Sleeping Positions for Hiatal Hernia and GERD Relief
Proper sleep position can play a crucial role in managing hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is important to avoid lying down immediately after eating as this can worsen the symptoms. Instead, it is recommended to sit up for at least three hours after meals to aid in proper digestion and alleviate discomfort caused by hiatal hernia and GERD.
If you have already been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia or suffer from GERD, it is advisable to sleep with your torso elevated higher than the rest of your body. This positioning ensures that the angle of your esophagus, diaphragm, and stomach is lower than the mouth, preventing unwanted acid reflux from occurring during sleep.
Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking is crucial for individuals with GERD or hiatal hernias, as smoking can worsen their symptoms. The harmful effects of cigarette smoke weaken and impair muscle reflexes responsible for controlling the release of digestive contents. Smoking causes these reflexes to involuntarily leak acid, which can cause damage depending on the body’s position and the current gastrointestinal process. Moreover, smoking increases the production of acid, posing a dual threat to individuals with hiatal hernias. By quitting smoking, you can significantly improve symptoms associated with hiatal hernias or GERD.