There are many possible causes that can make rest difficult, especially in the case of older people, since with age the prevalence of sleep disorders increases. Among them we can find a sedentary lifestyle, stress and anxiety, pain and other discomforts and health problems, such as digestive conditions.
Among the latter, those who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) know well that the moment of going to bed is especially critical for their condition. This pathology, also called peptic esophagitis, reflux esophagitis, chronic heartburn or dyspepsia, occurs when stomach juices or their contents rise into the esophagus due to the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is located between the esophagus and stomach.
When the valve connecting the stomach and esophagus does not function as it should, the contents of the stomach rise, causing symptoms such as heartburn, burning, chest pain, regurgitation, nausea, cough, breathing difficulties… Although it can be annoying throughout During the day, it is even more so at night, because when we lie down, gravity causes the contents of the stomach to rise to the esophagus. Therefore, finding a certain sleeping position can alleviate discomfort.
The Canadian Society for Intestinal Research (CSIR) states that sleeping on the left side is the best position to relieve heartburn. This is because the esophagus runs down the middle of the body and much of the stomach is located on the left side of the abdomen. Thus, by lying on the left side, we ensure that the contents of the stomach remain below the esophagus, thus relieving the symptoms of GERD, such as reflux and heartburn.
Likewise, there are those who choose to elevate the upper part of the body with the help of higher pillows or cushions. Although sleeping slightly upright does help, this method is not enough; it is necessary to elevate the top of the bed itself. This can be done using an adjustable bed or by placing something on the floor under the legs at the top of the bed.
On the other hand, a study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology in 2022 corroborated the effectiveness of lying on the left side to relieve reflux. The research observed 57 participants who suffered from chronic heartburn while they slept, analyzing whether the change in position was beneficial. The results confirmed that those who slept lying on their left side relieved their symptoms compared to those who slept on their right side or face up.
