Sleeping on your left side is beneficial for your health. Surprised? Many people are unaware of the advantages of sleeping on their left side. There are many benefits that arise from sleeping on your left side, which could come as a surprise to you. Continue reading to discover the surprising benefits of sleeping on your left side.
Why is Sleeping Position Important?
It is critical to consider the position in which you sleep. You may be having difficulty sleeping or have insomnia due to your improper sleeping posture. So, it is essential to select a sleeping position that suits your needs and reduces the likelihood of medical conditions.
What are the Recommended Sleeping Positions?
Based on medical research, the following are the suggested sleeping positions:
- Left side
- Right side
- Stomach
- Back
Is Sleeping on Your Left Side the Best Option?
Many people question if sleeping on your left side is the perfect sleeping position. Sleeping on your left side provides numerous advantages to your health. Here are some of the benefits:
Improves Digestion
Due to the location of the stomach and the intestines, sleeping on your left side can facilitate digestion. The stomach’s natural digestive juices can flow freely in the proper direction, making it easier for the body to process food.
Reduces Acid Reflux
One significant benefit that left-side sleepers enjoy is relief from acid reflux. Sleeping on your left side may assist with keeping stomach acids from flowing upward into your esophagus, which can cause heartburn and other digestive problems.
Helps with Snoring
Snoring may be caused by the tongue and the palate of the mouth relaxing and collapsing backward, making it difficult to breathe. Sleeping on your left side aids in keeping the tongue and soft palate in their proper position, preventing disturbances to your breathing pattern during slumber.
Improves Heart Health
Sleeping on your left side has been shown to aid in the proper functioning of your heart. Sleeping on your left side aids in blood flow back to the heart. It allows gravity to propel lymphatic drainage toward the heart, reducing the amount of strain on the heart muscle while sleeping.
Reduced Swelling
Sleeping on your left side can help to reduce swelling. Sleeping on your left side may assist with improving the flow of lymphatic fluid throughout the body. As a result, left side sleepers may feel less bloated or swollen in the morning.
Is Sleeping on Your Right Side Harmful to Your Health?
Sleeping on your right side is not harmful to your health. Nevertheless, numerous advantages are enjoyed by sleeping on your left side. A study showed that pregnant women who slept on their left side had a reduced risk of stillbirth compared to those who slept on their right side.
Is Sleeping on Your Stomach Harmful to Your Health?
Stomach sleeping is not harmful to everyone’s health; however, it can lead to some issues. When sleeping on your stomach, your back is usually arched backward, which puts pressure on your spine. Neck pain, back pain, muscle tension, and headaches may all result from such pressure. Sleeping on your stomach can also impact your breathing thoroughly, particularly if you snore.
Is Sleeping on Your Back Harmful to Your Health?
While sleeping on your back is not detrimental to your health, there are some downsides. Snoring, sleep apnea, and snoring may all be exacerbated by sleeping in this position.
How to Train Yourself to Sleep on Your Left Side?
Here are some tips to assist you in training yourself to sleep on your left side:
- Pick the Right Mattress- A soft or sagging mattress may lead to back and neck pains, hindering the attempt to sleep on your left side.
- Use Pregnancy Pillows- Pregnancy pillows and others can assist with comfort when sleeping on your left side.
- Get a comfortable pillow- Utilize a comfortable pillow that suits your body’s shape.
Conclusion
Now you have learned the advantages of sleeping on your left side, which includes aiding digestion, improving heart function, reducing acid reflux, reducing swelling, and snoring. Although sleeping on your right side is not harmful to your health, sleeping on your left side provides numerous additional perks. If you do not habitually sleep on your left side, you can train your body to do so gradually. You can achieve it by getting a comfortable mattress and pillow, using pregnancy pillows, or employing other supportive aids.
FAQs
Is Sleeping on Your Left Side Better Than Sleeping on Your Right?
Many medical professionals advise sleeping on your left side because it allows for the best digestion and blood flow. However, sleeping on your right side is also not harmful to your health.
Can Sleeping on Your Left Side Improve Digestion?
Yes, sleeping on your left side can aid in digestion. It allows digestive enzymes and juices to flow through the intestines easily and reduce constipation.
What is the Best Position to Sleep in If You Have Acid Reflux?
The best position for individuals with acid reflux to sleep is on their left side. It keeps the stomach acid in one place, making it more difficult for digestive acids to flow backward into the esophagus, causing heartburn.
References
- Boseley, S. (2019). Pregnant women should sleep on their side to reduce stillbirth risk. The Guardian.
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). What Is the Healthiest Sleeping Position?