Sleep Apnea could be causing your Heartburn…

9 April 2019 Categories: Better Sleep Tips Author: Matt Richmond

Acid Reflux, or commonly known as Heartburn is a painful disorder that affects nearly 60 Million Americans.

Heartburn is not only annoying, it can disrupt sleep, preventing you from getting the deep REM sleep your body desperately needs.

Recently, a study completed by the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine showed that there is a significant relationship between worsening Heartburn and Sleep Apnea.

The study was of 101 veterans testing positive for both Heartburn & Sleep Apnea. Since Obstructive Sleep Apnea is best treated by CPAP therapy, the researchers placed these 101 patients on long term CPAP therapy. They assessed their sleepiness using a common test called the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS.) This is the same scale that Snore MD uses during your initial free consultation. The researchers also assessed the severity of the patients Heartburn at the start of CPAP therapy.

The study then measured the patients compliance on CPAP therapy for 6 months. The study showed patients that used their machine regularly, complained of less Heartburn symptoms at the six months mark. Actually, overall Heartburn complaints were reduced by an incredible 62% on CPAP Therapy!

“Our study confirms that CPAP therapy improves the symptoms of nocturnal esophageal reflux in patients with coexisting OSA… The CPAP therapy prevents apnea/hypopnea by creating a continuous flow of air which acts like a pneumatic stent to keep the pharyngeal airway patent preventing recurrent arousals and swallowing reflexes.” – Sadeka Tamanna, MD

Approx. 20% of Canadians are affected by Heartburn, and its effects can be painful and detrimental to your sleep. If your body doesn’t get the quality rest it needs every night, serious side effects can occur! Daytime sleepiness is one of the leading causes of car crashes and accounts for million’s in loss productivity every year in BC alone! If you or a loved one snores or is tired during the day it is only a few easy steps to help improve you life…

If you have Heartburn or know someone does, they may need to screened for a sleep disorder, the take home sleep test at Snore MD is free and easy to use!

Everyday, Snore MD helps countless British Columbian’s get a healthier sleep and live a healthier life, if you want to learn more about what we do, please visit one of our friendly 12 Clinic’s throughout the province. 

Matt Richmond
Author

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