Eating Nearer to Bedtime

Anyone who eats a heavy meal (which causes excess stomach acid production), particularly if one subsequently lies on the back or bends over from the waist, is at risk of an attack of heartburn.  Anyone who snacks at bedtime is at high risk of GERD.  For those who experience heartburn made worse by lying down, eating before bed may not be a good idea; eating the last meal of the day at least 3 hours before bed should reduce the likelihood of reflux at bedtime.  Try adjusting your diet by eating a small meal at dinner time and, if necessary, having a small snack, such as crackers, before sleep.

There is a myth that drinking milk before bedtime will ease acid reflux.  In fact, milk often ends up causing acid reflux during sleep.