How An Adjustable Bed Can Help Reduce Acid Reflux
In this guide, we'll look at how sleeping on an adjustable bed can help you reduce and alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux to help you sleep better.
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common digestive disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. The NHS advises that It occurs when the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) doesn't close properly, allowing stomach acid and food to flow back up into the oesophagus. This can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
While there are many lifestyle changes and medications that can help manage acid reflux, one often-overlooked solution is an adjustable bed.
What is acid reflux?
Before we look into the benefits of an adjustable bed, it's important to understand what causes acid reflux. In a healthy digestive system, the LES acts as a barrier between the stomach and the oesophagus, which prevents acid and food from blowing back up. However, when the LES is weakened or relaxed, it allows acid to escape easily, which can cause irritation to the oesophagus.
What causes acid reflux?
Lots of things we do can contribute to experiencing acid reflux, which sometimes aren't very clear. According to the NHS, a few things which are proven to contribute to acid reflux and make things worse for you are:
- Eating too much food or having large meals
- Eating your food too quickly
- Snacking too close to bedtime
- Drinking alcohol or caffeine
- Smoking
- Being overweight or obese
- Stress or being anxious
- Pregnancy
- Certain medications and painkillers
Symptoms can vary from person to person, but common ones include:
- Heartburn
- Chest pain
- Regurgitation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sore throat
- Persistent coughing
While occasional acid reflux is normal, If you keep experiencing it or have severe symptoms, you may wish to speak with a health professional who can advise further.
Tips for Managing Acid Reflux
While an adjustable bed can be a helpful tool in managing acid reflux, there are other lifestyle changes that can also be beneficial to help acid reflux and heartburn, such as eating smaller meals more frequently and avoid eating before going to bed.
Sleeping on an adjustable bed can help
It's clear that when we raise our bodies to around 30% incline as we sleep, we stop the acid travelling up into our oesophagus, causing extra acid cause discomfort. Adjustable beds have a wide range of adjustments which help you to choose the best position for comfort. Normal beds have a flat lying surface and do not offer the same level of comfort and support.
Choosing the right adjustable bed
If you're considering an adjustable bed to help with acid reflux, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right one for you.
Here are some key factors to consider:
- Angle: Look for an adjustable bed that allows you to raise the head of your bed to at least 30 degrees. This angle has been shown to be effective in reducing acid reflux symptoms.
- Durability: Like you would for most pieces of furniture, it's worth doing your research and buying an adjustable bed that is made of high-quality materials so you can enjoy it for years to come. We only stock the most reliable and durable options, proven to last.
- Comfort: Consider how comfortable you find the bed. Adjustable beds are considered an important investment, so it's important you find it comfortable to ensure you get a great night's sleep. We stock a wide variety of budget to luxury adjustable bed mattresses suitable for all types of adjustable base in all sizes, so you can be sure to find the right fit for your needs. Speak to our sleep experts about your requirements today and let us help you.
We’ll help you find the perfect adjustable bed...
Submit some information in the form below and one of our friendly team can call you or a relative at a time to suit you and discuss all the options and advice around acid reflux and the supportive options you can enjoy with our range. Or if you'd like to browse our products, see our range of adjustable beds here.
Category: Adjustable Beds
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