Acid reflux, also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest and throat. Many sufferers find relief by sleeping with their head elevated, but is there scientific evidence to support this practice?
One of the main causes of acid reflux is a weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a muscle that sits at the base of the esophagus and acts as a barrier to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. When the LES is weakened, stomach acid can easily flow back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms of acid reflux.
Sleeping with your head elevated can help to alleviate acid reflux symptoms by keeping stomach acid in the stomach where it belongs. When you sleep with your head elevated, gravity helps to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. This can help to reduce the frequency and severity of acid reflux symptoms.
One study conducted by the Department of Gastroenterology at the University of Frankfurt in Germany found that sleeping with the head elevated reduced acid reflux symptoms in patients with GERD. The study found that sleeping with the head of the bed elevated by 6 inches reduced acid reflux symptoms by up to 78%. Another study conducted by the Division of Gastroenterology at the University of Ottawa in Canada found similar results, with acid reflux symptoms decreasing by up to 70% in patients who slept with their head elevated.
There are several ways to elevate the head of your bed to help alleviate acid reflux symptoms. One of the easiest ways is to use a wedge pillow. Wedge pillows are specially designed to elevate the head and upper body, keeping stomach acid in the stomach where it belongs. Another option is to use blocks or risers to elevate the head of your bed. This can be done by placing blocks or risers under the legs of your bed at the head end, raising the head of the bed by several inches.
In conclusion, there is scientific evidence to support the practice of sleeping with your head elevated to alleviate acid reflux symptoms. Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated can help to reduce the frequency and severity of acid reflux symptoms by keeping stomach acid in the stomach where it belongs.
If you suffer from acid reflux, try elevating the head of your bed and see if it helps to alleviate your symptoms. In addition to elevating the head of your bed, there are other lifestyle changes you can make to help alleviate acid reflux symptoms. If your symptoms persist despite these changes, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.