Why gastroesophageal reflux worsens at night when lying down

Many people notice that heartburn, a sour taste in the mouth, or regurgitation becomes more troublesome in the evening, particularly after a large meal. The explanation lies in body position: lying down encourages stomach contents to travel back up into the oesophagus, which can disrupt sleep.

What is nocturnal gastro-oesophageal reflux

This type of reflux occurs when acid or other stomach contents rise into the oesophagus during the night. In addition to a burning sensation behind the breastbone, other symptoms may also appear: coughing, hoarseness, throat irritation, or worsening asthma symptoms in those who already suffer from this condition.

Factors that can aggravate the problem include eating very close to bedtime, large portion sizes, excess body weight, and the consumption of certain foods or drinks.

What helps and when to see a doctor

A few simple changes can reduce discomfort: the last meal of the day should ideally be eaten a few hours before bedtime, and some people may find it helpful to raise the head of the bed.

A gastroenterology consultation is advisable when symptoms occur frequently, wake the person during the night, are accompanied by difficulty swallowing, or fail to improve despite lifestyle changes.