Why do I get heartburn every night?

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Heartburn is stomach acid travelling up toward your throat, and night is its favourite time. Lying flat removes the gravity that keeps acid in your stomach, and a meal eaten within 3 to 4 hours of bed leaves plenty of acid to travel. The NHS lists the common triggers: coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate, and fatty or spicy foods, plus smoking, being overweight, pregnancy, stress and anxiety, some anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen, and a hiatus hernia. Frequency is the important line. MedlinePlus draws it clearly: occasional reflux is common, but heartburn two or more times a week counts as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - a chronic condition worth treating properly rather than enduring, because acid can damage the oesophagus lining over time. What helps tonight: nothing to eat within 3 to 4 hours of bed, no tight waistbands, raise the head of your bed, and a pharmacist can suggest antacids or alginates for the burn. One symptom is never heartburn: chest pain with shortness of breath, or pain spreading to your jaw or arm, can be a heart problem - get medical help right away. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, that can help you map your triggers.

Why do I get heartburn every night?

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