Sleeping Position for Patients with GERD

Clinical Evidence Supporting Left-Side Sleeping

The American Gastroenterological Association recommends the left lateral decubitus position for sleeping in patients with GERD to reduce nocturnal reflux symptoms and esophageal acid exposure 1
Elevate the head of the bed in addition to sleeping on the left side for optimal reduction of nighttime symptoms 1
Avoid lying down for 2-3 hours after meals to reduce esophageal acid exposure 1
Elevating just the head with pillows can actually worsen reflux by creating abdominal compression, whereas elevating the entire upper body is recommended 1
Sleeping on the right side is not recommended as it is associated with increased acid exposure, and the left lateral decubitus position is the preferred sleeping position 1

Some patients do not have an increased aspiration incidence with supine sleeping, according to studies 2