And sleeping on the left side is best because it keeps pressure off internal organs and promotes healthy blood flow.
Sleep on your left side for better digestion
The discomfort of heartburn, indigestion and acid reflux disease — officially known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — can ruin a good night's sleep. But “sleeping on your left side tends to make it a little better,” Salas says.
People with heart failure often experience shortness of breath that worsens when they sleep on their left side, Salas said, leading many to prefer their right.
"Sleeping on the side seems to have the least negative impact on health," Dr. Pirtle says. Side sleeping is associated with several potential health benefits. Interestingly, the side of the body a person sleeps on can affect what benefits they may receive.
“Researchers have found that sleeping position can impact the movement of blood and cerebrospinal fluid through the brain,” Dr. Gliebus says. “They have also discovered that sleeping on the side can improve cerebrospinal fluid clearance.” Sleeping on your left side can also keep pressure off your internal organs.
Due to gravity, the shape of the stomach, and the angle of the connection between it and the esophagus, sleeping on your left side can greatly reduce reflux (see bottom picture). Another way to use gravity to help decrease nighttime GERD symptoms involves propping up the head section of the bed by about six inches.
Try the best position to sleep with anxiety: The best sleeping position for anxiety is on your back with your limbs splayed out, otherwise known as the 'shooting star' position or supine position. While you may feel tempted to curl on your side, this position causes muscle tension rather than relaxation.
It is strongly advised against sleeping with the head towards the North and facing the South. Yama (the Lord of Death) is associated with this direction. It is believed that aligning oneself in this manner may lead to nightmares, disturbed sleep, and potential health issues.
If you have a long-term (chronic) lung problem associated with excessive mucus, or you have increased mucus from an infection, lying with your chest lower than your belly (abdomen) can help loosen and drain extra mucus from your lungs.
Reflux and heartburn: If you suffer from heartburn, sleeping on your right side can make symptoms worse, Salas says. That's true for people who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and for people who have heartburn for other reasons, such as pregnant women. Flip to your left side to cool the burn.
Sleep Better on Your Back
A side position might be the most popular, but sleeping on your back is by consensus the most beneficial. Your back remains straight and your pelvis untwisted. Lying with your arms and legs extended out can be good for your spine and neck - some say it could even lead to fewer wrinkles!
While studies have found that people with heart failure often avoid sleeping on their left side, it does not show that this sleeping position causes heart problems.
Summa notes that sleeping on the left side also helps minimize the effect of trapped gas in the stomach. There is often a gas bubble on top of food in the stomach, he explains. Lying on your left side allows for the gas bubble to be more easily released by belching. “That can minimize bloating and discomfort,” he says.
Not everyone needs to sleep with a pillow. Sleeping without a pillow can reduce neck strain for people who sleep on their stomach. If you're a back or side sleeper, sleeping without a pillow can affect your sleep quality. Other benefits of sleeping without a pillow include better skin and fewer allergies.
The best side to sleep on depends on your personal preference as well as the support of your mattress and pillow. Left side sleeping may benefit pregnant people or those who experience acid reflux, while right side sleeping may be preferred by people with heart conditions.
And sleeping on the left side is best because it keeps pressure off internal organs and promotes healthy blood flow.
"Sleeping on your left side, however, can be associated with nightmares because left-side sleeping puts more stress on the heart," continues Cheung. "Whenever there is stress, sleep quality is poor and nightmares are sure to follow.”
Specifically, sleeping on the side or back is considered more beneficial than sleeping on the stomach. In either of these sleep positions, it's easier to keep your spine supported and balanced, which relieves pressure on the spine and enables your muscles to relax and recover.
For some people, sleeping on the floor every day can be safe and beneficial. However, it's not recommended for everyone. Older adults, individuals with certain health conditions, or those with mobility issues should consult a Spine Surgeon before making the switch to floor sleeping.
If your stomach issues are due to digestive conditions such as GERD or acid reflux, you will want to sleep on your left side with your head slightly elevated. Researchers have found a higher rate of acid reflux when sleeping on the right side because it relaxes the muscles between your esophagus and stomach.
When should you lie down after eating? To promote better health in the long run, experts advise waiting at least two to three hours after eating before lying down. Engaging in light physical activity such as a short walk and adopting habits can improve digestion and help to manage weight and overall health.