A person may suddenly awaken feeling as though they are suffocating. This condition is called sleep-related laryngospasm. It also is often related to GERD. Some people will actually lose consciousness during these episodes.

Can you choke in your sleep from acid reflux?

Most patients with GERD experience an increase in the severity of symptoms, including heartburn, while sleeping or attempting to sleep. Beyond just heartburn, if stomach acid backs up as far as the throat and larynx, a sleeper may wake up coughing and choking or with major chest pain.

Can acid reflux cause you to stop breathing in your sleep?

Acid reflux can also cause sleep apnea. When you have acid reflux during the night, you may have spasms of the throat muscles and vocal cords that can block the airway and lead to obstructive sleep apnea.