Sleep secrets: Why left side beats right for health benefits
Did you know that changing your sleep position can significantly impact your health? Doctors and sleep specialists increasingly emphasize the importance of body positioning during rest. Is it better to sleep on your right side or your left side?
The choice of sleep position should be tailored to individual health needs. It turns out that sleeping on the left side can bring surprising benefits to the body's functioning while lying on the right side can be harmful.
Acid reflux and sleep position
Dr. Ali Rezaie, a gastroenterologist at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, explains that sleeping on the right side can lead to digestive problems, including acid reflux and heartburn. Why does this happen?
Numerous studies suggest that sleeping on the right side leads to a higher frequency of reflux episodes compared to sleeping on the left side, according to Dr. Rezaie, a gastroenterologist at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, as reported by the Zwierciadło portal. This happens because lying on the right side positions the stomach above the esophagus, facilitating the upward flow of stomach acid. This backflow can cause discomfort, including a burning sensation in the esophagus, chest pain, and other unpleasant symptoms.
Benefits of sleeping on the left side
Sleeping on the left side reduces the risk of reflux and supports other body functions. As indicated by holistic medicine specialists, the left side of the body is the so-called "dominant lymphatic side."
The lymphatic system, responsible for removing toxins, works more efficiently when you lie on the left side. Moreover, this position supports kidney function, making it easier for them to filter blood and remove metabolic waste. A study from 2022 found that sleeping on the left side helps individuals suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and pregnant women.
Sleeping on the right side can also strain the circulatory system. The heart, located more on the left side of the chest, has to work harder to pump blood in this position. Meanwhile, sleeping on the left side allows for a more natural positioning of the heart and blood vessels, promoting better circulation.
James Leinhardt, a sleep ergonomics expert, recommends sleeping on your back as the healthiest position in his TikTok videos.
The mattress instantly supports your spine, and body weight is distributed most evenly. If you place a pillow under your knees, you'll notice a slight tilt of the pelvis, and more of your back now touches the bed, providing better support - he explains.
