Tags : acid reflux
Studies Explore Acid Reflux Links With Sleep Problems
Miami, FL (AHN) – Three new studies highlight potential links between acid reflux disease and sleep problems.
One of the studies, from the Karolinska Institute in Norway, suggested a codependent relationship may exist between gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, and sleep problems.
The researchers said in a statement that GERD may cause people to have trouble falling and staying asleep, while at the same time, not being able to get a good night’s sleep may cause GERD.
Another GERD study published this week suggested that the disorder interferes with patients’ ability to fall asleep and stay asleep, and this relationship is causing high costs to the healthcare system.
Finally, researchers from Thomas Jefferson University say a popular prescription sleeping pill may actually worsen GERD symptoms. The researchers said the pill, hypnotic zolpidem, sold as Ambien, suppresses nocturnal arousals and awakenings in response to acid reflux and increases the amount of time of people’s acid reflux episodes.
Dr. Anthony DiMarino, the study’s lead author, said in a statement that the pill allows people to stay asleep during acid reflux episodes, exposing the esophagus to acid for a longer period of time than it would be if the person woke up during the episode. This could increase a person’s risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus, a precursor to esophageal cancer.
All three studies are published in the September issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association Institute.
Related posts:
