The Benefits of Sleeping on Your Left Side : The Hearty Soul

Side sleeping is a popular position for many people, but it comes with unexpected health benefits. Different sleeping positions can have various effects on the body, both positive and negative. While comfort is key, changing up bedtime positioning can alleviate symptoms like back pain, jaw pain, and poor digestion. Sleeping on the left side, in particular, offers numerous advantages.

The Benefits of Sleeping on Your Left Side

Reduce back pain – Sleeping on your stomach can strain the spine, causing discomfort. In contrast, side sleeping maintains natural spine alignment and relieves pressure in the lower back.

Reduce snoring – Back sleeping can lead to increased snoring due to airway blockage. By sleeping on your side, you keep the tongue forward, preventing airway obstruction and reducing snoring.

Improve digestion – Sleeping on the left side can alleviate gastrointestinal issues like bloating, constipation, and heartburn. The position allows gravity to assist in the digestion process.

May help with brain health – Studies suggest that side sleeping enhances the brain’s waste clearance process, potentially reducing the risk of brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Further research on humans is needed to explore these benefits fully.

Improves blood flow – Side sleeping is recommended for pregnant women to support proper blood flow to the placenta.

How to Train Yourself to Sleep on Your Side

Choose a good pillow and mattress

• Find a pillow that suits your collarbone structure.
• Use a firm pillow to support your neck.
• Opt for a softer mattress to prevent pressure points in the shoulders and hips.

Use pillows as barriers and supports

• Place a pillow between your knees to support your hips and lower back.
• Hug a pillow to rest your upper arm comfortably.
• Consider using body pillows to maintain your side sleeping position.
• Sew a tennis ball onto a shirt to prevent rolling onto your back.

Sleep on the couch at first

• Couches naturally limit sleeping positions, making side sleeping easier to achieve.

Disadvantages of Sleeping on Your Side

While side sleeping offers numerous benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially if discomfort arises from mattresses or pillows. Some disadvantages include:

• Shoulder and hip pain

The Benefits and Disadvantages of Other Sleeping Positions

• Hip pain
• Knee pain
• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Sinus congestion
• Bursitis

Tips

• Place a pillow under your knees to support the spine and lower back.
• Extend your legs and arms to relieve joint pressure.
• Opt for a supportive pillow that maintains proper neck alignment.
• Elevate your head with pillows to alleviate heartburn, headaches, and sinus issues.

Sleeping on Your Stomach

Experts advise against stomach sleeping due to potential strain on the spine. For those who cannot switch positions, try the following tips:

• Use a flat pillow or no pillow at all.
• Avoid tucking arms under pillows to prevent shoulder pain.
• Alternate head positions to prevent neck strain.
• Avoid lifting one leg with a bent knee to prevent back issues.

Keep Reading: Heart Health: 6 Foods Cardiologists Try to Avoid