Acid reflux is a common digestive disorder that occurs when the contents of the stomach return to your food pipe. This results in prolonged discomfort, irritation and problems. Such reflux can occur at any time, but it is especially common at night when the body is in a prone position resulting in –
- Interrupted Sleep –
Acid reflux at night can disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling tired and groggy in the morning.
The burning sensation in the chest, throat, and stomach can be very uncomfortable and make it difficult to fall asleep minus a special bed wedge for acid reflux.
- Sleep Apnea –
The refluxed stomach contents can irritate the throat and cause it to narrow, which can lead to snoring and difficulty breathing.
Choosing a good quality bed wedge for acid reflux can help in this regard and manage other issues as well.
- Asthma –
Acid reflux at night can worsen asthma symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing.
The refluxed stomach contents can also irritate the lungs and airways, triggering asthma attacks and making it difficult to breathe.
- Tooth Erosion –
The refluxed stomach contents contain acid, which can erode the enamel on the teeth and increase the risk of cavities and tooth decay.
How to manage acid reflux?
Several strategies can help reduce the risk of acid reflux at night including -.
- Eating smaller meals and avoiding large, late-night meals.
- Avoiding trigger foods and beverages, such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods
- Elevating the head of the bed by about 6 inches to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the oesophagus and choosing a mattress wedge for acid reflux.
- Avoiding lying down for at least two to three hours after eating.
- Taking medication, such as antacids or proton pump inhibitors, as prescribed by a doctor.
Does a special mattress wedge for acid reflux reduce the occurrence of the issue?
A specially designed mattress wedge for acid reflux is a triangular-shaped pillow. It is designed to provide support and elevation to different parts of the body, such as the back, legs, or head. It helps to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux by elevating the head and upper body by preventing the stomach contents from flowing back into the oesophagus, reducing irritation and discomfort.
Other benefits of choosing these are –
- Improved sleep –
By reducing the symptoms of acid reflux, such a wedge can improve sleep quality by preventing you from feeling tired and groggy in the morning.
By elevating the head and upper body, a good wedge can reduce discomfort and help individuals get a more restful night’s sleep.
- Reduces the complications –
Chronic acid reflux can lead to complications such as oesophagal inflammation, ulcers, and strictures.
Selecting the right wedge can help reduce the risk of these complications and improve overall health.
- Reduces the dependency on medication
Using a bed wedge to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux may also reduce the need for medications like antacids or proton pump inhibitors, etc.
By choosing a bed wedge, individuals may be able to reduce the need for medication and potentially avoid side effects associated with these medications. However, it is also essential to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of your acid reflux and develop an effective treatment plan.
