Can You Choke In Your Sleep With Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when the stomach acid flows backwards into the esophagus. It can cause a variety of different symptoms to occur in the body. Currently, research has found a link between acid reflux and obstructive sleep apnea, which causes you to choke in your sleep. Therefore, if you suffer from acid reflux, it’s possible to choke in your sleep. 

What is acid reflux and why does it happen?

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid leaks out from the stomach to the esophagus. The harsh acid irritates the sensitive tissue of the esophagus and causes unpleasant symptoms to occur in your body. Some common symptoms of acid reflux include:

• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Regurgitation
• Coughing
• Burping

A ring of muscles called the sphincter separates the esophagus from the stomach. Normally, the sphincter loosens to allow food into the stomach, then tightens afterwards to keep the acid out of the esophagus. A weak or improperly functioning sphincter can allow the acid to escape from the stomach. This causes acid reflux. Your lifestyle and eating choices can also cause an episode of acid reflux. Smokers and people suffering from obesity are more at risk for acid reflux. Spicy and acidic food also increases your chances of an acid reflux episode. 

Why does acid reflux occur more often at night?

Many people who suffer from acid reflux experience more symptoms at night. There are a variety of reasons why symptoms of acid reflux occur more frequently at night, including:

• Lack of gravity: Lying down stops the effects of gravity from pushing down stomach acid. This lets stomach acid leak into the esophagus easier.
• Decreased swallowing: Swallowing helps keep stomach acid down. At night, people swallow less, meaning the effects of acid reflux occur more.
• Reduced saliva production: Saliva also helps manage acid reflux. Less saliva allows more symptoms of acid reflux to occur. 

Therefore, acid reflux occurs more often at night. Many people also eat large meals shortly before going to bed. This can worsen the symptoms of acid reflux as well. 

How to improve your sleep with acid reflux

Sleeping with acid reflux doesn’t have to be endlessly uncomfortable. There are a number of ways that you can improve your sleep with acid reflux; however, the best way to improve your sleep is to combine a few different techniques with the advice of a doctor. Some possible methods of improving sleep with acid reflux include:

• Work with a doctor
• Take medication
• Avoid eating late
• Sleep on your left side
• Raise the head of your bed
• Improve your sleep routine

How to treat acid reflux

Acid reflux can be treated by making changes to your daily lifestyle and using medication with the permission of your doctor. Many people who suffer from acid reflux use a combination of different methods in order to lessen their symptoms.

Dietary changes 

Making changes in your diet can significantly improve your acid reflux. Try to avoid eating spicy or acidic food, such as citrus fruit, and seek out food high in fiber and low in acidity instead. Foods such as whole grain bread, oatmeal, and lean meats are excellent choices for treating acid reflux. 

Lifestyle changes

Changing your lifestyle can help make a positive impact on your struggle with acid reflux. Eating smaller meals, exercising more, quitting smoking, and avoiding eating late at night are all changes that can help treat acid reflux. 

Prescription drugs

Prescription drugs can help assist in relieving uncomfortable symptoms of acid reflux. They should only be taken after consulting with your doctor about what’s right for you. Many of these over the counter drugs try to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach, which lowers your risk of an acid reflux episode. 

Why Omeprazole (Generic Prilosec) is your best treatment option for acid reflux

With moderate to severe cases of acid reflux, making simple lifestyle and dietary changes may not be enough to curb your symptoms. The good news? Prescription drug Omeprazole has been proven to be incredibly effective treatment, alleviating all symptoms!

Take control of your treatment by speaking with one of our online doctors today. They can help you discuss your best course of action, including prescription medication Omeprazole.

The best part? Omeprazole works the same as brand name acid reflux medications—at a fraction of the cost! It works by reducing stomach acid, effectively preventing recurring episodes of acid reflux. Plus, most adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, can safely take Omeprazole.

Schedule a virtual doctor’s appointment, today.

Get help for your acid reflux, today!

Acid reflux is incredibly bothersome & inconvenient. While diet & lifestyle changes may help, your best option to treat acid reflux is to speak with a doctor.

Schedule a virtual visit with one of EMD's reputable doctors & get a personalized treatment plan that works.

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