What to Do Acid Reflux at Night
1. Eat smaller meals. Overeating can cause stomach contents to back up into the esophagus. Eating smaller meals more often can help reduce this problem.
2. Avoid lying down after eating. Wait at least 3 hours after eating before lying down to sleep. This gives your food time to digest and helps prevent stomach acid from backing up into your esophagus.
3. Elevate your head and chest while sleeping. This helps keep stomach acid where it belongs. You can do this by using a wedge pillow or by placing blocks under the legs of your bed.
4. Avoid certain foods and drinks. Some foods and drinks can trigger heartburn, including spicy foods, fatty foods, alcohol, and caffeine. Avoid these foods and drinks before bedtime.
5. Take over-the-counter antacids or H2 receptor blockers. These medications can help neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn.
6. See your doctor if you have frequent heartburn. If you have heartburn more than twice a week, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and should see your doctor for treatment.
