J Neurogastroenterol Motil.  2010 Jan;16(1):22-29.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Sleep Disorders: Evidence for a Causal Link and Therapeutic Implications

Affiliations
  • 1School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea.
  • 2Enteric Neuroscience Program and Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
  • 3Enteric Neuroscience Program and Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida, USA. talley.nicholas@mayo.edu

Abstract

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and sleep disturbances are both common health problems. There is a significant association between disturbed sleep and GERD, and this may be bidirectional. Sleep disorders may induce gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances, while GI symptoms also may provoke or worsen sleep derangements. Reflux of gastric acid is a less frequent event during sleep, however, acid clearance mechanisms (including swallowing, salivation and primary esophageal motility) are impaired during sleep resulting in prolongation of acid contact time. Nighttime reflux can lead to sleep disturbance and sleep disturbance may further aggravate GERD by prolonged acid contact time and heightened sensory perception. This may facilitate the occurrence of complicated GERD and decreased quality of life. However, the interplay between sleep problems and GERD is complex, and there are still relatively limited data on this issue. Further investigation of sleep-related GERD may identify common pathophysiological themes and new therapeutic targets.

Keyword

Sleep; Gastroesophageal reflux disease

MeSH Terms

Aluminum Hydroxide
Carbonates
Deglutition
Gastric Acid
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Quality of Life
Salivation
Sleep Wake Disorders
Aluminum Hydroxide
Carbonates
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