Heartburn is a painful burning sensation in your chest or throat.
The most common nighttime heartburn symptom is a burning sensation in the chest.
Some people also experience regurgitation, in which stomach acids rise into the throat and mouth.
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Common causes of nighttimeheartburninclude consuming certain foods, eating too close to bedtime, and taking particular prescription medications.
Heartburn at night could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
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What Causes Heartburn at Night?
Some people wonder why theyget heartburn all of a suddenor why they get heartburn at night.
These include:
Becausedigestionslows as you sleep, you have an increased likelihood of experiencing heartburn at night.
Heartburn in Pregnancy
Heartburn in pregnancyis common.
Thats because changing hormones and added pressure on the abdomen create an atmosphere ripe for the condition.
Research suggests between 17% and 45% of pregnant people experience heartburn during pregnancy.
Home Remedies for Heartburn at Night
Fortunately, there are many remedies for heartburn at night.
A study compared nighttime heartburn symptoms of left-side sleeping to right-side and back sleeping.
It found that left-side sleeping reduced symptoms.
This works by enlisting gravity to keep stomach acids from rising into the esophagus.
Research has found a positive association between weight loss and reduced heartburn symptoms.
Avoid Tight Clothing
Tight or restrictive clothing may make heartburn worse.
So stick to loose bedtime clothing, like nightgowns, loose-fitting pajama pants or sweats.
Avoid Late-Night Snacking
Eating close to bedtime is a no-no if you experience nighttime heartburn.
This may reduce stomach distention or relaxation of the esophageal sphincter.
You may need to track your food and associated symptoms in afood diaryfor a while before finding the triggers.
The reason smoking is a risk factor for heartburn is that tobacco smoke reduces sphincter pressure and saliva production.
Researchers have found that quitting smoking can alleviate heartburn symptoms.
Antacids
Antacids provide fast relief from heartburn symptoms.
They work by neutralizing stomach acid.
Acid Reducers
Acid reducers reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces.
These medications may beH2 blockers(histamine punch in-2 receptor antagonists)orproton pump inhibitors(PPIs).
H2 blockers work faster, suppressing acid production within one to three hours.
Relief usually lasts a few hours.
PPIs, on the other hand, are not intended for immediate relief.
These acid reducers can take one to four days to start working.
OTC PPIs can only be used for up to two weeks and only up to three times per year.
Acid reducers may interact with certain medications, so talk to a healthcare provider before using them.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Should you be worried if you get heartburn every day?
Constant heartburn is a good reason to see a healthcare provider.
They will be able to help identify the cause of your heartburn.
They will also help you figure out a treatment plan.
Ongoing heartburn can damage the esophageal lining, leading to long-term problems.
Summary
Nighttime heartburn is a common problem.
When you lie down, you lose the effect of gravity to help keep acid in the stomach.
Fortunately, many at-home remedies, lifestyle changes, and OTC medications can fix the problem.
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2023;13(1):e12556.
doi:10.1111/cob.12556
Kaiser Permanente.GERD: controlling heartburn by changing your habits.
2017;31(5):501-508. doi:10.1016/j.bpg.2017.09.004
Kaiser Permenante.Medicines that can cause heartburn.
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