Millions of people around the world suffer from acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It causes symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing, particularly after eating large meals or certain types of food.
What many people don’t realize is that acid reflux can also be linked to the position you sleep in. If you struggle with acid reflux (especially at night), you’ll want to keep reading!
Join us as we explore the link between acid reflux and sleep to determine whether switching to an adjustable bed could be a worthwhile investment.
What’s the Connection Between Acid Reflux and Sleep?
When that burning feeling in your chest hits, the possibility for sleep flies out the window. You might think that lying down would help you feel better when, in reality, it could make acid reflux symptoms worse. In fact, lying flat is one of the worst things you can do if you have GERD.
Acid reflux is a digestive disorder where the valve (called the gastroesophageal sphincter) between the stomach and esophagus doesn’t close properly. This allows stomach acid and partially digested food to flow backward into the esophagus, causing that familiar burning sensation.
If you’ve ever noticed that your heartburn gets worse at night, you’re not alone. Many people who struggle with acid reflux experience a worsening of symptoms when they sleep, especially those who sleep on their backs or stomachs. When you’re lying flat, your throat and stomach are on the same level which enables acid to flow more easily through weaknesses in the gastroesophageal sphincter.
How Can an Adjustable Bed Help?
Left untreated, chronic acid reflux can lead to serious complications including permanent damage to the esophagus. If you experience symptoms more than twice a week, talk to your doctor to get to the bottom of the issue.
Your doctor may recommend dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, or medication. They might also suggest switching to an adjustable bed. Here’s why:
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By sleeping with your chest elevated, gravity helps keep stomach acid from flowing backward into the esophagus.
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Adjustable beds enable you to incline your head to an angle that’s comfortable for you, depending on your sleep style.
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With an adjustable bed, you get more stable support of your neck and spine than you would by propping yourself up on pillows.
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Adjustable beds offer a wide range of incline options, with some models allowing you to elevate the head of the bed up to 60°.
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With an adjustable bed you can sleep with the whole bed at an incline (depending on the model), or just elevate the head of the bed.
Some adjustable beds also incorporate smart health tracking features that can provide you with key insights into your sleep duration and quality. Monitoring your sleep over time can help you determine whether your treatment is helping or if you need to make further adjustments to prevent acid reflux from keeping you awake at night.
Models like the ErgoSportive Smart & Adjustable Bed are perfect for this application. Not only is the ErgoSportive equipped with health and sleep sensors, but it has innovative features like relaxation massage mode, one-touch presets (including zero gravity), and automatic anti-snore.
Choosing the Right Adjustable Bed for Acid Reflux
With so many options on the market, it can be tough to choose. If you suffer from acid reflux, however, there are some key features to look for that can help you narrow down the choices.
Here are some factors to consider when shopping for an adjustable bed to help with acid reflux:
1. Customizable head and foot elevation
Experts recommend elevating the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches to reduce acid reflux at night. This level of incline elevates both your head and chest, not just your neck, which allows gravity to do most of the work.
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Product Feature: To enjoy a full range of customizable options, consider the Ascend High-Low Adjustable Bed with Tilt. This bed provides up to 7 inches of height adjustment with a maximum head tilt of 60° so you can find the angle that works for you.
2. Works with side sleeping positions
Sleeping with the head of your bed elevated is great for acid reflux, but many experts also recommend side sleeping over back sleeping. Look for an adjustable bed that allows you to change the incline of both the head and foot so you can keep your spine properly aligned while sleeping on your side.
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Product Feature: Designed for aesthetic appeal as well as adjustable functionality, the Dawn House Adjustable Hi-Low Smart Bed is crafted for customizability. With enabled head and foot articulation, this bed allows you to adjust the settings via handheld remote or using your smartphone.
3. Compatible with your mattress
If you’re going to be investing in an adjustable bed, it’s important to make sure your mattress is compatible. Can’t remember the last time you bought a new mattress? It’s probably time. The best mattresses for adjustable beds are flexible, including memory foam, latex, and hybrid models with pocketed coils.
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Product Feature: Whether you’re updating your mattress or not, a model like the RIO 5.0 Adjustable Bed is a versatile choice. It offers the head and foot tilt you need with bonus features like adjustable lumbar support, one-touch zero gravity positioning, automatic anti-snore, and more.
4. Fits in with your bedroom decor
An adjustable bed is a long-term investment, so it’s important to choose one that won’t become an eyesore. Due to the moving parts, it’s not always an option to simply throw a bedskirt onto an adjustable bed. Look for design features that make the bed look like a piece of furniture, not an appliance and consider springing for a matching headboard.
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Product Feature: Designed with deck-on-deck construction and tapered legs, the RIO 6.0 Adjustable Bed has an upholstered furniture look. It also comes with universal headboard brackets, so you can keep your current headboard.
For those suffering from acid reflux or GERD, switching to an adjustable bed could make a big difference. If you sleep with a partner, you might even consider a split queen or split king model so you can adjust the two sides separately.
Ready to start shopping for an adjustable bed? Check out the selection at Ergomotion.