Why Sleeping on Your Left Side Could Benefit Your Health
Positions in which you sleep can have a big impact on both your general health and the quality of your sleep. It is common practice for medical practitioners to encourage sleeping on one’s left side for a number of important reasons related to one’s health, despite the fact that individuals have a variety of preferred positions. A closer look at the reasons why adopting this sleeping posture can be a recommended course of action is as follows:
Promotes better digestion
It has been shown that sleeping on your left side can boost the efficiency of your digestive system. Lying on one’s left side allows the stomach and pancreas to hang naturally, which increases the efficiency of digestion. This position allows gravity to aid the transit of food waste via the ascending colon, which can help reduce the risk of constipation and may lead to a more comfortable sleep due to reduce the amount of discomfort experienced by the digestive system.
Positive Effects on the Circulatory System and the Heart
There is some evidence that sleeping on the left side can be particularly good for the heart. For reasons related to the structure of the body, this position has the potential to improve circulation and cardiovascular health. On the left side of the body, the aorta curls away from the heart and descends into the abdomen. This allows the heart to pump more efficiently as it is traveling downhill. When the heart pumps blood downward to the rest of the body, this alignment can reduce the amount of effort that the heart has to accomplish.
Helps Take Away Back Pain
It is possible that those who suffer from chronic back pain will find relief from their condition by sleeping on their left side, particularly with a pillow that provides support between their knees. The spine can be better aligned and weight can be distributed more evenly when the body is in this position. This can assist reduce pressure points and potentially alleviate pain.
Helps to Reduce the symptoms of heartburn
When it comes to people who suffer from acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sleeping on the left side can make a big impact in their condition. By preventing the contents of the stomach from draining back into the esophagus, this position reduces the likelihood of experiencing heartburn during the night as well as the discomfort that it might cause.
Perfect for Women Who Are Pregnant
When pregnant, it is common practice to recommend that women sleep on their left side. It is important to ensure that the uterus is not pressing against the liver, which is located on the right side of the body. This posture also ensures that the fetus, the uterus, and the kidneys receive adequate blood flow. Improving the circulation of blood throughout the mother can also result in an increase in the quantity of nutrients that are delivered to the placenta and the baby.
Final Thoughts
- Altering your sleeping position to that of the left side may provide a multitude of health advantages, including enhanced digestion and relief from back discomfort, as well as improved heart health and a reduction in heartburn. Women who are pregnant can benefit from it in particular because it helps to ensure that nutrients are delivered to the baby in a secure and effective manner.
- The potential health benefits make it worthwhile to give it a shot, despite the fact that it may take some time to adjust to, just like any other new habit. In the event that you are contemplating altering the position in which you sleep, it may also be beneficial to consult with a healthcare expert, particularly if you are already experiencing physical health issues.