Finding the best way to sleep is important for a good night’s sleep. People like different positions, but doctors and scientists have been talking about how sleeping on your right side might not be the best.
Here are some reasons to think about sleeping differently for better health.
- Heart Health
Sleeping on your right side might put extra pressure on your heart, which could be a problem, especially if you already have heart issues. Doctors often say sleeping on your left side is better because it can help blood flow better and take some pressure off your heart.
But, for most people who don’t have heart problems, it doesn’t really matter which side they sleep on. The idea that sleeping on your right side is bad for your heart doesn’t have a lot of proof unless your doctor tells you so for a health condition.
- Stomach Problems
The way you sleep can also affect your stomach. If you sleep on your right side, you might get acid reflux and heartburn more often. This happens because of how your stomach is shaped and where it connects to your throat. But sleeping on your left side might help reduce these problems.
This idea has some evidence behind it. Studies, like one from “The Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology” in 2005, show that sleeping on your left side can help people with acid reflux feel better. This is because of the way your stomach is positioned when you’re on your left side.
- Breathing Problems
Sleeping on your right side can make breathing harder and lead to sleep apnea, where you stop breathing for short periods while sleeping. This is because of how gravity affects your tongue and throat tissues, which can block your airways easier. Sleeping on your left side or your back might help with these issues.
However, for sleep apnea, sleeping on the back might actually make it worse. Whether right-side or left-side sleeping is better for sleep apnea isn’t totally clear. Some doctors suggest trying different positions to see what helps.
- Pregnancy
For women who are pregnant, sleeping on the left side is usually recommended. Sleeping on the right side can lower blood flow to the baby, the uterus, and the kidneys. Sleeping on the left side helps with blood circulation, which is good for both the mother and the baby.
This advice has a lot of support. It’s based on how the body works and is recommended by many doctors for the health of both the mother and the baby.
- Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system helps clean waste and toxins from your body. Some people think sleeping on your right side might slow this process down, while sleeping on your left side might help because that’s the side your lymphatic system works best on.
This idea doesn’t have much scientific proof, though. Your lymphatic system works no matter how you sleep, and there’s no strong evidence that sleeping on one side or the other makes a big difference.
Changing Your Sleeping Position
If you usually sleep on your right side, changing to another position might be hard. You can try using body pillows or changing your bedding to help. It might take some time to get used to a new sleeping position.
Final Thoughts
You should sleep in whatever position feels best to you, but it’s good to know about how different positions might affect your health. If you’re worried about your health or find it hard to change how you sleep, talking to a doctor might help. The most important thing is to find a balance that lets you sleep well and stay healthy.
