Managing Nighttime Heartburn Symptoms

An estimated 8 out of 10 people who experience heartburn have symptoms at night.

Here's the good news. There are ways to manage persistent heartburn and other symptoms of acid reflux disease that can occur at night.

Try the following tips for helping prevent nighttime heartburn:

  • Elevate the head of your bed
    Nighttime heartburn is largely a gravity problem; when you lie down, acid can move up into the esophagus more easily. Try elevating the head of your bed 4 to 6 inches by placing wooden blocks under the bed’s legs. Or you could place a foam wedge under the mattress to lift your head about 6 to 10 inches. Note: Piling up pillows beneath your head doesn't help prevent reflux.
  • Finish any meals or snacks at least 3 hours before lying down
    Most of the food in your stomach is digested within 3 hours. Once it is digested, it should not back up into your esophagus when you lie down.

For many, NEXIUM can provide 24-hour relief from heartburn caused by acid reflux disease, to help keep GERD symptoms at bay, day and night. Your results with NEXIUM may vary. Be sure to also talk to your doctor about your symptoms and ask if prescription NEXIUM may help.

Next: Getting Started on NEXIUM

Take the next step—talk to your doctor about NEXIUM.
Important Safety Information About NEXIUM

In adults 18 and older, side effects with NEXIUM include headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

In children 1 to 17 years of age, side effects with NEXIUM include headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and sleepiness.

Symptom relief does not rule out the presence of other serious stomach conditions.

Before taking NEXIUM, tell your doctor if you are taking atazanavir, nelfinavir, saquinivir, digoxin, iron salts, ketoconazole, voriconazole, cilostazol, or warfarin.

Approved Uses for NEXIUM

NEXIUM is prescribed to treat the symptoms of acid reflux disease, which typically include persistent heartburn on 2 or more days per week, despite treatment and change of diet.

For many people, NEXIUM is also prescribed to heal damage to the esophagus called erosive esophagitis. This damage may be caused over time from stomach acid wearing away the lining of the esophagus. Only a doctor can diagnose this condition. With NEXIUM, most erosions heal in 4 to 8 weeks. Your results with NEXIUM may vary.

Please read the full Prescribing Information and discuss it with your doctor or health care professional.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.