Sleep and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

About GERD

• GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is characterized by frequent heartburn
• Acid from the stomach travels up the esophagus (the tube between the mouth and stomach) creating irritation and a burning sensation
• People who have heartburn more than once a week should talk to their doctor to see if they have GERD

GERD, as compared to just occasional heartburn, can cause damage to the esophagus including the possibility of ulcers and cancer. Treatments can include:

• Avoiding certain foods
• Not eating two hours before bed time
• Elevating the head of the bed
• Drugs that reduce the acidity of the stomach
• Surgery that reduces the acid-flow back into the esophagus

GERD occurs both during the day and at night and sleep disorders can worsen symptoms of GERD.

About Sleep and GERD

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases the risk of GERD in some people
• Nighttime GERD decreases sleep quality and quantity; 40% of sufferers say that it affects their work the next day
• Obesity is linked to both OSA and GERD, so reducing body weight can help both problems in obese sufferers

GERD can lead to disruption of sleep. When acid from the stomach rises up the esophagus, a sleeping person will usually wake up quickly to swallow. While helping reduce the symptoms of GERD, this directly affects sleep quality and quantity.

Three-quarters of people who were monitored for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) also had symptoms of GERD. Whether one causes the other is not clear, but treating OSA with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) greatly decreases the incidence of GERD. CPAP treatment has even been shown to help those with GERD who do not have sleep apnea. Equally, treating GERD with drugs can also decrease the symptoms of OSA. If obese, reducing body weight can decrease the symptoms of both GERD and OSA. Nocturnal GERD and OSA can lead to serious complications and quality of life issues. Talk to your doctor about both.