Suggestions for Sleeping with GERD

GERD and Sleep Position: Dos and Don'ts

If you are a GERD sufferer, you can do a lot to improve your quality of sleep by changing your sleeping position. Doctors recommend that you:

• Do elevate the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches to assist gravity in keeping your stomach acid from refluxing.
• Don't sleep on your back, particularly if you are obese, because the pressure on your stomach could help drive acid into your esophagus.
• Don't sleep on your right side. For some reason, this seems to prompt relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter — the tight ring of muscle connecting the stomach and esophagus that normally defends against reflux.
• Do sleep on your left side. This is the position that has been found to best reduce acid reflux.

You also can improve your chances of a good night's sleep by waiting for three to four hours after you eat before going to bed. That gives your stomach a chance to process your meal and move it through your digestive system. Your stomach will then be empty and less likely to promote reflux when you lie down. Eating a smaller and lighter dinner also is a good idea.

On Friday, January 11, 2013 10:19:09 AM UTC-5, Josh wrote:

suggestions for sleep positions for patient with gerd, cervical and lumbar disc?

Joshua M. Brooks, D.C.

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ABC Clinics

Rosa Family Chiropractic

2750 Prosperity Ave, Suite 550

Fairfax, VA  22031

703.876.5600

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www.RosaChiropracticFairfax.com

www.RecoveryDoc.net

If you have more questions about our services, contact us at 703-750-1177 or sign-up at www.RosaChiropracticAlexandria.com for a free consultation! 

Rosa Family Chiropractic of Alexandria

5249 Duke St, Suite 301

Alexandria, VA 22304

703-750-1177

www.rosachiropracticalexandria.com