How to sleep with acid reflux

Written by Leslie Greenberg, MD
Board-Certified Family Physician
Updated Feb 4, 2026  •  Published Jan 9, 2026
Datos Verificados

Sleeping with acid reflux requires elevating the head, adjusting sleep position, and improving sleep hygiene. This helps prevent stomach acid from reaching the esophagus during the night, especially since lying flat, eating late, and nighttime wakefulness increase reflux symptoms.

Key takeaways

  • About 4 out of 5 people with GERD experience nighttime acid reflux, and 3 out of 4 report impaired sleep quality.

  • Gravity protects against reflux during the day, but lying down allows stomach contents to reach the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing nighttime symptoms.

  • Eating within three hours of bedtime and lying awake in bed are strongly associated with nighttime acid reflux.

Comparison table: Sleep-related factors and acid reflux risk
Factor Effect on acid reflux at nighttime
Lying flat Increases reflux by allowing stomach contents to reach the lower esophageal sphincter
Head elevation (30° wedge) Reduces acid exposure in the esophagus
Sleeping on the left side of the body Helps limit acid backflow
Eating within 3 hours of bed Increases nighttime reflux risk
Wakefulness in bed Strongly associated with reflux symptoms
Alcohol before bed Worsens sleep quality and reflux
 

Want a deeper look? Read our full analysis: What causes acid reflux at night? Related conditions and treatments

Prescription resources

Acid reflux at night may be treated with acid-reducing medications such as Tagamet HB (cimetidine), Prilosec (omeprazole), and Prevacid (lansoprazole). If you’re managing nighttime GERD symptoms, you can use SingleCare to compare prices and save up to 80% on acid reflux medications at local pharmacies.

Learn how to find and save on the best heartburn medicine for you.

Medical disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your gastroenterologist or other healthcare provider before making changes to your medication regimen.

Written by Leslie Greenberg, MD
Board-Certified Family Physician

Leslie Greenberg, MD, is a board-certified practicing family physician with more than 25 years of doctoring experience. She was a psychology major at Northwestern University near Chicago, then graduated with an MD from the University of Nevada School of Medicine. She completed her family medicine residency at St. Joseph Hospital in Wichita, Kansas. She has trained more than 350 family medicine resident-physicians, been in private practice, and delivered babies for 22 years.

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