Heartburn can have a huge impact on both your quality and quantity of sleep, with acid reflux most likely to occur around bedtime. Compounding this is the fact that lying down makes it easier for the acid to travel up your throat. What’s more, heavy meals before bed puts more pressure on your upper oesophageal sphincter valve, forcing it open.

• Eating heavy meals. Keep your meals light and your potions small to lower your risk of heartburn.  
• Fatty foods. Foods high in fat can occasionally be culprits as well. 
• Stress and anxiety. Did you know that stress can cause an upset stomach? That’s because anxiety uses up our prostaglandins, lipids in our body that protect us from acid. 
• Drinking alcohol. Alcohol relaxes the lower oesophageal sphincter (the muscles that protect you from acid). Plus, the greasy foods we enjoy alongside a drink don’t help matters either. 
• Smoking. Like alcohol, nicotine relaxes the lower oesophageal sphincter, increasing the likelihood of acids refluxing (moving) up your stomach.

Lifestyle is always an important consideration. Quitting smoking, watching what you eat and taking steps to reduce stress are all effective measures. In the interim, Gaviscon is designed to help. Gaviscon creates a protective layer on top of your stomach acid that protects you from the potential harms of heartburn -- especially when you’re sleeping.

Our bodies use stomach acid to break down the contents of food, and we have a valve or “gate” in our oesophagus that keeps this acid in place. Occasionally, the acid will get through, and create the feeling of heartburn.

Sufferers often complain of discomfort after eating, or when lying down.

Older people tend to suffer from heartburn more often, as the valve gets weaker with age.

Experiencing symptoms every week? We’re here to help. As a first-line defense, we recommend you take Guardium. Guardium is a Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) and it works by blocking the acid pumps in your stomach. Pair it with one of our other products, such as Gaviscon Advance or Gaviscon Double Action, as you might still experience symptoms when first taking Guardium. Do not use Guardium for more than 14 days.

If symptoms persist, you might have a disease known as GORD.

Suffering from heartburn regularly? Dealing with a burning feeling in your chest after eating? You might have what’s known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GORD.

GORD presents symptoms indistinguishable from heartburn and indigestion, but occurs at a frequency that is chronic.

In such a case, you should consult with a doctor immediately. GORD can cause you to develop ulcers and it can even restrict your breathing, so a professional’s advice is required.

The good news is that GORD can be effectively treated over time, and tweaks to the food and drinks you consume can limit the discomfort.