Reflux and Sleep
Reflux and Sleep: It Doesn’t Have to be a Nightmare
What is Reflux?
Reflux is a condition in which the gastroesophageal sphincter (a muscle at the bottom of the esophagus) allows milk/stomach contents come back up through the digestive system and into the feeding tube/mouth. It sounds gross, I know, but it’s common amongst adults and children. In fact, it’s estimated that over half of all babies spit up (“reflux” milk) and show other signs of reflux.
The esophageal sphincter muscle is often not fully developed in babies and when their stomach becomes over-stretched because it’s full of milk and wind, the muscle rebounds and lets the stomach contents back up the esophagus.
Symptoms of Reflux:
Bringing up milk or being sick during or shortly after feeding
Coughing or hiccupping when feeding
Being unsettled during feeding
Swallowing or gulping after burping or feeding
Crying or not settling
Not gaining weight as they’re not keeping enough food down
How long does it last?
Typically, reflux in babies begins between weeks 2 and 4 and peaks about the 4-month mark. Symptoms usually subside around the 7-month mark. However, every baby is different and reflux may occur outside these time frames.
Reflux & Sleep:
Reflux can impact sleep as babies may be in pain or uncomfortable. Babies who are suffering from reflux prefer to be held upright as laying them flat can exacerbate the symptoms therefore causing them more intense discomfort/pain.
It is important to always lay your baby on their back when sleeping independently. Sleeping your baby on their back is the safest position and does not increase the risk of choking or aspiration in babies. However, contact naps and carrier naps during the day can help support sleep without laying them flat.
Tips to Manage Reflux:
Feed baby upright
Burp regularly during feeds
Avoid dressing baby in pants with a tight band around the belly
Hold baby upright for 20-30 minutes after a feed
Offer a pacifier
Seek support from professionals