What sort of sleeper are you? One that sleeps on their stomach? Maybe you’re a side sleeper. Or maybe you just keep it simple and lay flat on your back.
It turns out, the way you sleep actually matters, especially for your health and well-being.
So which side is best? Well– it depends. For the most part though, sleeping on your side is typically the way to go. But interestingly enough, your left side is actually better to sleep on than your right.
Here’s why.
It’ll help you filter toxins.
Your body will have more time to filter toxins since the left side of your body is the dominant lymphatic side. Sleeping on your side can also help you get rid of waste materials from your brain.
It improves your digestion.
Sleeping on your left side improves your digestive system, and allows your body to quickly extract nutrients and dispose toxins. Also, when laying on your left side, it’s easier for food to move from the large intestine into the descending colon.
It’s good for your baby.
If you’re pregnant, sleeping on your left side sends more nutrients towards your placenta and your baby. It can also take away pressure from your back, and keep the uterus from squeezing the liver.
It’ll douse your heartburn.
Because your stomach lies to the left of your body, sleeping on your left side can help to reduce acid reflux symptoms. It also works quickly! If you’re struggling with heartburn after a meal, try laying down on your left side for a few minutes and you should be feeling better in no time.
Prevents Snoring
You can also try sleeping on your left side to relieve sleep apnea and snoring. This position opens airways by keeping your tongue and throat muscles in a neutral position.
In contrast, sleeping on your back pushes these muscles towards the back of your throat and causes distinct snoring noises and you struggle to breathe.
Improves Circulation
This position improves blood circulation throughout the night. In fact, sleeping on your side takes pressure off your vena cava (largest vein in the body), which is located on the right side of your body and supplies blood to the right side of your heart.
Pregnant women are often advised to sleep on their left side as it significantly improves blood flow to the heart, fetus, uterus, and kidneys.
Here’s a video that provides more support for sleeping on your left side. There are just so many benefits!
H/T Shareably