Can Your Pillow Cause Digestive Problems?

They sure can. Many people require the right pillow for addressing underlying health issues. People with acid reflux disease experience a weakening of the muscle between the throat and stomach, causing acid to back up into the throat and mouth. Acid reflux causes a painful burning sensation that significantly disrupts sleep quality.

If you have GERD, reflux, or extreme nausea, avoid sleeping flat on your back. Laying flat makes it easier for the acid to travel and you want all that acid to stay right in the stomach, where it belongs. The supine position itself makes matters worse, as the position allows the acid to travel up the throat fairly easily.

Being flat on your back during a reflux attack is very unpleasant. By lifting the head, acid reflux now has to work against gravity to annoy you, which tends to minimize reflux effects. Also, the raised head position helps clear sinuses and reduces snoring.

Pillows that are too thin don’t elevate the head and neck high enough to prevent the acid backwash from reaching the chest and throat. People who suffer from reflux should consider getting fitted for the right pillow to help manage these symptoms.

A few simple tweaks to the sleeping routine, with extra pillows or a new position, might make the difference between a peaceful or restless night’s sleep.