Heartburn is the main symptom of the most common upper gastrointestinal problem – acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as it medically known. GERD affects between 25% to 40% of Americans and about 10% suffer with symptoms daily. While we all know the typical symptoms like heartburn and nausea, many people do not realize that acid reflux also affects sleep. In fact acid reflux may occur for many of the same reasons that affect sleep. It can be a vicious cycle that leads to long term sleeping problems despite the use of strong prescription sleeping pills. Acid Reflux and Insomnia Acid reflux and insomnia are two separate conditions, that are closely related in many people. It is important to understand each condition on its own before looking at the association. Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition where the stomach acid rises up into the food pipe (esophagus). While the stomach can handle this corrosive acid, the esophagus can not. As a result the acid irritates the inner lining. It is this irritation that causes the symptom of heartburn – a burning chest pain. Sometimes the pain is not as obvious and just feels like a … Continue reading Heartburn and Sleeping Problems – Reasons and Remedies