Sleeping on a wedge diminishes exposure of the esophagus to refluxed acid

Sleeping on a wedge diminishes exposure of the esophagus to refluxed acid.
Hamilton et al. Digestive Dis Sciences (1988).

Using continuous monitoring of pH (acidity) within the esophagus among several alternative positions at rest, this randomized clinical trial detected a significant decrease in the time that the esophagus was exposed to highly acid conditions when using a foam wedge to elevate the head, and also showed a decrease in the time necessary for the acid to be cleared. Interestingly, use of a wedge-shaped mechanism was significantly more effective than elevation through the use of standard bed blocks.

Davis C. Ryman

MD/PhD candidate, Case Western Reserve University

Lamb lab, Departments of Neuroscience and Genetics

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