The Surprising Benefits of Sleeping on Your Left Side You Didn’t Know About

Have you ever wondered if your sleep position could impact your health? Whether you're a back, stomach, or left-side sleeper, it's possible that switching up your sleeping habits might bring unexpected health benefits.

One sleeping posture, in particular, has caught the attention of health experts and social media users alike for its surprising advantages: sleeping on your left side. From improving digestion to easing heartburn, sleeping on your left side might just be the key to better health. Let’s dive deeper into the science behind this simple change and explore the benefits it could offer you.

Why Consider Sleeping on Your Left Side?

If you’ve been in the habit of sleeping in a particular position, you may not have thought about how making a slight change could have a profound effect on your overall well-being. That’s exactly what herbalist and wellness expert Ali Ramadan, also known as @holisticali on TikTok, recently shared in a viral video that garnered an impressive 406.9K likes. In just 15 seconds, Ramadan highlighted a key health benefit of sleeping on the left side, and it caught the attention of thousands of followers who were eager to try it out.

@holisticali

Do you sleep on the left side? There are benefits to both right side sleeping and left side sleeping. The research shows it is better for digestive health to sleep on the left side, and for those who have heart failure it is better to sleep on the right side. Sources: https://www.dovepress.com/sleep-positions-and-nocturnal-body-movements-based-on-free-living-acce-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-NSS https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/410292 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12801953/ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000559.htm https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12801953/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10445529/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26835867/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8071510/ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleeping-positions/side-sleeping https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/sleep-effects-digestion https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19110135/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12535814/

♬ original sound - Ali Ramadan

“I dramatically switched to the left side after seeing this vid,” one commenter wrote. Another user remarked, “I tried it, and it’s true—it makes a difference.” This type of positive feedback has sparked more interest in the left-side sleeping position, leading people to ask, could this small change really have such a big impact?

The Benefits of Left-Side Sleeping

Sleeping on your left side is more than just a comfortable change. It’s a practice that could improve your health in several unexpected ways. Let’s break down some of the key benefits you could experience:

1. Eases Heartburn and Digestive Issues

According to Ramadan, sleeping on the left side helps to alleviate common digestive problems, including heartburn. “When we sleep on the left side, the stomach and its gastric juices remain lower than the esophagus, thus reducing heartburn and digestive upsets,” Ramadan explained.

This happens because of the way the body is positioned. By sleeping on your left side, the stomach’s natural alignment helps keep stomach acids down and reduces the risk of acid reflux, which can cause painful heartburn. If you suffer from chronic heartburn or digestive discomfort, this simple change could help improve your quality of life.

2. Relieves Back Pain

For those who suffer from back pain, adjusting your sleep position may also help reduce discomfort. According to health experts, sleeping on your left side can reduce pressure on your spine and help relieve tension in the back. This sleeping posture is beneficial because it evenly distributes body weight, reducing stress on pressure points and promoting better alignment.

3. Supports Circulation and Heart Health

While there are many health benefits tied to sleeping on your left side, one of the most important ones is improved circulation. According to Jeff Kahn, co-founder of Rise Science and a sleep medicine specialist, sleeping on the left side can benefit pregnant women and those with heart-related conditions.

For pregnant women, this position improves blood circulation to the heart, benefiting both mother and baby. It also allows better oxygen flow throughout the body, which is essential for cardiovascular health. “Sleeping on the left side can increase circulation and is often recommended for those with heart disease or high blood pressure,” explained Martin Seeley, CEO of Mattress Next Day.

This sleeping posture can also enhance oxygenation, which may improve overall cardiovascular function. In contrast, sleeping on the right side may sometimes limit circulation to certain areas of the body, such as the legs and feet.

4. Better Digestion and Food Movement

Did you know that your body's digestive system is designed in a way that can make digestion easier depending on which side you sleep on? Jeff Kahn explains that sleeping on your left side helps food move through the digestive tract more efficiently.

“The layout of the digestive tract means that when you sleep on your left, gravity helps move food along from the small intestine to the large intestine,” Kahn said. “When you’re on your left side, your stomach is lower than your esophagus, making it harder for stomach acid to rise up, thus reducing the chances of acid reflux.”

Is Left-Side Sleeping Right for You?

While the benefits of sleeping on your left side may seem compelling, it’s essential to remember that everyone’s body is different. There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the best sleeping position, and experts agree that the most important factor is comfort.

“There is no right or wrong way to sleep,” Kahn stated. “The best position for you is the one that you find most comfortable and that allows you to get enough restful, healthy sleep.” If you’re used to a particular sleeping position, it might be helpful to experiment with left-side sleeping to see how your body responds.

When to Consider Sleeping on Your Left Side

While side sleeping can offer a variety of health benefits, certain people may find this position especially helpful. Pregnant women, people with heart disease, or those dealing with digestive issues might find that sleeping on their left side helps ease their symptoms. However, before making any changes to your sleep routine, it’s always wise to consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try Left-Side Sleeping?

If you're looking for a way to improve your overall health and sleep quality, switching to the left side might be worth considering. From reducing heartburn to improving circulation, the potential benefits are clear. However, the best sleeping position for you is ultimately the one that allows you to get a peaceful and restful night’s sleep.

So, whether you’re dealing with back pain, digestive issues, or just want to try something new, giving left-side sleeping a try might just surprise you with the positive results it brings. After all, it’s a small change that could lead to big improvements in your health and well-being.

Please SHARE this article with your friends and family, and let us know your thoughts in the comments! Have you tried sleeping on your left side, and what difference did it make for you?