That favorite right-side sleeping position might be undermining your health without you realizing it. Emerging research highlights several reasons why left-side sleeping may be the better choice for overall wellness.
One key benefit involves your body’s natural cleaning system. The lymphatic network drains more effectively when you sleep on your left side, helping remove toxins and reduce morning puffiness. Right-side sleeping can interfere with this important overnight process.
Your heart also prefers the left-side position. The heart’s natural placement means right-side sleeping creates extra work for this hardworking organ. While not necessarily dangerous for healthy people, left-side sleeping provides optimal cardiovascular support.
Digestive comfort improves with left-side sleeping too. The position helps prevent acid reflux by keeping stomach acid from creeping back up the esophagus. Many chronic heartburn sufferers find significant relief just by changing their sleep side.
Making the switch may take some patience, but the potential health rewards are substantial. Try placing a pillow behind your back to help maintain the new position as you sleep. Your body’s natural detoxification, circulation, and digestion may all improve with this simple change.
