Sleeping on your right side can worsen heartburn and acid reflux by allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, especially in people with GERD or pregnancy. It may also increase heart strain as the heart works harder against gravity, and impair digestion and lymphatic drainage. Sleeping on the left side is generally healthier for heart and digestive function.
If You Sleep on Your Right Side, You Might Want to Rethink That Tonight
We all have our favorite sleeping positions—some curl up like a baby, others sprawl across the bed like a starfish. But if you’re someone who tends to sleep on your right side, you might want to pay closer attention.
Several studies and sleep experts have raised concerns about the potential downsides of consistently sleeping on your right side. While it may feel comfortable, especially for those dealing with back pain or hip discomfort, this position can affect various aspects of your health more than you realize.
For example, sleeping on your right side may worsen acid reflux symptoms. That’s because this position relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, making it easier for stomach acid to travel upward. In contrast, sleeping on your left side can reduce symptoms of heartburn and help with digestion due to gravity aiding your body’s natural processes.
There’s also evidence suggesting that right-side sleeping may put added pressure on internal organs like the liver, lungs, and stomach. While the long-term consequences aren’t fully understood, some experts suggest alternating sides or favoring the left side as a healthier choice.
Of course, everyone’s body is different, and what works for one person may not for another. But if you’ve been waking up feeling groggy, bloated, or experiencing nighttime discomfort, your sleeping position could be the quiet culprit.
Before you go to bed tonight, consider flipping to your left side. A small change in posture could make a big difference in your sleep quality—and your overall health.
