Finding the best sleep position: How your health may depend on it
Did you know that changing your sleep position can significantly impact your health? Doctors and sleep specialists increasingly emphasise 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. Sleeping on the left side can have surprising benefits for the body's functioning, while lying on the right side may 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?
Many studies have shown that sleeping on the right side increases the number of reflux episodes compared to sleeping on the left, explains Dr Rezaie, a gastroenterologist at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. When you lie on your right side, the stomach is located above the oesophagus, which promotes the backflow of stomach acids. This can lead to a burning sensation in the oesophagus, chest pain, and other bothersome symptoms.
Benefits of sleeping on the left side
Sleeping on the left side reduces the risk of reflux and supports other body functions. As holistic medicine specialists indicate, the left side of the body is the "dominant lymphatic side."
The lymphatic system, which removes toxins, works more efficiently when lying 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, situated 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.
In his TikTok videos, sleep ergonomics expert James Leinhardt recommends sleeping on your back as the healthiest position.
The mattress instantly supports your spine, and your body weight is distributed 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.
