Getting a good night's sleep may be a challenge for those who suffer from nighttime heartburn or acid reflux.

"Nighttime reflux is probably the most damaging because when you lie down you lose that gravitational effect of pushing food down the food regurgitates back and goes into the esophagus," Gastroenterologist Ram Chuttani said.

In a survey presented by the American College of Gastroenterology, almost half those with acid reflux at night complained about sleep disturbances including everything from wakefulness to arousal from sleep to poor quality of sleep.

Chuttani recommends some lifestyle changes starting with diet.

"We advise smaller, more frequent meals, we strongly advise them not to take a big meal just before going to bed," Chuttani said.

Other tips for reducing nighttime acid reflux include sleeping with your head and shoulders elevated, wearing loose fitting clothes, waiting two to three hours after eating to go to sleep, and avoiding foods that trigger heartburn.

Those with milder symptoms may find relief through non-prescription medications. Anyone with persistent or prolonged nighttime heartburn should see a doctor.

Stroke Treatment Delay

A majority of patients don't know when they're having a stroke, and most delay treatment because of it.

Researchers found in a study only 42 percent of patients diagnosed with a stroke thought they were having a stroke, and most did not go to the emergency room for three and a half hours after symptoms began.

Experts say time is critical in stroke treatment, and could mean the difference between slight injury and major disability.