I have often heard that getting a good night’s sleep is important for my health. But I never thought that they way I was sleeping might be having a significant effect on my health, too.
According to health expert .“Emphasizing the left side for rest and sleep offers some time-tested wisdom for very real health and longevity benefits.”
sleeping on your left side is great for your health and it also ensures better quality sleep.
#. Better Bowel Movement.
This benefit can be explained by gravity, as it allows for the easy passage of food through the digestive tract. The stomach and pancreas also hang naturally, as the stomach is situated towards the left side of the body.
Needless to say, if you sleep on your left side, you are more likely to have good bowel movements when you wake up. Of course, this does not mean that you can overeat or go to bed soon after eating your dinner!
According to Dr. John Douillard, “Sleeping on the left side allows gravity to encourage the food waste to move more easily from the small intestine into the large intestine.”
#. Improved Cardiac Health
Women are often advised to sleep on the left side during pregnancy, as this is believed to improve cardiovascular circulation. This benefit is accessible to anyone, not just pregnant women, as the sleeping posture is also said to relieve pressure on the heart.
#. Pregnancy Symptom Relief
Sleeping on your left side during pregnancy also relieves various uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms, such as backaches and muscle pains.
This is because the posture reduces pressure on your back and liver, while enhancing blood flow to the kidneys and fetus.
According to WebMD, “Sleeping on the left side is also recommended during pregnancy to improve circulation to the heart — good for Mom and baby.”
#. Heartburn Relief
Individuals who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn can benefit from sleeping on the left side, as it reduces the likelihood of regurgitation and food escaping up the esophageal tract.
According to WebMD, “Research suggests sleeping on the left side can relieve heartburn symptoms, while right-side sleeping makes them worse.”
#. Relieves Chronic Back Pain
It is believed that sleeping on the left side reduces pressure on the spine and this can help reduce back pain, while it also ensures better sleep because of the reduced discomfort.
#. Helps lymphatic function
While many people don’t put too much thought into their lymph nodes — in the neck or armpit areas — they are actually part of a very important system.
According to Healthy Life Tricks, “The left side of the body is the dominant lymphatic side, and while you’re sleeping on this side, your body will have more time to filter toxins, lymph fluid, and waste.”
Keep in mind that not all of these health benefits are backed by scientific studies. While you should certainly try sleeping on your left side, listen to your body and find a posture in which you are comfortable. If you have trouble getting quality sleep, you should also consider using other natural methods to improve sleep.