Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that causes suffering and annoyance. Therefore, modifying behaviors to help reduce GERD is important, and sleeping on the left side can actually help reduce heartburn symptoms caused by GERD.
What are the signs of GERD?
Signs that warn of GERD include:
- Heartburn, which radiates from the breastbone up to the neck
- Pain, discomfort in the chest, feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen, sour or bitter taste in the throat
- Chest pain
- Extra-esophageal symptoms such as hoarseness, frequent throat clearing, chronic cough, sore throat
Why does GERD occur after eating?
When eating, the muscle ring at the end of the esophagus that connects to the stomach opens so food can move into the stomach, and it closes quickly to prevent food and digestive juices from flowing back into the esophagus. If this muscle does not function properly or is weakened, food and digestive juices in the stomach may flow back into the esophagus, especially when lying down. Acid flowing back in the esophagus can cause esophagitis and other complications. GERD may not be a severe disease, but if left undiagnosed and untreated, it may lead to changes and severe complications. In asthma patients, GERD can result in more frequent asthma attacks.
How does sleeping on the left side help reduce GERD?
Up to 80% of patients with GERD experience symptoms at night. Information from the The American Journal of Gastroenterology in February 2022 discussed the correlation between sleeping position and nighttime GERD. This study used concurrent monitoring of sleep position and esophageal pH levels and electrical impedance to assess the effect of sleep position on GERD symptoms. It concluded that sleeping on the left side reduces nocturnal GERD most effectively compared to sleeping on the back or the right side. This is because when lying on the left side, the esophagus and its muscle ring are positioned higher than the stomach, allowing acid to exit the esophagus more quickly than with other sleep positions. Though the frequency of reflux might not differ greatly across positions, reducing time spent lying on the back or right side can help reduce GERD symptoms at night and improve sleep quality. Thus, for GERD patients, choosing to sleep on the left side is more beneficial than other positions.
How should GERD patients modify their behavior?
- Manage weight to stay within a healthy range
- Do not lie down immediately after eating, wait for 2 – 3 hours
- Avoid foods that trigger GERD, such as fried foods, fatty foods, spicy foods, carbonated drinks, tea, coffee, beer
- Avoid eating too quickly and chew thoroughly
- Elevate the head of the bed by about 6 – 8 inches
- Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol
Can GERD recur?
Even after treating GERD, it can recur due to the dysfunction of the esophageal muscle ring and personal lifestyle habits. If lifestyle modifications are not made after treating GERD, patients may experience recurrence. Even if patients take acid-reducing medication for several weeks as advised by doctors, GERD can still recur. If recurrence occurs, doctors may perform additional diagnostic tests, such as esophageal endoscopy, esophageal function tests, and measuring acid levels in the esophagus, to check its functionality and acidity.
Reference:
- Associations between Sleep Position and Nocturnal Gastroesophageal Reflux: A Study Using Concurrent Monitoring of Sleep Position and Esophageal pH and Impedance, The American Journal of Gastroenterology 117(2): p 346 – 351, February 2022.
- https://journals.lww.com/ajg/abstract/2022/02000/associations_between_sleep_position_and_nocturnal.28.aspx
Doctors specialized in treating GERD
Dr..Suriya Chakkaphak Gastrointestinal and Liver Surgeon Gastroenterology and Hepatology Center Bangkok Hospital
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Hospitals specializing in GERD treatment
Gastroenterology and Hepatology Center at Bangkok Hospital offers comprehensive treatment for GERD patients by specialized physicians, nurses, and a multidisciplinary team, along with modern equipment and technology to ensure a better quality of life in the long term.
