Nocturnal Gastro-oesophageal Reflux: Why Symptoms Worsen When You Lie Down

Heartburn, a sour taste in the mouth, or regurgitation often becomes more troublesome in the evening, particularly after a heavy meal. Lying down encourages stomach contents to travel back up into the oesophagus, which can significantly affect sleep quality.

This is known as nocturnal gastro-oesophageal reflux, a condition in which acid or other stomach contents rise into the oesophagus during the night. In addition to a burning sensation behind the breastbone, symptoms may include coughing, hoarseness, throat irritation, or even a worsening of asthma symptoms. Certain factors can intensify these manifestations: eating shortly before bedtime, large portion sizes, excess body weight, as well as the consumption of certain foods or drinks.

A few simple habits can help: it is advisable to have the last meal of the day several hours before going to sleep, and some people may find it beneficial to slightly elevate the head end of the bed. If symptoms occur frequently, wake you from sleep, are accompanied by difficulty swallowing, or do not improve despite lifestyle changes, a specialist assessment with a gastroenterologist is recommended.