BOSTON -- If you suffer from heartburn, you might want to think twice before picking up that can of soda, or even a glass of sparkling water.

A Gallup survey found that 40 percent of Americans suffer from heartburn at least once a month. What is it? A painful burning sensation in the throat just below the breastbone. The pain often rises in the chest and may radiate to the neck or throat. What causes it? The backup of acid from the stomach into the esophagus causes irritation. Do You Suffer? RESOURCES Heartburn FAQs Videoscopic Heartburn Center National Heartburn Alliance GERD Information

A new study published in Monday's issue of the journal Chest found that drinking even one carbonated drink during the day can lead to heartburn at night, reported WCVB-TV in Boston.

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Video: Soda May Prompt Nighttime Heartburn

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The study, conducted by researchers at four institutions, found that up to one-fourth of Americans lose sleep because of nighttime heartburn, resulting in other sleep problems and daytime sleepiness, said Dr. Ronnie Fass, the study's lead author from the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson.

"Not everyone reported drinking carbonated beverages, and those who did had a higher rate of having the nighttime heartburn," said Dr. George O'Connor, of Boston University's School of Medicine.

Researchers pointed to several factors for the heartburn, including soda's high acidity and caffeine content.

"Caffeine can lower the tone of that muscular sphincter at the bottom of the esophagus that prevents the acid from washing up from your stomach into the esophagus," O'Connor said.

In some cases, even people drinking carbonated water reported heartburn at night. The study included more than 15,000 people and found that in addition to soda consumption, people who have asthma, hypertension or who are overweight are also at risk for acid reflux.

"Consumption of carbonated beverages, soda, might also be a marker of a diet that is perhaps more likely to include pizza and cheeseburgers and French fries and fatty food, which could worsen acid reflux," O'Connor said.

The study also found that one most commonly prescribed sleeping pills, benzodiazepines, can also cause nighttime heartburn. Researchers said people who took benzodiazepines and suffered from heartburn should consider replacing them with other kinds of sleeping pills.

Persistent heartburn can lead to more serious conditions, including esophageal cancer. If you're concerned, O'Connor said cutting back on carbonated drinks could help.

There are other things you can do if you are suffering from nighttime acid reflux: Elevate the head of your bed so gravity keeps the acid in your stomach; avoid eating close to bedtime; and avoid caffeine and fatty foods. If your heartburn is severe and persistent, consult your doctor.