What Are Common Reasons Why Heartburn Strikes at Night?

Eating Too Soon Before Bed

When you hit the pillow with a full stomach, your esophageal sphincter is less likely to function properly. This allows the food and stomach acid to leak back into the esophagus, causing heartburn. To avoid this, you may want to eat at least 3 hours before bedtime.

Wrong Sleeping Position

Sleeping on your back or right side makes it easy for food and stomach acid to go up into the esophagus. This can cause the burning pain we scientifically refer to as the burning sensation. As a credentialed dietician, I strongly recommend sleeping on your left side. You can also use a pillow to keep your head at an incline, further reducing the risk of heartburn.

Eating Spicy Foods Before Bedtime

Most spicy foods are home to capsaicin, a compound believed to make your digestive system slow down. When food stays in the stomach for a long time, you become more susceptible to heartburn. The single most important thing you can do is avoid spicy foods before bedtime.

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Anastasia Filipenko

Psychologist, Freelance writer and Commercial Adviser at shopgiejo.com

Anastasia Filipenko is a health and wellness psychologist, dermatolist and a freelance writer. She frequently covers beauty and skincare, food trends and nutrition, health and fitness and relationships. When she's not trying out new skincare products, you'll find her taking a cycling class, doing yoga, reading in the park, or trying a new recipe.

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