Does it truly make a difference which side you sleep on?
Are you someone who can’t find comfort at night until you’ve tried every sleeping position, maybe twice? Some individuals, especially during pregnancy, hear about the importance of sleeping on the left side.
However, research indicates that the right side might be preferable for certain health conditions. Let’s explore all factors to determine the optimal side you sleep on.
Is sleeping on your side a good or bad habit?
If you find a sleeping position comfortable and have no medical reasons to change it, it’s likely fine to sleep in any position you prefer.
However, side-sleeping is often recommended as a beneficial practice. For instance, during pregnancy, sleeping on your stomach becomes impractical, and sleeping on your back may hinder blood flow due to pressure on major blood vessels like the aorta and vena cava, particularly as the uterus enlarges.
Individuals with obstructive sleep apnea are typically advised to avoid sleeping on their backs, as it may exacerbate apneic episodes, and back sleeping can worsen snoring in general. (Note: If you suspect sleep apnea but haven’t been tested, observing better sleep when not on your back may warrant seeking testing.)
Additionally, for those experiencing back pain, side-sleeping is often more comfortable compared to sleeping on the back or stomach, although individual experiences may vary.
Reasons to consider sleeping on your left side
The primary rationale for left-side sleeping relates to the stomach’s anatomy. Contrary to a spherical image, the stomach is smaller and asymmetrical. Specifically, the esophagus enters on the right-hand side.
When lying on the left side, it aids in retaining food and digestive juices within the stomach, preventing reflux. For individuals with GERD or prone to heartburn, sleeping on the right side might exacerbate symptoms by facilitating the movement of stomach acid into the esophagus.
(Note: While most individuals have typical organ positioning, rare cases of mirror-style organ reversal exist, occurring infrequently even among surgeons.)
Reasons to consider sleeping on your right side
While left-side sleeping might benefit your stomach, it can affect the position of your heart. Normally located slightly left of center, the heart relies on the mediastinum, a central connective tissue structure, to maintain its position. However, when lying on the left side, the heart can sag and rotate slightly, detectable even by electrocardiogram readings.
Conversely, sleeping on the right side helps keep the heart in place, potentially leading to more efficient heartbeats. This positioning might aid breathing, particularly for individuals with sleep apnea. Moreover, animal studies suggest that right-side sleeping may enhance the removal of ‘glymphatic’ waste products from the brain during sleep, contributing to vital body maintenance processes.
What if none of the mentioned factors apply to you?
If your doctor has recommended a specific sleeping position, it’s essential to follow their advice. However, if you find their suggestion uncomfortable or impractical, don’t hesitate to inquire about the rationale behind it and its significance. It’s possible that their recommendation is merely a comfort-enhancing suggestion rather than a medical imperative. Clarifying this distinction requires asking questions.
For the rest of us, determining the ideal sleeping position often involves trial and error. While anatomical considerations may suggest certain preferences, our bodies are intricate, composed of various parts. For instance, if an old shoulder injury flares up from sleeping on a particular side, it’s wise to avoid that position.
Does it truly make a difference which side you sleep on conclusion
Generally, aside from specific medical conditions requiring specific positions, most individuals can select the sleeping posture that feels most comfortable. According to the Sleep Foundation, this choice depends on personal preference and the support provided by your mattress and pillow. Their troubleshooting advice is simple: “If you experience discomfort or pain, try adjusting your sleeping position.”
