Gastroesophageal reflux disease and sleep disorders: a wake-up call for physicians and their patients.

Sleep's implications to the physiology and pathogenesis of a number of diseases have been ignored until recently. With the evolution of studies conducted in sleep laboratories, the relationship between various gastrointestinal diseases, in particular gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and sleep disorders is being recognized. This article discusses the personal and societal impact of GERD-related sleep disorders, including quality of life issues and work and leisure impairment. A review of intervention studies indicates that GERD-related sleep disorders respond effectively to acid-suppressive medical therapy. Clinicians are advised to take a proactive stance in evaluating patients with GERD for unrecognized sleep disorders and ascertaining whether patients with sleep disorders have GERD symptoms as well.