The position you choose to sleep in most often may be having either a positive or negative effect on your entire body. Sleeping on your back, for example, can sometimes increase your risk for snoring and sleep apnea. Many experts will tell you the best option is sleeping on your side, for several reasons. There may even be benefits of sleeping on your left side instead of your right side.
Sleeping on Your Side
Sleeping on your side allows for better neck and spine alignment, especially if you have a medium-firm mattress and a pillow designed for side sleeping. Side sleeping can improve back pain, digestion, heart health, and snoring if you follow a few simple guidelines:
- Choose a pillow that supports your head and neck at the right angle and height.
- Keep your ears in line with your shoulders and avoid tucking in your chin.
- Sleep with a pillow between your arms and/or knees to support your shoulders and lower back.
- Choose a mattress that is not so soft that you sink into it, and your joints lack support. You also don’t want a mattress that is so hard it puts pressure on your hips and shoulders. A medium-firm mattress is best.
- Do not twist with one leg forward or backward. This puts your spine in a stressful position.
- Slightly bend knees toward chest, but not in a full fetal position, which curves your spine.
Which Side Is Best?
Although there are benefits to sleeping on your right side, it is generally accepted that the benefits of sleeping on your left side are superior. In truth, you will likely shift back and forth between the two throughout the night, which is perfectly fine. The main goal is to avoid sleeping on your stomach, which puts pressure on your organs and contorts your neck and spine. However, if you can spend the majority of time sleeping on your left side, you’ll experience the following benefits.
Better Digestion
When lying on your left side, your digestive organs don’t have to fight against gravity to complete their important jobs. This contributes to healthier bowels and pancreatic enzyme development.
Pregnancy Health
It is debatable whether sleeping on your right or your left side is better for your heart. However, it is commonly suggested that pregnant women sleep on their left side to improve circulation.
It can also help pregnant women increase blood flow to the fetus, kidneys, and liver and relieve pressure from their backs.
Heart Health & Heartburn
Sleeping on your left side can improve circulation, so it can also be great for your heart since it may not have to work as hard while you sleep. Also, your stomach is located on the left side of your body, so when you lie on your left side, gravity can help alleviate heartburn.
Promotes Lymphatic Drainage
The left side of the body is the dominant lymphatic side, making one of the benefits of sleeping on your left side improved lymphatic drainage. It may also help to process waste from the brain while you sleep.
Improve Side Sleeping with a Pillow Cube
Get the most out of sleeping on your side with help from the Pillow Cube. Its unique cube shape creates the perfect right angle between your shoulders and head for maximum comfort and proper alignment all night long.
