7 Surprising Health Benefits of Sleeping on Your Left Side

Throughout life, we face many choices, some tougher than others. One of the simpler decisions we often overlook is which side of the bed to sleep on.

If you were to ask a group of people how they sleep, you’d likely get a range of responses. Some prefer sleeping on their backs, while others enjoy lying on their stomachs or sides. But if you’re someone who sleeps on your side, it’s important to know that there are key differences between sleeping on your left side versus your right.

If you haven’t already switched to sleeping on your left side, now might be the time to consider it. This position offers several significant health benefits. Below, we’ll explore seven reasons why sleeping on your left side could be great for your well-being.

1. Supports Heart Health

We all strive to keep our hearts healthy, and sleeping on your left side can actually help. Since the left chamber of your heart pumps blood to the rest of your body, this position supports optimal blood circulation while you sleep. It takes advantage of gravity to ease the heart’s workload, making your heart’s job a little easier.

2. Promotes a Healthy Pregnancy

Are you expecting? While sleeping on your right side is generally fine, switching to your left side is even better. It improves blood flow and helps relieve pressure on your liver as your pregnancy progresses, making it a recommended position for moms-to-be.

3. Boosts the Lymphatic System

Your lymphatic system is crucial for removing toxins from your body. Since this system primarily drains to the left, sleeping on your left side enhances the process of flushing out waste and improving your body’s overall detox efforts.

4. Improves Liver Function

The liver, located on the right side of your body, can become congested if you sleep on that side too much. By sleeping on your left side, you allow your liver to more efficiently process and remove toxins, preventing any unnecessary buildup.

5. Enhances Spleen Function

While often overlooked, the spleen is important for detoxification. Sleeping on your left side improves blood flow to this organ, helping your body eliminate impurities more effectively.

6. Relieves Heartburn

Nighttime heartburn or acid reflux can make sleeping difficult. If you suffer from heartburn or GERD, sleeping on your left side can help. This position keeps your stomach below the esophagus, reducing the risk of acid backing up into your throat and causing discomfort.

7. Aids Digestion and Waste Removal

Believe it or not, the side you sleep on impacts digestion. Sleeping on your left side helps your digestive system by encouraging waste to move more smoothly through your intestines. It uses gravity to aid in better waste elimination, particularly through the ileocecal valve, which connects the small and large intestines.