Heartburn and Sleep

Thursday, 03 March 2005 14:09
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Heartburn (reflux) often affects people mostly at night: nearly 80% of those
who have heartburn experience nocturnal symptoms and most lose sleep
due to them.

A survey by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)
found that 75% of those who experience nighttime heartburn say that the
symptoms either wake them or prevent them falling asleep: 40% felt the
impact was sufficient to affect their ability to work the next day.

Nighttime reflux may result in prolonged exposure of the lining of the
oesophagus to stomach acid as 2 key clearance mechanisms are impaired
(peristalsis: propulsive movements of the gut wall; and gravity).

Gastroparesis (impaired gastric emptying), seen in some neurological
conditions, (see below) may be associated with a predilection for reflux.

SYMPTOMS:

ASSOCIATED SYMPTOMS:  Sore throat

                                      Bad breath Full sensation in the neck (globus)

GENERAL MEASURES:

Similar to those in simple dyspepsia. Raising the head of the bed on blocks
is especially helpful for nocturnal symptoms.

H.Pylori does not appear to have a role in oesophagitis.

TREATMENT:

Lifestyle modification (see under dyspepsia)
Withdrawal of medication which adversely affects the lower oesophageal sphincter

LONGER-TERM THERAPIES:

Surgery