Those minutes before you finally fall asleep are when it hits. Tingling, burning, irritation, in your chest and throat. It’s your acid reflux showing up uninvited, once again.
This is a common but unfortunate situation for millions of people every night. In severe situations, medication and even surgery can be warranted, just to ease the impact on peoples’ lives. For people who only encounter minor issues from this affliction, they often suffer, assuming that since their problem isn’t significant enough to demand medical attention, they’re stuck with it.
However, one method that may help people cope with acid reflux symptoms is body elevation. As you rest in bed, that flat, horizontal position makes it easy for acid to travel back up and irritate. Resting on an incline enlists gravity in your fight, making it harder for heartburn and acid reflux to irritate you.
It’s important that you understand the difference between upper body elevation and simply propping your head up with pillows. Elevating your torso changes your body angle, but adding pillows still keeps your body flat, while cranking your head forward. Not only will you still experience your symptoms, you’ll also have a sore neck to contend with in the morning. Products like body wedges are available in various inclines to gently lead your body upward, placing your stomach lower than the rest of your torso. These can be found in soft, plush foam, or even in inflatables.
Either in concert with a wedge, or just in a normal position, side-sleepers may find a benefit by sleeping on their left side as well, as it positions the stomach lower than the esophagus.
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Article submitted by The Foam Factory, an online source for body wedges that help with a more upright sleeping position, as well as foam pillows, toppers, and other bedding products to help you get the best sleep, every night.
