Can heartburn impact quality of sleep?

Heartburn can have a huge impact on both your quality and quantity of sleep, with acid reflux most likely to occur around bedtime. Compounding this is the fact that lying down makes it easier for the acid to travel up your throat. What’s more, heavy meals before bed puts more pressure on your upper oesophageal sphincter valve, forcing it open.

If I’m experiencing heartburn do I need to change my lifestyle?

Lifestyle is always an important consideration. Quitting smoking, watching what you eat and taking steps to reduce stress are all effective measures. In the interim, Gaviscon is designed to help. Gaviscon creates a protective layer on top of your stomach acid that protects you from the potential harms of heartburn - especially when you’re sleeping.

What does it mean if I get heartburn regularly?

Our bodies use stomach acid to break down the contents of food, and we have a valve or “gate” in our oesophagus that keeps this acid in place. Occasionally, the acid will get through, and create the feeling of heartburn. Sufferers often complain of discomfort after eating, or when lying down.

Experiencing symptoms every week? We’re here to help. Guardium can be taken for up to 24 hour relief. Guardium is a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI), which contains esomeprazole that works by blocking acid pumps in your stomach.Pair it with one of our other products, such as Gaviscon Advance or Gaviscon Double Action for fast effective relief while Guardium takes effect. Do not use Guardium for more than 14 days or Gaviscon for more than 7 Days.

Suffering from heartburn regularly? Dealing with a burning feeling in your chest after eating? You might have what’s known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GORD.GORD presents symptoms indistinguishable from heartburn and indigestion, but occurs at a frequency that is chronic.In such a case, you should consult with a doctor immediately.The good news is that GORD can be effectively treated over time, and tweaks to the food and drinks you consume can limit the discomfort.

Guide to heartburn symptoms, causes, treatment

Causes &
Symptoms

Heartburn usually happens after meals, near bedtime or during the night.

The symptoms of heartburn include:

A burning sensation in the chest or throat after eating.
A hot sour or salty tasting fluid in the back of your throat accompanied by difficulty swallowing.
Pressure behind the breastbone.
Needing to burp.
Feeling sick.
Other

In the majority of cases, heartburn is a natural response to stomach acid. But we understand how disruptive it can be, which is why we’ve identified foods that are best to avoid.

What are the habits that typically contribute to heartburn/ indigestion?

Eating heavy meals. Keep your meals light and your portions small to lower your likelihood of heartburn.
Fatty foods. Foods high in fat can occasionally be culprits as well.
Stress and anxiety. Did you know that stress can cause an upset stomach? That’s because anxiety uses up our prostaglandins, lipids in our body that protect us from acid.
Drinking alcohol. Alcohol relaxes the lower oesophageal sphincter (the muscles that protect you from acid). Plus, the greasy foods we enjoy alongside a drink don’t help matters either.
Smoking. Like alcohol, nicotine relaxes the lower oesophageal sphincter, increasing the likelihood of acids refluxing (moving) up your stomach.

Stress and excess weight are also contributing factors, so observing a careful diet and getting plenty of exercise will likely help. That said, you don’t have to put your life on hold because of heartburn - and we’re here to help.

What can cause heartburn?

Fried and greasy foods
Eating too much
Eating too quickly
Fatty meats and dairy products
Alcohol, caffeinated drinks and spicy food, which can all also cause the sphincter valve to open

FAQs

: Heartburn can have a huge impact on both your quality and quantity of sleep, with acid reflux most likely to occur around bedtime. Compounding this is the fact that lying down makes it easier for the acid to travel up your throat. What’s more, heavy meals before bed puts more pressure on your upper oesophageal sphincter valve, forcing it open.
: Lifestyle is always an important consideration. Quitting smoking, watching what you eat and taking steps to reduce stress are all effective measures. In the interim, Gaviscon is designed to help. Gaviscon creates a protective layer on top of your stomach acid that protects you from the potential harms of heartburn - especially when you’re sleeping.

.cds-accordion__item-content-wrapper { height: auto !important; } .cds-accordion__item-content { opacity: 1 !important; } .cds-accordion__opener .icon__prefix { display: none !important; } .cds-accordion__opener .icon__suffix { display: none !important; }

Treatment

To stop acid from rising up and causing irritation, Gaviscon products use sodium alginate, a viscous formulation that forms a protective barrier in the stomach. Some Gaviscon products also contain antacids, which turn excess acid into water and other neutral substances.

Dosage: Take 10-20 ml (Gaviscon Liquid) or 5-10 ml (Gaviscon Advance) after meals and at bedtime. Consider one teaspoon to equal 5 ml.

All information presented is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. If symptoms are severe or prolonged you should consult a doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label.

Products we recommend

Double Action Liquid

Gaviscon Double Action Liquid

Dual-action formula

Targets heartburn and indigestion instantly

Gets to work in seconds

Lasts up to 4 hours

View Gaviscon Double Action Liquid

Gaviscon Original Liquid

Gaviscon Original Liquid

Forms a protective barrier

Relieves burning in the chest

Targets heartburn and indigestion instantly

Lasts up to 2x longer than antacids

View Gaviscon Original Liquid

Frequent Sufferers

Repeatedly suffering from heartburn? Don’t let it put your life on pause.

Products we recommend

Guardium Tablets

Protective treatment for frequent sufferers

Treats heartburn and acid reflux

Lasts up to 24 hours

2-3 days of treatment might be required for symptom relief

View Guardium Tablets

Gaviscon Advance Liquid

Gaviscon Advance Liquid

Suitable for pregnant mothers ‡

Extra strength formula

Targets heartburn and indigestion instantly

Long lasting relief of acid reflux (up to 4 hours)

View Gaviscon Advance Liquid

FAQs

: Our bodies use stomach acid to break down the contents of food, and we have a valve or “gate” in our oesophagus that keeps this acid in place. Occasionally, the acid will get through, and create the feeling of heartburn. Sufferers often complain of discomfort after eating, or when lying down.
: Experiencing symptoms every week? We’re here to help. Guardium can be taken for up to 24 hour relief. Guardium is a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI), which contains esomeprazole that works by blocking acid pumps in your stomach.
Pair it with one of our other products, such as Gaviscon Advance or Gaviscon Double Action for fast effective relief while Guardium takes effect. Do not use Guardium for more than 14 days or Gaviscon for more than 7 Days.
: Suffering from heartburn regularly? Dealing with a burning feeling in your chest after eating? You might have what’s known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GORD.
GORD presents symptoms indistinguishable from heartburn and indigestion, but occurs at a frequency that is chronic.
In such a case, you should consult with a doctor immediately.
The good news is that GORD can be effectively treated over time, and tweaks to the food and drinks you consume can limit the discomfort.

Heartburn & Indigestion
Is Comfort Food giving you discomfort?
We all get an urge for some hearty comfort food to warm our stomachs.
There's always plenty of delicious food and drinks available to tempt you. These indulgent treats can leave our bodies feeling a little below par come Monday.
It can make us feel uncomfortable when the wrong foods are combined or paired with alcohol, leaving us with the effects of heartburn and indigestion. We’ve put together some tips, so you can enjoy more of the good stuff, but remember, moderation is key.
Heartburn & Indigestion
Heartburn & Indigestion: Treatment Options
When you're suffering with heartburn and indigestion you want to relieve your symptoms quickly.
Here you'll learn the differences in antacids and alginates, and even more importantly see how you can help get rid of pain caused by heartburn and indigestion for longer.
Heartburn & Indigestion
Heartburn vs Indigestion: Key Differences Explained
Are heartburn and indigestion related, and if so, how? What's the difference between the two? In this article, we explore the link between these two very common symptoms.
We will also review what heartburn and indigestion feel like, what causes and triggers them, and how to prevent and treat the symptoms.
Heartburn & Indigestion
The relationship between smoking and heartburn
Heartburn isn't pleasant, and it is not just alcohol and fatty foods that can trigger a bout. Smokers may be prone to heartburn.
The stomach has a valve that prevents stomach acid from travelling upwards into the gullet. If this valve isn’t tight enough you may experience acid reflux otherwise known as heartburn. Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat (acid reflux).
Heartburn & Indigestion
Burning in your chest? It could be heartburn
Feeling a burning pain in your chest, a sour taste in your mouth, bloating after eating and lying down?
Heartburn is extremely common, according to guts charity it affects up to 25% of UK adults.
Heartburn & Indigestion
Your treatment for frequent heartburn
If you feel pain in the middle of your chest, experience acid reflux and other heartburn symptoms twice a week or more, you may have frequent heartburn.
Heartburn and acid reflux are unpleasant enough, but when it’s more frequent it can stop you getting on with your day-to-day life. It's important that you find the right treatment for long-lasting relief, to help you keep doing what you love.
Heartburn & Indigestion
Treatment for frequent Heartburn
Feeling a burning pain in your chest, throat, stomach and experiencing bad reflux? If you’re suffering twice a week or more, you could be suffering from frequent heartburn.
To help you understand and ease your symptoms, we’ll start by looking at what’s causing your heartburn and the symptoms, to keep you doing what you love.