recommended that you leave three to four hours between eating and going to sleep. This gives your stomach enough time to digest your food and lowers the chance of experiencing heartburn during the night. Eating smaller meals throughout the day can also help to prevent heartburn.
If you experience heartburn at night, you can try over-the-counter medications such as antacids, which neutralise stomach acid and provide quick relief. Acid reducers such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine antagonists (H2 antagonists) can also help to decrease the production of acid in the stomach. However, these medications are not long-term solutions, and you should consult a doctor if your symptoms persist.
In addition to avoiding late-night meals, there are several other lifestyle changes you can make to prevent heartburn. These include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tight-fitting clothing, and refraining from smoking and drinking alcohol, as these can all increase the risk of heartburn.
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Try antacids
If you are experiencing heartburn, antacids can help neutralise stomach acid and provide quick relief. They are available over the counter and can be taken occasionally to treat mild heartburn. However, they cannot heal an oesophagus damaged by stomach acid and may have side effects if taken too frequently. Antacids that contain simethicone can help with gas, while those containing magnesium can help relieve mild constipation.
If you don't have any antacids, you can try Pepto Bismol or a natural remedy such as aloe vera juice, which is known to help reduce stomach acid and calm irritation. You can also try drinking a glass of water with a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in it. However, this remedy should only be used occasionally and with your doctor's guidance.
Heartburn can be caused by acid reflux, which occurs when the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) weakens or relaxes, allowing food and acid to push back up into the oesophagus. This can result in irritation and damage to the lining of the oesophagus. If you experience heartburn frequently, it may be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and you should consult a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
In addition to antacids, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent heartburn. These include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tight-fitting clothing, and elevating the head of your bed or using a wedge pillow while you sleep. It is also recommended to avoid smoking and alcohol, as these substances can increase the likelihood of heartburn attacks.
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Chew gum
Chewing gum is a drug-free treatment for heartburn. It stimulates saliva production, which helps to wash away food particles, break down sugars, acids, and other harmful substances, and reduce the amount of acid in your oesophagus, thereby soothing heartburn and reflux.
Sugar-free gum is the best option for treating heartburn. Sugar-free gum with the ADA Seal of Acceptance is recommended, as it has been proven to be beneficial for oral health. It helps to freshen your breath and prevent cavities. Sugar-free gum also helps to curb cravings for sweets or snacks, which can be bad for your teeth and your waistline.
When choosing gum to treat heartburn, it is important to avoid peppermint flavours. Peppermint can make heartburn worse because it lowers the pressure in the lower oesophageal sphincter, allowing acid reflux into the oesophagus. Instead, opt for gum with bicarbonate, which helps to neutralise stomach acid.
Chewing gum is not for everyone, however. If you wear braces, have jaw pain, or suffer from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, chewing gum may not be a suitable option for you.
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Ginger tea
Ginger has been used for centuries as a natural cure for several ailments, including motion sickness, morning sickness, colic, upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, bowel trouble, and nausea. It is also a central ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine.
Ginger is one of the best digestive aids due to its medicinal properties. It is alkaline in nature and has anti-inflammatory properties, which help ease irritation in the digestive tract. A 2011 study found that participants who took ginger supplements showed reduced levels of inflammation within one month. This could be due to the phenolic compounds in ginger, which can reduce gastric contractions that may allow acid from the stomach to flow into the esophagus.
Many people have attested to the positive effects of ginger tea on their acid reflux. However, it is important to note that having too much ginger can cause stomach upset and other digestive symptoms. It is best to consult a doctor before consuming ginger supplements regularly, as they may interact with other medications.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several over-the-counter medications that can help relieve heartburn. These include antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. Antacids neutralise stomach acid and provide quick relief. H2 blockers take longer to act but may provide longer relief. Proton pump inhibitors also reduce stomach acid.
Yes, there are several home remedies that can help with heartburn. These include:
- Drinking a glass of water with a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in it
- Drinking ginger tea
- Drinking a small amount of apple cider vinegar in warm water
- Drinking aloe vera juice
- Chewing gum after a meal
Nonfat milk can act as a buffer between the stomach lining and acidic stomach contents, providing immediate relief. Bananas are also gentle on the digestive system.
Yes, in addition to medication and home remedies, there are several other things you can do to help with heartburn:
- Elevate the head of your bed
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid eating late at night
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco
