Sleeping position can affect more than comfort, according to a piece from Clalit Complementary Medicine. The article says there is growing evidence that lying on the left side may help with digestion, reduce nighttime heartburn, and offer other possible health benefits, though no single sleeping position suits everyone and there is no need to panic if you prefer your back or right side.
One of the clearest benefits is for people with reflux and chronic heartburn. Studies cited in the article found that sleeping on the left side can reduce the time the esophagus is exposed to stomach acid, because the stomach’s anatomy makes it harder for acid to move upward in that position. Sleeping on the right side, by contrast, may sometimes make acid flow toward the esophagus more easily.
The article also says the digestive system may work more efficiently on the left side, since the stomach and colon are positioned in a way that may help food and waste move along more smoothly. It is not presented as a cure for constipation or complex digestive disorders, but some people may wake up feeling more comfortable.
For pregnant women, especially later in pregnancy, left-side sleeping is often recommended because it may improve blood flow back to the heart and support blood supply to the fetus, placenta, and kidneys. It may also reduce pressure on the liver and lessen swelling in the legs and feet, though the article stresses that women should not worry if they wake up on their back or right side.
The piece adds that some researchers think left-side sleeping may help lymphatic drainage, although that area is still being studied. Heart effects are more complicated, and people with significant heart disease should consult a doctor. To get used to the position, the article suggests starting the night on the left side, using a pillow between the knees, and placing another behind the back to prevent rolling over.
