You don’t always experience obvious heartburn.
Some people instead notice:
- Sour taste
- Throat irritation
- Coughing
- Hoarseness
- Chest discomfort
- A sensation of something in the throat
Eating a large meal shortly before going to bed can make symptoms worse for some people.
If nighttime awakenings frequently occur after heavy or late dinners, reflux may be worth considering.
9. Sleep Apnea Can Cause Repeated Nighttime Awakenings
Sleep apnea is an important cause of disrupted sleep that often goes unnoticed.
During obstructive sleep apnea, the upper airway repeatedly becomes blocked or narrowed during sleep. The brain may briefly wake the person to restore normal breathing.
Many people don’t remember these awakenings.
Possible clues include:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping during sleep
- Choking sensations at night
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- High blood pressure
If a partner tells you that you stop breathing or gasp during sleep, don’t ignore it.
Sleep apnea can affect sleep quality and overall health, and it can be evaluated through a medical assessment and, when appropriate, a sleep study.
10. Hormonal Changes Can Affect Sleep Hormonal fluctuations can influence sleep at different stages of life.
