This study includes patients with sleep disturbances associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and has 3 treatment arms. Patients will receive only one of the following treatment arms: esomeprazole 20 mg once daily, esomeprazole 40 mg once daily, matching placebo once daily. The relief to the sleep disturbances will be assessed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• A history of heartburn or acid regurgitation for 3 months or longer or any history of erosive esophagitis.
• Nightime heartburn averaging at least 2 or 3 times per week and a history of sleep disturbances associated with GERD for 1 month or more.
• Nightime heartburn graded as moderate or severe on 3 of the last 7 days of the run-in period and sleep disturbances associated with GERD as documented in the run-in diary card on at least 3 of the last 7 days of the run-in period..

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any condition other than GERD that is either the primary cause of, or a significant contributor to the patients sleep disturbance.
• Shift workers who work between 12am (midnight) and 6am.
• Sleep medication, antihistamine, benzodiazepine, or anti-anxiety medication use that has not been stable for at least 3 months or is not expected to remain stable during the patients participation in the study.
• Other diseases / conditions as listed in the protocol.