Why should you not sleep on your right side?

The Unexpected Benefits of Sleeping on Your Left Side

We often think of sleep as a passive activity, but the position we adopt can significantly impact our comfort and well-being. While the preferred sleeping position is often a matter of personal preference, new research suggests that sleeping on your left side may offer advantages over sleeping on your right. One key reason to consider a left-side sleep position is its potential to alleviate heartburn and related digestive discomfort.

Heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest, is often worsened by sleeping on the right side. This is because the position can compress the esophagus and stomach, making it easier for stomach acid to travel upward. This is particularly true for those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or those experiencing the digestive discomforts associated with pregnancy. The change in stomach and esophageal positioning on the left, however, promotes better digestion and reduces the likelihood of acid reflux.

The reasons behind this are simple: gravity plays a crucial role in how our digestive systems function. Lying on the left side allows stomach contents to flow more easily into the intestines, rather than back up into the esophagus. This improved digestive flow helps to reduce the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve that prevents stomach acid from refluxing. By choosing to sleep on your left, you can potentially minimize heartburn symptoms and promote a more restful night’s sleep, free from the discomfort of acid reflux.

This isn’t to say that everyone should instantly adopt a left-side sleeping position. Individual preferences and other factors, like back pain or allergies, may influence the best sleeping position for a particular individual. However, if you’re prone to heartburn or digestive issues, switching to your left side may bring tangible relief and improve the quality of your sleep.