Remedies For Heartburn And Sleep Issues

There's nothing more frustrating than having a illness and not being able to get any sleep

. A perfect example of this is when you are stricken with heartburn and can't fall asleep because of it. For those who are victims of heartburn and sleep scenarios: they average about 4 hours of sleep and can't seem to get anything done at work, are dangerous behind the wheel, and unpleasant to their spouses and coworkers

Researchers and employment bosses know the effects that not getting a good night sleep can do. And finding answers is not simple. The majority of people in developed countries are over-stressed, over-weight and do almost no exercising in their lives so it's no wonder that dealing with heartburn in the middle of the night is a nightmare and has consequences.

The reason why heartburn is so much more destructive during the night than during the day is because the body is prone, so gravity does not help keep food and stomach acid in the stomach, so it creeps up into esophagus.

Sleeping at an angle with the upper half of the body higher than the lower half will prevent stomach acid from settling in the esophagus. It is not necessary to sleep standing, as a funny commercial on TV program suggests, but lifting the upper part of bed with some bricks really helps. This might represent a slight inconvenience for your spouse, but this will help you get some sleep.

In the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology three scientists from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia found that if you sleep on your left side, night-time is avoided. The reasons are not completely clear, but it has to do with the location of the valve between the stomach and esophagus, which keeps food and stomach acid in the stomach. Whatever the reasons, this is very good news for the large number of people who spend sleepless nights because of heartburn.

There are several other common sense ways to avoid night time heartburn. One is to not eat and immediately lay down. Avoiding eating large meals, greasy and spicy food, acidic food, coffee, chocolate, mints, smoking and drinking alcohol is regular advice given to all heart-burn sufferers. Carbonated and caffeinated drinks should be avoided as well.

Experience shows that the best way to deal with being woken up in the middle of the night with heartburn is to get up and have a glass of cold water, followed with half glass of water with bicarbonate soda. Sleep on the left side of your body with your upper torso raised and will get you back to sleep in no time.

Scientists have also discovered that sleeping pills can also cause night-time heartburn. This is due to the fact that sleeping pills causes muscle relaxation, including the one between the stomach and esophagus. Consult with your doctor if you're not sleeping.

Since being overweight increases instances of heartburn during the day as well as during the night, losing weight is a good first step. So is quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol. Walking, jogging or easy exercises will help not only with heartburn but shed some weight as well. Heartburn and sleep problems will be reduced but your general overall well-being will improve.

by: Alex Henderson

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