I have found that sleeping on your left side can be advantageous in various ways. Besides, multiple research studies say sleeping on your left side is the best sleeping position. You might not have given much thought to how you position yourself at night, but with a few helpful tips, you can change your nightly routine for the better. Here are the key reasons why left-side sleeping might benefit your overall well-being.

Helps Your Digestion

One of the first things I would like to point out is how sleeping on the left side may support better digestion. When you lie down to rest, gravity can play a role in how your internal organs process the food you have eaten. By resting on your left side, your stomach and intestines can lie in a more natural position. This orientation allows food to travel more smoothly from your stomach to your intestines.

Additionally, waste by-products may pass into the large intestine with greater ease. Some people even say they feel less bloated and more comfortable in the morning after adopting left-side sleeping. If you have issues with indigestion or heartburn, this position can help reduce the unpleasant burning sensation in your chest by keeping stomach acid where it belongs.

Sleeping on your left side is also considered by the Sleep Foundation to be the best sleep position for people with GERD because it reduces reflux episodes.

A Friendly Position for Your Heart

Your heart does quite a bit of hard work throughout the day, pumping blood and keeping your circulatory system moving. Interestingly, lying on your left side can lend it a helping hand. This position may lessen pressure on the heart by allowing it to pump blood more efficiently.

Mayo Clinic sleep specialist confirmed these benefits, stating, “And sleeping on the left side is best because it keeps pressure off internal organs and promotes healthy blood flow.”

In addition, many experts believe that sleeping on the left side supports the lymphatic system in draining excess fluid from the body. This natural drainage process helps remove waste and toxins, which ultimately benefits your heart. While left-side sleeping is not a cure for heart problems, it could offer a gentle boost to your cardiovascular health.

People with heart failure do not need to avoid sleeping on their left side. As stated by UnityPoint Health, “There is no evidence that this sleeping position causes heart problems.”

Better Breathing at Night

If you have ever battled nasal congestion or minor breathing troubles, take note that lying on your left side can help. When you sleep on your back, your tongue and soft tissues in your throat can fall backward, making it trickier to breathe freely. On the other hand, side-sleeping helps open the airways and reduces the likelihood of snoring.

People who deal with mild sleep apnea or nighttime breathing issues may find relief from left-side sleeping. It is not a substitute for professional medical care if you have moderate or severe breathing issues, but it can be a positive step toward better rest.

Eases Pressure on Your Spine

Your spine benefits greatly when you choose a side-sleeping arrangement. If you sleep flat on your back or stomach, it can sometimes strain your lower back. In contrast, lying on your left side with a supportive mattress can distribute weight across the body more evenly.

Adding a soft pillow between your knees can help keep your spine in alignment. This small change goes a long way toward making your night’s rest more comfortable. Over time, this healthy posture may reduce morning aches and stiffness.

How to Get Started

It can take a while to adapt if you are used to sleeping on your right side or back. Begin by placing a pillow against your back to discourage rolling over at night. You can also hug a body pillow on your left side to remind yourself to stay put. It may require patience, but within a few nights, your body will likely adjust.

For added comfort, select a mattress with moderate firmness. Too soft a mattress might cause you to sink in, shifting your spine out of position. A pillow of medium height under your head can also help keep your neck properly aligned.

Final Thoughts

Making a point to sleep on your left side is a simple adjustment that might bring unexpected benefits, from aiding digestion to promoting easier breathing. I encourage you to give left-side sleeping a try for a few weeks and see how you feel in the morning. Keep in mind that each body is different, so if you find this position helpful, stick with it. Sweet dreams, and here’s to a happier, healthier night’s rest!