Why is my acid reflux worse at night?
Answered by the AskDoc Medical Team · Medically reviewed under our Medical Director, MBBS
Lying flat removes gravity, so acid that stays down by day drifts up by night. Late meals, alcohol, and large dinners load the stomach exactly when defenses are weakest.
The fixes that work: finish eating three hours before bed, raise the head of the bed or use a wedge pillow, ease off evening alcohol and mint, and lose weight if weight has crept up. Left-side sleeping helps some people measurably.
Reflux most nights of the week, trouble swallowing, or heartburn with weight loss deserves a doctor rather than years of antacids.
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For reflux at night
Raising the chest on a wedge works with gravity where stacked pillows fail. Doctors suggest it before adding more medicine.
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Health education, not personal medical advice. In an emergency, contact your local emergency service now.