Sleeping on your left side may help reduce reflux because of the stomach’s natural position. In contrast, sleeping on the right side or flat on your back may allow acid to reach the esophagus more easily in some people.
Other helpful habits include avoiding large meals for two to three hours before bed, limiting trigger foods such as spicy or fatty meals, alcohol, and caffeine, and raising the head of the bed slightly.
If reflux happens frequently, disrupts sleep, causes trouble swallowing, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, or persistent coughing, it should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
