Which lifestyle change can help reduce GERD symptoms at night?

Which lifestyle change can help reduce GERD symptoms at night?

• A. Drink coffee after meals
• B. Sleep with head of bed elevated
• C. Eat spicy foods before bed
• D. Avoid smoking

Answer: (D)

Nighttime GERD improves when lifestyle factors that trigger reflux are reduced. Quitting smoking is the strongest single change here because nicotine relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter and increases acid production, making reflux events more likely during the night. By stopping smoking, the LES tone can improve and acid exposure decreases, which often leads to fewer nocturnal symptoms and better sleep. Other options can influence symptoms too—elevating the head of the bed helps gravity reduce reflux at night, and avoiding late meals or triggers like caffeine and spicy foods can lessen symptoms. However, quitting smoking addresses a fundamental physiological trigger of reflux and typically has the most pronounced impact on nocturnal GERD.

Nighttime GERD improves when lifestyle factors that trigger reflux are reduced. Quitting smoking is the strongest single change here because nicotine relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter and increases acid production, making reflux events more likely during the night. By stopping smoking, the LES tone can improve and acid exposure decreases, which often leads to fewer nocturnal symptoms and better sleep.

Other options can influence symptoms too—elevating the head of the bed helps gravity reduce reflux at night, and avoiding late meals or triggers like caffeine and spicy foods can lessen symptoms. However, quitting smoking addresses a fundamental physiological trigger of reflux and typically has the most pronounced impact on nocturnal GERD.