Elevating the Bed Head Reduces Night Reflux
Key takeaway
Yes — elevating the head of the bed (often ~6–8 inches) can reduce nighttime acid reflux for many people who sleep flat on their back; exact percent reductions vary by study.
- Gravity limits supine reflux into the esophagus during sleep.
- Clinical advice often uses about 6–8 inches of head-of-bed rise.
| Guidance | Scientific Observation | Impact Magnitude | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOB elevation vs flat | Reduces nocturnal acid exposure | Helpful for many GERD sleepers | ||
| ~6–8 inches | Common clinical recommendation range | Practical target | ||
| Exact 7.5″ / −31% | Study-specific if true | Softened as universal fact |