Best & worst sleeping positions for acid reflux uncovered

Best & worst sleeping positions for acid reflux uncovered

If you have acid reflux, it can get worse at night. That’s because the acid finds it easier to travel from your stomach and up towards your throat when you’re lying down. With that in mind, you may wonder how you can avoid heartburn when going to bed. In this guide, we’re offering official guidance on the best and worst sleeping positions for acid reflux. We’re also looking at how you can relieve symptoms without taking any medication.

Best Sleeping Positions

✓ Sleeping on your left side

According to the Sleep Foundation, sleeping on your left side can reduce reflux episodes. This keeps your stomach below your oesophagus, which makes it more difficult for the acid to travel. 

Sleeping Positions to Avoid

✖ Lying on your back

Meanwhile, lying on your back allows acid to move more freely from your stomach into your oesophagus. It can also make heartburn symptoms last longer.

What can you do to get a restful night’s sleep?

At its worst, acid reflux can cause sleepers to wake up with an unpleasant sensation in the back of their throat that causes them to cough or choke. It can also cause chest pain. 

At bedtime, gravity is your best friend. By sleeping in positions that keep the acid in the stomach, you can keep symptoms at bay and enjoy a more restful sleep. Lying on your left side can help. 

But what will help the most is tilting and elevating your upper body, including your stomach and chest. You can do exactly that with an acid reflux bed wedge. The supportive foam pillow is easy and comfortable to use.

Travel or caravan memory foam mattress toppers can be used for sleeping when travelling. It is cosy enough for you to sleep through the night without worrying about your health.