Picture this: you come home after a long, exhausting day at work, spend some time playing with the kids, prepare and serve dinner, put the little ones to bed, and maybe—just maybe—steal a few moments to relax in front of the TV or with a book. By the time bedtime rolls around, you barely have the energy to make it to the bedroom, switch off the lights, and collapse onto the mattress before sleep takes over.

Of course, everyone’s schedule is different, but the point remains—most of us don’t spend time analyzing how we sleep. What matters is that we get enough rest before another busy day begins, right?

Well, maybe not. As it turns out, there’s a lot happening inside the body while we sleep. And while most of us focus on getting our recommended eight hours (though in reality, it’s often less), we rarely consider how our sleeping position might affect our health. Believe it or not, the side you sleep on can influence various bodily functions, from digestion to circulation and even organ health.

We all have a preferred sleeping style—whether we consciously choose it or not. Some people sleep on their right side, others on their left, while some prefer lying flat on their back in a position reminiscent of a pharaoh in an ancient tomb.

But here’s something interesting: research suggests that sleeping on your left side offers a variety of potential health benefits. And since we care about your well-being, we’ve put together a list of reasons why you might want to consider switching up your sleeping position.

Why Should You Sleep on Your Left Side?

While comfort plays a significant role in determining how we sleep, studies indicate that choosing the left side may improve overall health in several ways. If you’re wondering where this information comes from, multiple sources, including health experts and scientific research, suggest the following benefits:

1. Relief from Nighttime Heartburn

If you suffer from acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sleeping on your left side may offer relief. This position allows gravity to work in your favor, helping keep the stomach positioned below the esophagus. As a result, there’s a reduced risk of stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus—a common cause of heartburn and discomfort.

Conversely, sleeping on your right side has been linked to an increased likelihood of acid reflux symptoms. So, if you frequently deal with heartburn at night, switching to your left side might help you get a more comfortable, uninterrupted sleep.

2. Better Spleen and Liver Function

Your spleen, which plays a crucial role in filtering blood and supporting the immune system, functions more efficiently when you sleep on your left side. Since the spleen is located on the left side of your body, this position helps improve circulation to the organ, allowing it to remove toxins and impurities more effectively.

Similarly, your liver, which is positioned on the right side of your body, can benefit from left-side sleeping. This posture encourages better detoxification and prevents excessive liver congestion, helping your body process waste more efficiently.

3. Improved Circulation for Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are often advised to sleep on their left side, particularly during the later stages of pregnancy. According to the Sleep Foundation, this position improves circulation by making it easier for the heart to pump blood throughout the body, ensuring proper oxygen and nutrient delivery to both the mother and baby.

Additionally, left-side sleeping relieves pressure on the liver, reducing discomfort and promoting overall cardiovascular health. Some studies suggest that sleeping on the back during pregnancy may increase the risk of stillbirth, further reinforcing the importance of side sleeping.

4. Healthier Bowel Movements

Now, here’s something most people don’t think about: the ileocecal valve. This valve, which connects the large and small intestines, is located on the left side of the body. Sleeping on your left side allows gravity to assist in the natural movement of waste from the small intestine to the large intestine, promoting healthier digestion and more regular bowel movements.

If you experience digestive issues such as bloating or constipation, you might find that changing your sleeping position improves your gut health.

When Should You Consider Changing Sleeping Positions?

While sleeping on your left side comes with various advantages, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Different sleeping positions provide different benefits, and ultimately, your comfort should be the priority.

For instance, if you suffer from chronic shoulder pain, sleeping on your side for prolonged periods could put excess pressure on your shoulder joints, leading to discomfort. Likewise, back sleepers often report fewer issues with spinal alignment, while stomach sleeping may help reduce snoring but can contribute to neck and back pain.

The key is to listen to your body. If you find that your current sleeping position is causing pain or discomfort, experimenting with different postures might help. You can also try using pillows to support your body, such as placing a pillow between your knees for spinal alignment or using a wedge pillow to elevate your upper body if you deal with acid reflux.

Final Thoughts: Does Your Sleeping Position Matter?

At the end of the day, how you sleep is a matter of personal preference. Some people naturally gravitate toward sleeping on their left side, while others find it impossible to maintain that position throughout the night. However, considering the potential health benefits, making a conscious effort to adjust your sleeping habits could lead to noticeable improvements in digestion, circulation, and overall comfort.

So, what about you? Do you have a go-to sleeping position? Have you ever noticed a difference in how you feel based on how you sleep? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your experiences in the comments and help get the conversation started.

Sweet dreams!