Inclined Sleep for Acid Reflux: How Elevation Reduces Nighttime Heartburn
Key Takeaways Lying flat at night allows stomach acid to flow freely into the esophagus - gravity is no longer working in your favor. Elevating the head of the bed by 6 to 8 inches can reduce esophageal acid exposure by up to 67%, according to clinical research. The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) officially recommends the left lateral decubitus (LLD) position as a lifestyle modification for GERD. Head-of-bed elevation is also widely recommended, and combining both approaches yields optimal results. Not all elevation methods are equal - stacking pillows can actually make reflux worse, which is worth understanding before making any changes. Nighttime heartburn is more than just an inconvenience. For millions of Americans, it means waking up with a burning chest, a sour taste in the throat, or a nagging cough—night after night. One simple change that may help is sleeping at an incline , which uses elevation to reduce nighttime reflux. Over 60 Million Americans Get Heartburn Mo...