Gastroesophageal reflux , as the name implies, is the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus.

It is a physiological event that occurs several times a day , in children as in adults. It becomes a pathological condition and we speak, in fact, of esophageal reflux disease when the ascent of the gastric contents causes symptoms and complications .

One of the most common symptoms of esophageal reflux is heartburn, which is heartburn, which occurs most frequently on an empty stomach and during the night. Other frequent symptoms are regurgitation and pain. In fact, there are many other less obvious symptoms, for example sometimes reflux is associated with cough and / or nocturnal hyperhidrosis.

In general, the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux tend to occur often during the night , due to the lying position that is normally assumed during sleep.

According to estimates that emerged from clinical studies and from evaluations of the main associations dealing with gastrointestinal disorders at international level, at least half of people suffering from gastroesophageal reflux feel the problem especially at night .

Read also Gastric reflux, what to eat >>

Is nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux more dangerous?

Gastroesophageal reflux , regardless of whether it occurs during the day or night, damages the esophagus in the long run . Nocturnal reflux tends to leave acid content in the stomach longer and, as a result, can damage the organ more quickly.

Nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux also has negative effects on sleep quality .

The symptoms, in fact, can be so annoying as to wake up those who suffer from it and, in the most serious cases, it can even lead to chronic insomnia problems which, in turn, negatively affects the quality of life.

How to deal with nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux

Fortunately, there are some good habits that can go a long way in preventing nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux, reducing its symptoms, and limiting its complications . Lifestyle is very important and a large number of people with a tendency to gastroesophageal reflux benefit from the following remedies:

> Have an early dinner , at least a couple of hours before going to sleep.

> Avoid meals that are too large , especially in the evening.

> Avoid , at least in the evening, or in any case limit as much as possible, the consumption of foods and drinks that irritate the esophageal mucosa and / or promote the onset of reflux , for example chocolate, coffee, mint, drinks with added carbon dioxide, tomato, chilli, citrus fruits, vinegar, foods rich in fat and spicy …

> Avoid or at least limit the consumption of alcohol as much as possible.

> Sleep with your head raised above your body, for example by placing a rise under the mattress so as to raise it about 10-15 cm on the headboard side.

> Refrain from smoking .

> Maintain normal body weight .

When the lifestyle and food are not enough , specific drugs are used, which will be recommended by the doctor.