How is sleep apnea linked to acid reflux or GERD?

Sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are often linked because they can affect each other, especially during the night. When someone has sleep apnea, they stop breathing for short periods during sleep. This can cause pressure changes in the chest and throat, which might allow stomach acid to move up into the esophagus more easily, leading to GERD symptoms.

According to the research, GERD can also make sleep apnea worse. This happens because the acid can irritate the throat and airways, making it harder to breathe properly at night. People with GERD might wake up more often because of discomfort from acid reflux, which can disturb their sleep and make apnea episodes more frequent.

Key Points:

• Sleep apnea can increase the risk of GERD by changing how the body works during sleep.
• GERD can worsen sleep apnea by irritating the throat and causing more breathing problems.
• Both conditions can lead to poor sleep quality and should be managed together for better health outcomes.