When it comes to which side is best to sleep on, it actually depends on your health goals and body condition. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
🛏️ 1. Left side
Pros:
- Better for digestion: Keeps your stomach and pancreas in an optimal position for digestion.
- Reduces heartburn/acid reflux: Gravity helps keep stomach acid from rising into the esophagus.
- Good for pregnant people: Improves blood flow to the baby and reduces pressure on the liver.
- May support heart health: Slightly less pressure on the heart compared to the right side.
Cons:
- Can put more pressure on the left shoulder or hip if mattress isn’t supportive.
🛏️ 2. Right side
Pros:
- Comfortable for people with heart issues who find left-side pressure uncomfortable.
- Can reduce pressure on certain internal organs.
Cons:
- May worsen acid reflux or heartburn, because stomach acid can flow more easily into the esophagus.
- Less optimal for pregnant individuals.
🛏️ 3. Back sleeping (supine)
Pros:
- Keeps spine neutral if you use the right pillow
- Reduces wrinkles and facial pressure
Cons:
- Can worsen snoring and sleep apnea
- May aggravate acid reflux
🛏️ 4. Stomach sleeping
Pros:
- Can reduce snoring for some people
Cons:
- Strains neck and spine
- Can cause back and shoulder pain
✅ General recommendation
- Left side sleeping is usually best for digestion, heartburn, and pregnancy.
- Back sleeping is okay if you don’t snore or have sleep apnea.
- Try switching sides occasionally to avoid pressure on one shoulder/hip.
If you want, I can also give a quick tip list for side sleeping with less shoulder and hip pain, which helps a lot if you’re uncomfortable at night. It’s basically “sleep smarter, not just longer.”
Do you want me to do that?
