If you’re anything like me, you might not think too much about the position you adopt while sleeping.
Picture this: after a long day at work, playing with the kids, cooking dinner, putting them to bed, and maybe enjoying some TV or a book, bedtime doesn’t leave you with a lot of energy. You likely just aim to crash into bed and switch the lights off.
Though people’s daily routines differ, I’ve never really given much thought to my sleeping position. As long as I get enough sleep before another busy day begins, it seems right. But perhaps, that’s not enough.
When you get your recommended eight hours of sleep—though sometimes, like me, it’s less—you might not realize how much is happening inside your body. It might be worthwhile to think about how you sleep, even down to choosing which side you rest on.
Most of us have a preferred ‘sleeping style.’ Some prefer the right side, some the left, while others stick to lying on their back all night.
It turns out that sleeping on your left side can offer several health benefits, which we’re excited to share with you, our cherished readers.
Nighttime Heartburn
If you struggle with acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease, sleeping on your left side might bring relief. This position helps keep your stomach below the esophagus, reducing the chance of acid flowing back up and causing uncomfortable heartburn.
Spleen and Liver Function
Consider the spleen’s function. Sleeping on your left side promotes better blood flow to this organ, helping it to filter impurities effectively and boost your immune system.
Likewise, your liver, located on your body’s right side, may benefit. Sleeping on your left aids in detoxification, supporting your body in processing toxins.
Pregnant Women
According to the Sleep Foundation, pregnant women should try to sleep on their left side when possible. It helps the heart pump blood more easily, which is crucial during the final trimester, as it reduces pressure on the liver and supports heart function.
Side-sleeping is generally safer in pregnancy, as back-sleeping has been linked to an increased risk of late stillbirth in some studies.
Healthy Bowel Movement
The ileocecal valve—no need to worry if you’ve never heard of it—connects the small and large intestines and sits on your body’s left side. Sleeping on this side is said to encourage waste movement from the small to large intestine, aiding in bowel movements and waste elimination, assisted by gravity.
When to Consider a Switch in Sleeping Position
Though there are benefits to left-side sleeping, it’s not a necessity. Different positions offer different advantages.
Above all, comfort is key. Be ready to switch if a position doesn’t seem to suit you. Side sleeping, for instance, can worsen shoulder pains since lying in the same way for hours means extra weight on one side.
We hope you’ve gained some new insights from this article. Do you have a sleep position preference? Share your thoughts with us!
