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Heartburn or acid reflux is one of the common disorders amongst people. Nighttime heartburn is the type of heartburn, which occurs in the evening. Heartburn is the burning or irritation in the chest and it is often misconceived as heart disease, since the pain is felt in the chest. However, it is also a serious disease as the pain is often unbearable.

Nighttime heart burn or heart burn in common, is caused because of the movement of the gastric juices to the lower portion of the esophagus. The gastric juices are acidic and as it contacts with the lining of esophagus, it induces irritation and inflammation. The unusual movement of the gastric juice is caused because of the relaxation in the muscle between the abdomen and esophagus, known as Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). It can be due to structural defects of a person or some disorders such as hiatal hernia and lifestyle factors.

Along with abdomen muscles, gravity also helps to sustain the gastric juice in the abdomen. While in a lying down position, gravity is not applicable and hence you are more susceptible to heartburn and acid reflux. The reduced amount of saliva due to the less swallowing is also a reason to increase nighttime heartburn since saliva can neutralize the acidic gastric juice. However, effective strategies to prevent the nighttime heartburn can definitely help to control the disease.

The evidence has proven that positioning plays an important role in the prevention of nighttime heartburn. While lying down, raising the upper portion of the body higher will help to lower the nighttime heartburn. Pillows will not be sufficient as it can raise only the head. Wooden planks under bedding or thick cushions are recommended for high positioning. Lying on the left side also will reduce nighttime heartburn attacks since the esophagus has an inherent tile to the right. The proper arrangement of eating habits and diet will also help to reduce the recurrence of nighttime heartburn. Eating at least 2-3 hours before bedtime will avoid chances for nighttime heartburn since the digestion will be almost over by that time.

The consultation of an expert physician is essential since it can lead to many serious outcomes such as stomach and esophagus cancer. Also, nighttime heart burn and acid reflux can be symptom of many other serious disorders such as GERD, ulcers and inflammation. Hence, you need not be afraid of nighttime heartburn and acid reflux but treatment is necessary.