Sleeping on your back can agitate the acid in your stomach. When you're lying down, it is much easier for the lazy esophageal sphincter to open and allow acid to travel up the open pipe. However, when you sleep on your left side, the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes. This position also keeps the esophageal sphincter above the gastric acid level, so fluid has to move uphill to get through. In addition, sleeping on a slight incline can improve acid reflux symptoms.

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