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 on your left side for better digestion
“It takes some pressure off your stomach.” In fact, research shows that not only do GERD sufferers who sleep on the right side experience more instances of heartburn than when on their left side, but these episodes also last longer.
"There's a host of evidence overall suggesting that probably sleeping on the side is better," says Dr. Virend Somers, a cardiologist and director of the sleep facility within Mayo Clinic's Center for Clinical and Translational Science. Side sleeping helps prevent the airway from collapsing and can reduce snoring.
The best sleeping position for breathing problems is side sleeping because it allows your airways to stay open. Research shows that sleeping on your right side in particular can be beneficial for those with sleep apnea.
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.
Elevating your legs and sleeping on your back are the best positions to prevent clot formation. Avoid curling tightly in a fetal position, which can restrict blood flow. Simple habits like staying hydrated and stretching before bed can further reduce clot risks.
Because your head functions like a north pole, sleeping with your body in a north-facing position is considered a worst-case scenario, according to Vastu Shastra. It creates tension that may lead to headaches and other health problems.
Sleeping on your front is considered unhealthy because it can inhibit breathing and cause irregular curvature of the spine. The turning of the head to one side when sleeping in this position is another cause of such a curvature. All of this can lead to inflammation and pain in the neck muscles in addition to back pain.
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.
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.
Almost everybody has a side of the bed they sleep on, and most couples need to establish this as soon as they decide to start sleeping together. Research shows that men often tend to sleep on the right as it makes them feel dominant while women prefer the left as it makes them feel safe.
Reclining, on the other hand, compresses the chest cavity, altering the natural alignment of the body and potentially impeding blood flow. This altered posture can restrict the movement of the diaphragm, reducing the efficiency of breathing and placing added strain on the heart.
In some cases, sleeping with your knees up may be a symptom of other health conditions. For example, a person with periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) or restless leg syndrome (RLS) may sleep with their knees up as a result of muscle contractions or to alleviate the discomfort these conditions cause.
Researchers have looked at sleep position in people with heart failure, a condition where the heart does not pump effectively. 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.
Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. The healthcare team will advise how much and when you can drink. If you smoke, stopping smoking may reduce your risk of developing a blood clot and will improve your long-term health.
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!
What side should you lie on when you have gas? “The best position to sleep in when you have gas is on your left side with your knees drawn up to your chest, as this position anatomically compresses the abdomen but straightens the pelvis to allow passage of gas,” says Tau.
“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.
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.
Leg hug position means you both are equally passionate about each other. It shows you both have a solid emotional and sexual connection. Sleeping with your legs over your partner allows you to sleep on your back, front, or side with your legs frequently touching or intertwining with your partner.
To date there isn't enough research to suggest that sleep position can impact dreams, but there is solid research to suggest that breathing issues cause poor quality sleep. Whenever there is poor quality sleep, the chances of nightmares increase.”