Studies show that nighttime heartburn increases the risk of developing other serious conditions, including cancer of the esophagus. Day or night, chronic reflux can gradually damage the esophagus. It may lead to inflammation and scar tissue that narrows the esophagus. In some people, chronic heartburn can lead to Barrett's esophagus, changes in the cells that increase the risk of esophageal cancer. But nighttime heartburn tends to leave acid in the esophagus longer, and therefore may cause more damage than daytime heartburn.

Healing Heartburn written by Lawrence J. Cheskin, MD and Brian E. Lacy, MD of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD discusses how acids from the stomach can cause serious damage to the esophagus if left untreated. It can also cause chronic insomnia and difficulty working through the pain.

Some common ways to help stop heartburn are not eating two or three hours before you go to bed; putting blocks under the top of the mattress to elevate the head 4 to 6 inches; chewing gum to increase saliva which coats the esophagus with natural bicarbonate; and avoiding foods that can lead to heartburn -- such as alcohol, chocolate, coffee, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, pepper, vinegar, catsup and mustard, and spicy or fatty foods.

As in most cases where natural remedies and diets will not take care of the situation, you should consult your doctor for a more complete check up and diagnosis.