Acid reflux and night heartburn can be an unbearable experience not only because of the pain, but also due to the lack of sleep that occurs when you're coping with it.
This process can ultimately affect you physically and mentally in a negative way.
This article will discuss ways to prevent night heartburn and put acid reflux to sleep for good.
People suffering from heartburn and reflux are more prone to experience nighttime symptoms such as a burning in throat because lying horizontal allows acid to reach the esophagus easier.
However, when you aren't lying down, you at least have gravity on your side to keep the stomach acid from reaching your esophagus.
Below are some suggestions to help your heartburn stop at night so you experience the relief heartburn has been robbing you of every evening.

1. Eat smaller meals Eating larger meals results in more gastric pressure as well as more acid and time for your food to digest - which ultimately creates stomach reflux and heartburn.
   To prevent this from occurring, eat smaller meals 4-5 times per day.
   The time that you eat your last meal of the day is also important, as discussed below.
   
2. Allow 2-3 hours to elapse before you lie down When you lie down with a full stomach, the contents of your stomach are more likely to create pressure against your lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the small flap between your stomach and esophagus that prevents foods and acids from refluxing.
   
3. Elevate your head when sleeping This goes back to the gravity discussion.
   Lying flat presses your stomach contents against the LES.
   However, when your head is elevated above your stomach, gravity will assist in preventing your stomach contents from reaching your esophagus.
   There are also specially shaped wedge pillows available at most retailers that are designed specifically to help you with heartburn.
   
4. Avoid alcohol late at night Alcohol relaxes your LES, which can result in allowing acid to reflux and come in contact with your esophagus to create the burning sensation you experience when you have heartburn.
   
5. Have antacids nearby I can personally testify that over-the-counter remedies such as Tums and Zantac can be lifesavers for night heartburn because they provide quick relief.
   Tums directly neutralize acidity symptoms by mixing a base with your stomach acids.
   On the other hand, Zantac affects the acidity in your stomach by limiting the amount of gastric acid production in the first place by blocking the H2-receptor in the lining of the stomach.
   H-2 receptors play a direct role in gastric acid production.