Middle of the Night

Lately I have been having acid reflux about once a week around 1:30 am. It wakes me up with horrible burning in the throat area. I typically get up, vomit, take a Prilosec, and drink a 7-up. I have tried elevating my upper body with boards, even a wedge pillow, and nothing has stopped it, just has made it difficult for me to get a good nights sleep. I work full time and begin at 7am so I really need to figure out how to get a good nights sleep. I have not found any particular food triggers, eating times, or patterns. I am a person in a stressful job and, although I try really hard not to stress, often I am unsuccessful. I wonder if that has something to do with it. I have only been taking my Prolesec when I feel I need as opposed to on a regular basis because, aside for my GI, every Dr that I have seen has told me it is very bad for my health to be on them. I am thinking of switching to taking them on a regular basis advice because which is worse, the side effects of the drug or the effects of the burning? Any comments or suggestions?

Thanks for the advice, I had no idea about the 7-up, grew up thinking it was supposed to settle stomachs. Just saw my GI doc this week and he also said not to eat 4 hours prior to bedtime. The night of the last reflux incident I had gone to a meeting after work then straight to grandaughters softball game and ate at the ball park. Guess its time for a lifestyle change and to learn some meal planning tricks. Someone also said it would be better not to eat at all than to break the 4 hour rule.

Kathy: if you are waiting to make lifestyle changes, now is the time if you value your health. Take a look and witness how much suffering GERD and LPR causes - plainly written on these message boards.

The reason for "no eating 4 hours prior to bed" is that it takes up to 4 hours (or more, depending on the individual) for the contents of your stomach to empty. If there is something in your stomach when you lay down at night- that means your stomach is still acting on its contents and there is a greater likelihood of acid production and- in those at risk - reflux.