Heartburn when lying down - what causes it

Heartburn is a very common condition. An unpleasant sensation occurs due to the entry of bile from the stomach into the esophagus, irritating the mucous surface.

This occurs due to the backflow of food or liquid through the open esophageal valve. Pepsin, lysolecithin, and hydrochloric acid have an irritating effect on the mucous membrane.

When symptoms occur, a person experiences a burning sensation in the lower abdomen or chest.

Symptoms may include bitterness or sour taste, hiccups, heaviness, pain in the esophagus and stomach, belching, and vomiting.

An unpleasant symptom often manifests itself during physical activity, when one goes to sleep on one’s side.

Almost half of the population of European countries, Russia, and America experience unpleasant burning sensations and pain in the chest once every seven days or a month.

More frequent occurrence may indicate symptoms of serious illness.

In this article, we will look at the causes of heartburn, methods of treatment and prevention, as well as how to sleep with heartburn and burning symptoms, and which side is best to do it on. And is it possible to sleep on the right side?

Why is your sleeping position so important?

Recently, experts have begun to say that it is very important not only to get enough time to rest at night. You also need to do it right. Many will be surprised: what does this mean? So, doctors answer that a lot depends on just one position of night sleep, namely:

The digestive system works first.
State of immunity.
The appearance of the skin, especially the face.

It should be noted that, in fact, there are a lot of sleeping positions: on the back, on the stomach, but on one and the other side. People even manage to sleep in a ball, curled up in a very small ball.

Sleeping position on your back

Before figuring out which side is better to sleep on, it must be said that representatives of the stronger sex really like to rest on their backs at night. But is it possible to do this? What do doctors say about this state of affairs?

This position makes breathing very difficult. That is why people who like to sleep on their backs often snore, which disturbs the sleep of those around them. But this is not the worst thing. Sleeping on your back is dangerous especially for those who suffer from asthma or apnea. After all, temporary stops in breathing that occur in this case are considered very harmful.
The second point that doctors recently talked about: sleeping on your back leads to a decrease in oxygen levels in the blood, which significantly increases the risk of respiratory diseases. This became known as a result of previous research.

Sleeping position on the right side

So which side is better to sleep on: the right or the left? We need to figure it out. What do experts say about night rest on the right side?

This is not very beneficial for the digestive system. After all, gastric juice in this case may not be in the stomach, but in the esophagus. You can immediately answer the question “which side is better to sleep on if you have heartburn?” Definitely not on the right.
In this case, the work of the lymphatic system becomes a little less intense, that is, the removal of toxins from the body slows down.
Doctors say that sleeping on the right side is best in hot weather. After all, in this case, natural cooling of the body occurs.
It is very beneficial to rest at night on the right side of the body for those who suffer from cholelithiasis.
Which side is better to sleep on for those who are in a constant state of anxiety? Exactly on the right. This is evidenced by specialist research.

Which side to sleep on is better for your health?

Which side is better to sleep on?

Have you ever wondered which side is the right one to sleep on? What do you know about sleeping on your left side and is it possible to sleep on your right? On which side is it better for a baby to sleep, and how best to sleep during pregnancy - you will learn from the article.

Sleep is the most important and necessary part of our life. During sleep, the entire body rests, the nervous system is rebooted, and internal organs are strengthened. The correct sleeping position is the key to quality and healthy rest. According to research, more than half of people on the entire planet prefer to sleep on their sides. How correct is this, and which side is more useful to sleep on? Let's try to figure it out.

Is it true that sleeping on your side is harmful?

Has it ever happened to you that after a long sleep in comfortable conditions, in the morning you feel tired and lacking in strength? My back is stiff, my head hurts, and my overall health is barely 3 out of 10.

There may be several reasons - from a bad mattress to an uncomfortable body position. Is it harmful to sleep on your side? No, it’s not harmful, the main thing is to choose the right side. Buddhist teachings on energy say that it is important for a person to sleep on his left side.

Modern medicine agrees with this statement.

Pros and cons of sleeping on your left side

Let's look at the reasons why sleeping on the left side brings not only rest to the body, but also benefits:

The arrangement of human internal organs is designed in such a way that they are able to fully rest only if they are in a sagging position towards the left side of the body. This applies to the digestive organs, gallbladder and duodenum. In this position, food continues to flow into the intestines and the gallbladder works properly
Sleeping on your left side helps you fall asleep quickly. People suffering from insomnia are better off sleeping on their back or left side of the body.
For people with diseases of the right kidney or liver, sleeping on the left side of the body promotes rapid recovery. In this position, the organs are not compressed by the weight of the body, they fully rest and recover.
The correct flow of the lymphatic system occurs to the left side; therefore, in this position, lymph better transports all useful elements through the lymph nodes
The removal of toxins from the small intestine to the large intestine occurs according to the law of gravity. The location of the intestines is designed in such a way that when the body lies on the left side, toxins and harmful elements naturally pass into the large intestine and are safely eliminated from the body
When we sleep on the left side, the right lung and right hemisphere of the brain are loaded, thereby improving blood circulation. Proper blood circulation normalizes metabolism and improves glucose absorption. This leads to quality rest and a morning burst of energy. For the same reason, people with diabetes are advised to sleep on their left side.

This pose also has contraindications. It is recommended to change body position for people with the following diseases:

Diseases of the cardiovascular system. When we sleep on our left side, the load on the heart increases and it has to work harder
Damage to the left kidney, lung

Is it possible to sleep on the right side?

When answering the question of whether it is possible to sleep on the right side, one must take into account that falling asleep on one side or another in itself will not harm a healthy person. Moreover, during the night we constantly change body position.

However, if there are diseases, it is important to ease their course as much as possible and reduce the load on the organs, including during sleep. As mentioned above, sleeping on the right side puts more strain on human organs and systems.

Therefore, it is generally accepted that sleeping on the left side is healthier.

Which side should you sleep on during pregnancy?

During this crucial period for a woman, sleeping position is of great importance.

In the first trimester, the size of the uterus does not interfere with the normal rhythm of life of the expectant mother. Now we need to worry about ensuring that the blood is well saturated with oxygen and that the body works smoothly, like clockwork. It's important to get a good night's sleep
In the second trimester, the tummy begins to actively grow. At the end of the 6th month it becomes uncomfortable to sleep. Moms who continued to sleep on their stomachs as before pregnancy will no longer be able to enjoy their favorite position

Advice! Try sleeping on your side with small pillows under your thighs and calves. By the way, there are special pillows for pregnant women on sale. They are very comfortable, large and long. You can position the pillow as you wish - wrap yourself in it like a cocoon, hug it with your legs, make a recess for your stomach, etc.

The third trimester is a testing time for pregnant women. Not only do most mothers suffer from insomnia before giving birth, but their stomach also makes it difficult to lie down comfortably. During this period of pregnancy, it is best to sleep on your left side. If you sleep on the right side, the baby, who already weighs 2 to 3 kg, will put pressure on the liver and right kidney. Sleeping on your back is strictly contraindicated, since the heavy uterus in this position puts pressure on the spine and pinches the uterine artery, from which the baby receives nutrients

Which side is best for a baby to sleep on?

It is best for newborn babies to sleep on their side. Sleeping on your back is dangerous because if your baby burps, he may choke on the vomit. Infants spend the first six months lying down. If the baby lies on his back all the time, the bones of the skull may become deformed. Some babies like to fall asleep on their tummy. This way they are less bothered by colic due to the better release of gas.

Attention! It is better not to practice prolonged sleep in this position. There is a risk that the baby's head will bury itself in the mattress and access to air will be blocked. The neck muscles of a newborn are poorly developed; the baby will not be able to turn his head independently. According to one theory, sudden infant death syndrome occurs precisely for this reason.

The best position for a child is on his side. Which side is best for a baby to sleep on? Unlike adults, there is no significant difference for children on which side of the body it is more beneficial to sleep. To avoid torticollis or pelvic joint dysplasia, it is better to change the barrel regularly. Don't forget to put scratch pads on your hands, as in this position they are in the face area and the baby can accidentally scratch himself.

Please note: for the first year, it is better for a child to sleep on a mattress without a pillow. Don't forget to change your bed linen regularly and ventilate the room before going to bed.

General recommendations - which side to sleep on is healthier?

Which side should you sleep on for health benefits?

Which side should you sleep on for health benefits? It is most beneficial to always sleep on your left side. This applies to both men and women of all ages.

Pregnant women are also recommended to fall asleep on the same side, especially in the last months of pregnancy. It is advisable to rest on the right side only for people with heart disease, or left kidney or lung disease.

Young children need to alternate sides to avoid torticollis and pelvic joint problems.

Which side is the right one to sleep on: video

So, we found out that you need to sleep on the left side. To understand how to sleep on your side correctly, remember your state in which you were most comfortable. What influenced your comfort?

Comfortable room temperature
Comfortable mattress and pillow
Comfortable bedding
It is best not to sleep after a heavy meal. Must take at least 2 hours
Lie down comfortably, cover yourself with a blanket, place a pillow under your neck and head. Your legs can be slightly bent at the knees. You can place a pillow under your right thigh, which will be especially comfortable for pregnant women. Try to keep your spine straight. Breathe easily and deeply. Listen to your feelings. Maybe you want to straighten your arm or position your head more comfortably? Now a comfortable and useful position has been found. Have a nice night!

Source: https://zen.yandex.ru/media/helperlife/na-kakom-boku-spat-pravilnee-dlia-zdorovia-5da8b1bb43fdc000ae630981

Sleeping position on the left side

What can be said about the position for sleeping on the left side? So, generally speaking, it is more useful. But only if we are talking about a healthy person.

In this case, the gastric juice is located, as it were, in a bowl, that is, in the cavity of the stomach alone.
The lymphatic system works without delay, toxins are eliminated from the body normally.
This is a very useful pose for those people who suffer from diabetes. Or those patients who have problems with the liver. In this case, the anatomical feature of the body comes into play.

Recommendations from experts

Doctors' recommendations may vary significantly depending on the problem they are being approached with. Modern experts say that it is more beneficial to lie on your left side. At the same time, the sleeping person rests fully at night, gains strength, and in the morning wakes up cheerful, filled with strength.

However, the rules regarding the correct position of the body may vary depending on the individual characteristics of the body - if there are diseases of the internal organs, the woman has recently experienced childbirth or is pregnant.

Sleep without nightmares

Sometimes people ask experts which side is better to sleep on after eating. So, doctors say that the best position for this is resting on the right side of the body. And all because in this case, the processes of food digestion will be in the active phase, and it will be easier for food to be sent to the duodenum. “What do nightmares have to do with it?” – many will be surprised. It's simple. Often, if a person goes to bed with a full stomach, especially if they consumed fatty or fried foods before going to bed, this is fraught with nightmares and night horror films. But we also need to remember that you shouldn’t go on a night’s rest in a state of hunger. In this case, the sleep will be sensitive and weak. As a result, the body will not be able to fully rest.

Causes

The medical community distinguishes three forms of burning: moderate, moderate and severe. A moderate degree of burning occurs once a month. A moderate burning sensation is detected up to four times a month. Severe heartburn is characterized by daily occurrence.

Moderate and moderate heartburn appears if:

have dinner before going to bed;
there are constant stress factors;
excess weight is noted;
food consumption norms are greatly exceeded;
a lot of air got in during the process of consuming the product;
a person leans on alcoholic drinks, cigarettes and sweets;
the diet contains large quantities of fried, salty, sour, spicy foods;
the products consumed are incompatible.

To prevent heartburn from taking you by surprise at night, the last meal is taken no later than three hours before you are supposed to go to bed. Before going to bed, it is not recommended to eat fruits and vegetables that contain acid. If a person sleeps on his back, the contents of the stomach easily enter the esophagus. Substances that are designed to process food are located in another organ and cause irritation. To avoid manifestations, you need to raise your head and lie on your left side.

Often people do not think about the fact that correct body position when resting or sleeping can prevent or alleviate a burning sensation. Incorrect position of the body helps to relax the intestinal sphincter.

Physiologically, the stomach is located on the left. When lying down, the movement of lymph throughout the body becomes more difficult. Food does not undergo the correct breakdown process and accumulates. As a result, gas formation increases and enzymes do not fully perform their function. From which it follows that the correct body position for heartburn is to remain on the left side. In this position of the body, all consumed food passes more easily through the esophagus.

The residence time in each section of the digestive system does not increase, which means that fermentation and rotting are not caused. Blood circulates faster in this position, which affects the rate of breakdown of products. There is no stagnation in the stomach or intestines. The movement of lymph accelerates when you sleep on your left side.

It is almost impossible to control movements during your stay in the kingdom of Morpheus. This is due to the fact that a person gets enough sleep while taking his usual posture. However, you should develop the habit of going to sleep on your left side.

Correct body position when resting or sleeping is of great importance for pregnant women. This reduces the risk of heartburn and can reduce the load on the spine and back. The position on the left side helps to increase the rate of circulation of fluids in the body.

Nutrients are delivered to the uterus faster, and the kidneys work more actively.

Heartburn often occurs as a side effect after surgery. If a person is in the hospital, then getting into a comfortable sleeping position is problematic. To minimize the manifestations of this symptom, it is necessary to follow a diet.

About the sleep of heart patients and hypertensive patients

Which side is better to sleep on for the heart, that is, for those who suffer from hypertension and other “heart” problems? So, doctors say that in this case, the ideal position would be to sleep on your back. This helps the circulatory system work properly. Resting on the left side is not very good in this case. After all, the heart is slightly squeezed in this position, which causes additional stress on this organ. If you fall asleep on your stomach, then the respiratory system functions slightly incorrectly, due to which the blood cannot be fully saturated with oxygen. Which, again, turns out to be not very useful for heart patients.

Sleeping position during pregnancy

You should also definitely talk about which side is best for pregnant women to sleep on. After all, bearing a baby is an important and responsible period when you need to very carefully monitor not only your own health, but even such nuances as sleeping position. So, it should be noted that the advice here will change depending on the period of gestation of the baby.

Until about the 12th week of pregnancy, a girl can sleep as comfortably as possible. This will not affect the baby in any way.
Starting from the 12th week, the expectant mother’s belly begins to gradually grow. So it is best to avoid sleeping on your stomach. The position on your back is also harmful. After all, it leads to compression of the spine and poor circulation.

It is worth remembering that if the expectant mother has problems with changes in blood pressure, then she should abandon the position on her back from the very beginning of bearing the child.

Symptoms, treatment and diet for reflux gastritis

Reflux gastritis is a special type of gastritis caused by impaired motor function of the stomach and duodenum. In this case, the pyloric sphincter (pylorus) - a muscular ring that closes the exit from the stomach - does not work well. Due to the loose closure of the pylorus, the contents of the duodenum, which has an alkaline reaction, are refluxed into the stomach. Since digestion in the duodenal region occurs with the participation of bile and pancreatic enzymes, the entry of these substances into the stomach greatly irritates its mucous membrane. With systematic reflux, chronic inflammation is formed.

Causes

Certain prerequisites are required for the development of reflux gastritis. Most often its causes are:

Chronic duodenitis is an inflammatory process in the duodenum.
Surgical interventions on the stomach.
Hereditary predisposition, especially if close relatives (father, mother) have similar problems.
Thin build, weakness of the abdominal muscles, prolapse of the stomach.
Forced long-term use of certain drugs, for example, prednisolone, voltaren, ibuprofen for rheumatic diseases and autoimmune lesions.

Symptoms of reflux gastritis

Unpleasant sensations in the stomach immediately after eating: a feeling of heaviness, fullness, discomfort.
Aching monotonous pain in the abdomen some time after eating, often at night.
Belching with bitterness, unpleasant sour-bitter taste in the mouth.
Unstable stool: diarrhea alternates with constipation, increased gas formation in the intestines. Violation of the composition of the intestinal microflora - dysbacteriosis.
Development of symptoms of vitamin deficiency: “sticking” in the corners of the mouth, the appearance of dandruff, brittle nails, hair loss.
Poor appetite.
Insomnia due to nighttime gastric discomfort.
Weight loss.
Dumping syndrome: the occurrence of unexplained weakness immediately after eating, dizziness, fatigue.

As a variant of reflux gastritis, there is biliary reflux gastritis. It develops due to inconsistency in the functioning of the sphincters of the stomach and gallbladder and disruptions in the functioning of the biliary system. Symptoms are similar to those of duodenal reflux gastritis, but bitter belching and bile vomiting are more common.

Treatment

When treating reflux gastritis, it is necessary to use an integrated approach, combining diet, drug treatment and folk remedies (herbal treatment).

The diet for reflux gastritis is prescribed as sparing as possible, as for hyperacid gastritis. All foods that can increase secretion and aggravate the inflammatory process are prohibited: spicy, fried, fatty, marinades, smoked foods, spices, canned food, strong tea and coffee, alcohol. Eating in small portions, 5-6 meals per day.

The goal of drug treatment is to restore the motor function of the stomach and duodenum, that is, to eliminate the cause of the disease. Drugs of the prokinetic group are prescribed, such as: mosapride, cisapride, motilium, cerucal, ganaton.

To reduce acidity, omez, pantoprazole, lansoprazole, quamatel, and ranitidine are prescribed. For biliary reflux gastritis, ursochol is indicated - a drug that neutralizes the harmful effects of bile acids that enter the stomach during reflux.

Folk remedies are effective for biliary reflux gastritis. Herbal infusions, including sedative components (valerian, lemon balm), antispasmodic (mint), choleretic (corn silk, barberry) and anti-inflammatory (chamomile, yarrow) normalize the outflow of bile and help regulate the motor function of the gallbladder and bile ducts.

It is very important not only to know how to treat reflux gastritis, but also to know what lifestyle features can worsen the patient’s condition. There are simple rules for this:

never go to bed immediately after eating, you must wait at least 30-40 minutes;
do not lift heavy objects;
do not drink food;
avoid overeating;
do not bend over if possible;
try to sleep on your right side;
sleep on a high pillow;
avoid overwork, stress and emotional overstrain.

pischevod.com

Ideal sleeping position for pregnant women

Unfortunately, for a period of 6 months (second and third trimester), the expectant mother will have to give up any position other than on her side. But which side of the body is best to give preference to? Answering the question about which side is better to sleep on during pregnancy, doctors note: the healthiest sleep is on the left side. In this case, there is no compression of internal organs, blood flows better to the placenta, swelling decreases and pain in the back and pelvis disappears. If a woman is pregnant with twins, then sleeping on the left side is for her. In this case, there is less load on the kidneys and heart, which is very, very important.

A person chooses the most comfortable sleeping position for him, which allows him to completely relax, get enough sleep and meet the morning cheerful, full of energy. But there are poses that are more beneficial for healthy people and pregnant women. For patients suffering from chronic diseases, these poses are not always suitable.

Our article will help you understand the sensations and the correct choice of sleeping position.

How to cope with secondary reflux esophagitis

Erosive reflux esophagitis is a chronic inflammatory process affecting the mucous membrane of the esophagus in the lower part. Over a long period of time, the membrane undergoes changes that can be detected during examination (endoscopy).

With grade 2 reflux esophagitis, ulcers appear on the mucous membrane

For grade 2 reflux esophagitis, it is recommended to follow all and fairly strict doctor’s instructions. This applies not only to diet, but also to lifestyle. It is also necessary to take blockers and prokinetics.

Changes in the esophagus

With grade 2 esophagitis, numerous ulcers and erosive formations are visible on the mucous membrane. Pathological changes in the mucosa have their own behavior; they merge into one whole, thereby forming a large affected area. Note that erosions do not cover the entire lining of the esophagus, but only affect a certain part. More often, formations cover at least 40% of the esophagus.

Erosive lesions are red in color, the mucous membrane has swelling and thickening. Bruises are visible on the erosions themselves. The upper layer of the membrane is covered with purulent, serous and bloody discharge. Often the exfoliated mucous membrane comes out with vomit.

At stage 2 of reflux esophagitis, death of esophageal tissue is not observed, and large ulcers do not form. It is believed that it is the second form of this disease that is prone to the development of complications.

Symptoms

Symptoms of stage 2 esophagitis include such manifestations as:

frequent heartburn (after any meal);
belching air;
regurgitation of acidic secretions in large quantities, vomiting;
unpleasant odor from the mouth;
white coating on the tongue;
chest pain that increases with swallowing or bending forward;
painful sensations in the neck and jaw area.

Manifestations of stage 2 reflux esophagitis can be both very intense and mild.

The main and unpleasant sign of inflammation of the esophagus at the second stage is heartburn. It can occur after physical exercise or lifting a large object. When lying down, heartburn can last for quite a long time, so it is recommended to lie on your left side and raise the pillow higher.

With grade 2 reflux esophagitis, bronchitis may develop

At this inflammatory stage, due to significant changes in the esophagus, teeth begin to decay. Moreover, this can happen quite quickly. Regular bronchitis, laryngitis and wheezing are also observed. The cough may be persistent.

During the process of recovery and healing of erosions on the membrane, scars form, the esophagus narrows, and problems with the swallowing reflex appear. When examined with an endoscope, the type of food obstruction is noted. At the second stage of esophagitis, a person can swallow food only in semi-liquid form.

Erosive reflux esophagitis is a stage when all general symptoms worsen.

Treatment

The course of therapeutic therapy is based on an integrated approach. Methods such as improved nutrition, folk remedies, medications, and surgery are used.

Medicinal herbs cannot cure grade 2 esophagitis, but they can alleviate the symptoms. Moreover, you need to drink them on a regular basis. The course is at least forty days.

Treatment is based on drug therapy. Usually these are drugs such as ranitidine, omeprazole, metacin. You need to take them regularly, following the dosage and not skipping them. The duration of treatment and the amount of medication are influenced by the nature of the inflammation. It should be noted that the prescribed medications will not eliminate inflammation completely, but will only slow down the symptoms.

Drug therapy is used to treat grade 2 reflux esophagitis

Surgery

If neither medications nor medicinal herbs help with reflux esophagitis, and the diet does not produce positive results, and erosive formations develop into ulcers, then doctors decide on surgical intervention. The operation can be either with the formation of a cuff around the esophagus or endoscopic. Laparoscopic surgery can eliminate bleeding in the esophagus and reduce pain. The patient usually spends no more than 5 days in the hospital.

Indications for surgery are those processes when bronchial asthma appears with erosive esophagitis. Also the cause is frequent pneumonia and lack of improvement for six months. If bleeding is present, surgery is also indicated.

Diagnostics

Research is carried out to determine the type of disease and its severity. Also, instrumental examinations reveal pathologies that could arise during the patient’s inactivity, these are:

manometry;
X-ray (in vertical and horizontal positions);
alkali level test;
Bernstein test;
24-hour pH measurement (rarely used, and only if there are no changes during endoscopic examination);
EGDS (esophagogastroduodenoscopy).

EGD is used to diagnose grade 2 reflux esophagitis

Laboratory tests such as blood test, blood group, Rh, and stool test for occult blood. These studies are needed to exclude bruises in the esophagus.

Complications

Most complications are avoided, but there is a risk of their occurrence. Still, you should be careful about your health and take preventive measures.

As a result of esophagitis, pathologies such as:

esophageal ulcer;
esophageal spasm (stomach acid entering the pharynx and larynx);
bleeding;
esophageal stricture;
difficulty swallowing;
breathing problems;
esophageal carcinoma.

Esophageal stricture is a complication that develops over several years. This is the period during which this type of pathology could be prevented. Again, you should contact specialists in a timely manner.

One of the complications of grade 2 reflux esophagitis may be spasms of the esophagus

Also, you should not ignore heartburn for a long time. When it subsides, the person thinks that the disease has gone away. In vain! It is during this period that esophageal stricture develops.

Prevention of esophagitis

When taking medications, you should drink plenty of fluids. It will to some extent protect the lining of the esophagus from irritation. You should also completely avoid alcoholic beverages and nicotine. It is worth minimizing the consumption of chocolates, fatty and spicy foods, and it is not recommended to drink coffee.

In addition, you should start wearing loose-fitting clothes. When resting at night, it is better to sleep with the head of the bed raised. It is also recommended to monitor your weight - extra pounds can negatively affect the course of reflux esophagitis.

Report unpleasant symptoms of esophagitis to your doctor in a timely manner.

Recommended Diet

The list of “taboo” products is very long. Diet therapy is quite strict, but you can get used to it.

Forbidden:

alcoholic and carbonated drinks, natural juices;
pickles, pickled vegetables;
broths and soups with broth;
flour products, peas, milk, cabbage - these products increase pressure in the esophagus;
sweets. They tend to provoke food stagnation;
fried and fatty foods;
kiwi, lemon, orange – contribute to heartburn;
mayonnaise, ketchup, spices;
chewing gum.

When treating grade 2 reflux esophagitis, you should adhere to a strict diet

What can you do for reflux esophagitis:

low-fat cottage cheese, light cheeses, yogurt (low-fat varieties);
eggs (steamed omelet);
steamed meat;
porridge. Prepared with water or with the addition of milk (15%);
bread without yeast.

You need to eat little by little. It is recommended to eat once every 3 hours. You should eat your last meal a couple of hours before dinner.

Forecast

Pathology of the esophagus responds well to treatment, but after the end of the therapeutic course, relapses may occur. This happens if the patient does not follow the specialist’s recommendations after treatment and also stops following the diet.

Under no circumstances should you treat erosive relapse of esophagitis yourself.

Everything you need to know about reflux esophagitis can be emphasized from the following video:

peptic.ru

Which side should you choose?

Depending on the side you choose, sleeping on your side has its advantages and disadvantages.

Sleeping on your left side

It’s healthier to fall asleep this way for the following reasons:

The functioning of the cardiovascular system and blood circulation in the pulmonary and systemic circulation improves. Blood oxygen saturation increases and its delivery to tissues improves.
Venous and lymphatic outflow is activated, the body is cleansed of metabolic products and toxic substances. This affects the functioning of the brain. In the morning, your head is clear, you feel cheerful and in a good mood. Sleeping like this is useful for varicose veins.
Positive effect on the digestive organs. The smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract relax as much as possible, food masses mechanically move towards the exit, since the last segment of the large intestine is located on the left. This causes regular morning bowel movements. Relaxation and a calm state of the stomach helps reduce gastric secretion and heartburn.
Relaxation of smooth muscles and outflow of food masses allows the pancreas to rest.
Sometimes proper sleep helps reduce pain in the spine, which is associated with relaxation of skeletal and smooth muscles and improved blood circulation.

Sleeping on the right side

Some people prefer to sleep in this position. They intuitively feel that this brings more benefits to the body:

anxiety is reduced, which promotes better sleep and the appearance of pleasant dreams;
the feeling of heat is relieved;
the mechanical outflow of bile from the bile ducts improves without smooth muscle spasms; in case of cholelithiasis, this reduces the risk of developing colic.

heartburn intensifies due to pressure on the stomach and reflexive throwing of its contents into the esophagus;
swelling of the face and headaches appear - a sign of stagnation in the venous and lymphatic systems;
there is a feeling of lethargy, lack of sleep due to insufficient oxygen supply to the brain - arterial blood circulation is disrupted.

Heartburn.net - information portal

To avoid heartburn, gastroenterologists advise raising the head of the bed and sleeping with your head higher than your chest, or using a wedge-shaped pillow. We decided to develop this topic and tell you which sleeping positions are the most successful, and which ones, on the contrary, provoke a burning sensation in the esophagus.

SLEEPING ON YOUR LEFT SIDE

Research shows that sleeping on your left side, or, as they say, in the fetal position, prevents heartburn at night. As doctors explain, in this position the gastric valve does not open so easily and acid from the stomach does not flow into the esophagus.

In general, this sleeping position is one of the most correct from a health point of view. When sleeping on your side and back, you need a pillow that is not too high and a mattress that takes the shape of your body and can absorb the load. It is better not to use a wedge-shaped pillow in this case: it will create pressure on the stomach and, conversely, aggravate the situation with heartburn.

It is better if your arms are extended along the body when sleeping on your side: placing them under the pillow can cause neck pain and a feeling of numbness. If keeping your arms outstretched is uncomfortable, hug the second pillow as if you were hugging another person.

! It matters a lot which side you sleep on: if sleeping on the left protects against heartburn, then sleeping on the right, on the contrary, provokes it.

Yogis believe that sleeping on the left side has a warming effect, while sleeping on the right side has a cooling effect. In turn, Tibetan doctors believe that sleeping in the fetal position prolongs life.

SLEEPING ON YOUR BACK

The supine position is all around the best choice of sleeping position, except for people who have breathing problems and snoring. Sleeping on your back allows the body to rest and effectively recuperate, mainly due to the fact that the spine is in an optimal position.

The gastrointestinal tract also does not experience tension in this position: there is no pressure on the stomach and other abdominal organs. In addition, the stomach in this position is located below the esophagus. Therefore, the risk of acid reflux into the esophagus, and therefore heartburn, is reduced.

Dermatologists recommend the position on your back for one more reason: in this position, the face has virtually no contact with the pillow, which means there is no risk of becoming covered with wrinkles and pimples. Women should pay special attention to this circumstance.

So, if you have heartburn, it is best to sleep on your left side with your arms extended along your body or on your back. Avoid lying on your right side - it can trigger a nighttime heartburn attack. And remember: your last meal should be at least 2-3 hours before going to bed.

Sleeping on your side with pathologies

The position recommended for falling asleep depends on the presence of a particular disease in a person.

To choose the right sleeping position, you must not only consult a doctor, but also be based on your own feelings: if sleep is comfortable, the position has been chosen correctly.

How to sleep better for your heart

In case of severe diseases of the cardiovascular system, it is better to fall asleep on your back. Such diseases include severe forms of coronary heart disease (including the condition after myocardial infarction), severe cardiovascular failure, especially, in a small circle, with the threat of developing pulmonary edema, etc.

Why shouldn’t overweight heart patients sleep on their left side? This is because sleeping in this position increases the load on the cardiovascular system.

Doctors sometimes recommend that patients with mild arterial hypertension and some other heart diseases fall asleep on their left side - this helps improve blood circulation and reduce the load on the heart muscle.

How to sleep better for a sick stomach

In case of increased secretory function of the stomach, gastritis, peptic ulcer, it is recommended to fall asleep on the left side - this helps to relax smooth muscles (pain is relieved) and reduce gastric secretion (heartburn is reduced). But sometimes it is easier to sleep on your back - it all depends on individual characteristics.

With reduced secretion, the sleeping position is selected individually; sometimes for such patients, sleeping on the right side, alternating sides, or falling asleep on the stomach is more suitable.

How to sleep better with pancreatitis

With chronic pancreatitis, stagnation of pancreatic secretion occurs in its ducts. Therefore, the main goal of treatment is to eliminate stagnation. During sleep, this is achieved by relaxing the smooth muscles of the walls of the excretory ducts. And they relax best when lying on their back.

Depending on the condition of the pancreas, some patients find it more comfortable to sleep on the right side or periodically change sides.

The most comfortable position is selected individually. But after a while it may become uncomfortable and will have to be changed - it all depends on the condition of the pancreas.

Which side is better to sleep on: what is right for the stomach after eating, which position is healthier at night

For half of people, their usual sleeping positions may be incorrect. Some sleep on their right side, others on their left, others fall asleep on their stomach or back.

Incorrect body position causes a number of chronic diseases and does not allow the body to fully rest and gain strength the next day. Each pose has its own disadvantages and advantages, and in one way or another affects the functioning of internal organs and systems. When choosing the best pose for yourself, you need to take into account individual characteristics.

Sleeping on your side improves the functioning of the digestive tract, heart, lungs, and helps get rid of snoring. To improve your health, overcome chronic lack of sleep, loss of energy, and headaches in the morning, it is recommended to sleep on your side, but which one you can use can be determined based on the existing problem.

The whole complexity of the situation lies in the fact that a person changes positions up to 20 times during a night’s sleep, which has been scientifically proven.

Recommendations from experts

You can learn to control your body position, but this will take some time, and you should also study what position will be useful to rest in for specific pathologies and conditions.

Special cases of sleeping on your side

During night sleep, a person changes positions unconsciously, falling asleep in one position and waking up in another. In this way, the body prevents the formation of bedsores; besides, if you constantly sleep on the same side, the functioning of some organs will improve, but others will worsen.

But some recommendations still need to be followed.

For pregnant

Which position to choose depends on the deadline. In the first trimester, you are allowed to rest as you were used to before. Starting from the third trimester, 99% of women begin to have digestive problems.

This is due to an enlarged uterus, fetal growth, and hormonal changes. The uterus puts pressure on nearby organs, especially the stomach and intestines. Acidity increases, severe heartburn appears, and constipation may begin. In addition, muscles relax, including the sphincter, which protects the esophagus from hydrochloric acid.

To support your digestive system, you should sleep on your left side. This reduces the production of gastric juice, which in a relaxed position can enter the esophagus and cause heartburn. For comfort, it is recommended to tuck your knees, place a small pillow between them, and hug the other with your arms.

It is even more useful to sleep not on your side, but on your back, placing a pillow under it, taking a half-sitting position. Acid penetration is not completely prevented, but is significantly reduced. Which position will be more convenient is an individual decision.

A person snores most when lying on his back with his head turned to the side. Snoring begins when the airway is blocked, when breathing is held, and then a loud sound is heard. If the body is in the same plane as the head, the problem disappears by itself.

To get enough sleep, it doesn’t matter which side you fall asleep on, the main thing is not on your back.

Another important nuance is that the pillow should be comfortable so that it does not pinch the neck, the head does not tip back, or lean toward the chest. Accustoming yourself to rest in a certain body position is problematic, but possible.

Experts recommend sewing a pocket on the back of a T-shirt or nightgown and placing a soft tennis ball there. When a person turns over on his back in a dream, the ball forces him to instantly change his position back. Initially, this threatens insomnia, but over time (even after removing the ball), the body will intuitively roll over on its side in one direction or the other.

For pathologies

Sleeping on your side can help you cope with painful sensations or provoke them. Experts say that if you sleep on your right side, the load on the respiratory, digestive, and circulatory systems increases, and there is a load on the heart, stomach, lungs, and spleen.

However, many are sure that in case of heart pathologies, it is correct to sleep at night on the right side, so as not to pinch the diseased organ or interfere with the movement of blood. In this case, recommendations are not so important and are equivalent to advice. The main thing is that the chosen position does not make you feel worse.

Sleeping positions - advantages and disadvantages

If you sleep correctly, you can speed up recovery during periods of exacerbation of chronic diseases, as well as avoid their occurrence.

On the right side

It is recommended to sleep on the right side if you have gastritis with low acidity. In this position, the production of hydrochloric acid increases, which improves the functioning of the digestive tract and overall well-being. Heartburn disappears, and after eating there is no feeling of heaviness. Blood circulation in the brain improves, a person feels cheerful after waking up.

Experts have also determined the relationship between posture and dreams. Nightmares are most common on the back, erotic dreams are on the stomach, and good dreams always come on the right side. Which position to fall asleep in is everyone’s choice.

On the left side

According to modern experts, sleeping on the left side is good for digestion, especially if you have problems with high acidity. Reducing the production of hydrochloric acid prevents heartburn in the morning, eliminates plaque on the tongue, unpleasant taste, and odor.

In this position, the heart works better, since blood flows freely and is then distributed throughout the body.

On the stomach

In the morning I have a headache and feel tired. The habit of sleeping in this position can result in curvature of the spine and the appearance of osteochondrosis.

It is extremely undesirable for people who already have chronic spinal diseases to sleep on their stomachs.

However, sleeping in this position can also be beneficial. It is recommended to sleep on your stomach if you have menstrual pain or uterine bleeding. In this case, the legs should be straightened along the body. This position is also recommended for women after childbirth, so that the uterus recovers faster and the abdominal muscles become stronger.

On the back

This position is not recommended if you snore. Heart pain is possible if you have heart failure. Late pregnant women should not sleep like this either.

Sleeping on your back is beneficial for the nervous system and spine. Allows you to relax muscles, normalizes microcirculation. In the morning, with osteochondrosis, the head, neck, and back do not hurt, the person feels rested.

What position to choose for relaxation is an individual decision, but it is worth taking into account the recommendations of specialists in order to improve your health.

Don't drink carbonated drinks

Nausea can be a symptom of dehydration, but drinking a lot of fluid at once will only make the discomfort worse. Drink in small sips throughout the day. If you don't want to drink plain water, drink water with pieces of fruit or decaffeinated tea.

The gases in such drinks can cause bloating and sour belching. And the abundance of sugar in them will only increase nausea. If there is nothing other than a carbonated drink, wait until the gases come out of it and only then drink.

Don't eat junk food

Usually, to recover from nausea, it is recommended to eat bananas, rice, and applesauce. You can also eat some pasta without sauce, mashed potatoes, and boiled eggs. Avoid fried foods, dairy, meat, and fiber-rich foods until the nausea subsides.

If nausea accompanies other symptoms, consult your doctor. For example, nausea and chest pain may be a sign of a heart attack. And nausea and severe headache or dizziness may indicate problems with the nervous system.

Be sure to consult a doctor if nausea does not go away within a month or if it is accompanied by unknown weight loss.

Sleeping with a tendency to snore

When snoring, there is a decrease in the tone of the smooth muscles of the soft palate and uvula. This leads to a narrowing of the lumen for the passage of air into the respiratory tract. The air passes through with difficulty, causing shaking of the walls of the air passages and a corresponding sound. Sometimes breathing reflexively stops for a few seconds - this dangerous condition is called apnea; if it stops for a long time, breathing may not be restored.

To snore less and reduce the risk of developing apnea, you need to learn to sleep on your side. It’s better to go on the left or change sides periodically. Sometimes the prone position may be suitable if the snorer is not overweight.

How to sleep better for a drunk person

During intoxication, the central nervous system is inhibited, which causes relaxation of skeletal muscles and smooth muscles of internal organs.

This can lead to tongue retraction and suffocation if a person sleeps on their back. In this case, intoxication can also be accompanied by vomiting; a person may not wake up and choke on vomit.

Therefore, it is important to monitor the sleep of a drunk person and try to turn him on his side. This will save you from sticking your tongue and getting vomit into your respiratory tract.

Ideal sleeping position for pregnant women

Sleeping position during pregnancy depends on the period. In the first trimester (first 12 weeks), you can sleep in any position. It is better to give preference to falling asleep on the left side - this way the body is better supplied with oxygen. If a woman likes the tummy position, it will not harm the baby.

In the second trimester (13 – 24 weeks), you can sleep either on any comfortable side (preferably on the left, but you can change it) or on your back. During pregnancy, some women prefer the starfish position - on their back with their arms and legs spread wide. The position on the stomach should already be excluded.

In the third trimester (from 25 to 40 weeks), it is better to sleep on your left side, since during this period the uterus compresses large blood vessels and blood circulation may be impaired, including in the area of the placenta. The position on the left side prevents such violations.

Bending your knees may reduce back pain that is common during this period of pregnancy.

Sleeping positions - advantages and disadvantages

If you sleep correctly, you can speed up recovery during periods of exacerbation of chronic diseases, as well as avoid their occurrence.

On the right side

On the left side

In this position, the heart works better, since blood flows freely and is then distributed throughout the body.

In this position, the lymphatic system removes waste faster. The pressure on the pancreas, stomach, and heart is reduced.

On the stomach

Many people prefer this sleeping position. If you bend one leg under you and put your hands under the pillow, it will be very comfortable. According to experts, sleeping on the stomach prevents the movement of blood to the heart and brain. In the morning I have a headache and feel tired. The habit of sleeping in this position can result in curvature of the spine and the appearance of osteochondrosis. It is extremely undesirable for people who already have chronic spinal diseases to sleep on their stomachs.

On the back

This position is not recommended if you snore. Heart pain is possible if you have heart failure. Late pregnant women should not sleep like this either.

What position to choose for relaxation is an individual decision, but it is worth taking into account the recommendations of specialists in order to improve your health.