Why do I get heartburn every night?

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.