While there are many positions people find comfortable to sleep in, considering research has shown that we spend about one third of our lives sleeping, it is crucial to our physical, emotional, and mental health to get a good nights sleep.
Some prefer their back, others prefer their stomach, some prefer their left side, others prefer their right side. What many people do not know, is that the position in which you choose to sleep can actually have an impact on your overall health and wellbeing.
If You Prefer Sleeping On Your Right Side…
While many people find their right side the most comfortable, when you sleep on your right side, studies have shown that your digestive tract slows down and this can lead to your heartburn getting worse and other digestive troubles.
Not only that, but when the digestive tract is impaired, you are at a greater risk for certain diseases.
If You Prefer Sleeping On Your Stomach…
Sleeping on your stomach is probably the worst position for anyone to sleep in. Research has shown that since our bodies were not made to sleep on our stomachs, our spine cannot align properly when sleeping on our stomachs.
This can cause muscle pain and joint pain due to the pressure our bodies put on these muscles and joints. This can then lead to reoccurring and even chronic pain.
If You Prefer Sleeping On Your Back…
If you do not have any issues with snoring or breathing, you may be able to sleep comfortably on your back. For many people, this position is best since your spine, head, and neck can all align more naturally.
But if you suffer from any breathing issues or you are known to snore or grind your teeth in your sleep, sleeping on your back is definitely not the best position for you. This is especially true for people who suffer from asthma and sleep apnea.
However, If You Prefer Sleeping On Your Left Side…
Studies have shown that sleeping on your left side is optimal for a good night's sleep. Many doctors believe that sleeping on your left side is the best position for optimal blood flow. Not only that, but research has shown that sleeping on your left side can improve your health in countless ways and may even be able to save your life.
If you take into account that those who practice holistic medicine believe that the left side is the lymphatic dominant side, it is an additional reason to sleep on your left side. Because it is lymphatic dominant, when sleeping on your left side, your body has a better chance of filtering toxins through your lymph nodes.
This is a great way to fight off infections. Bear in mind how your lymph nodes swell when you are sick with a cold?
Sleeping on your left side can also help to improve your digestive health. It allows your body to digest foods easier and can decrease your risk of heartburn and acid reflux. Sleeping on your left side also offers relief from snoring, breathing issues and sleep apnea.
As we said above, sleeping on your left side offers the best blood flow. This is especially important if you are pregnant.
This is why most doctors recommend sleeping on your left side when you are pregnant, especially in the later months of your pregnancy when your uterus is putting added weight and pressure on your organs.
But What If I Cannot Sleep On My Left Side?
If you are not a natural left side sleeper, making the change will take time and patience. There are many ways you can help to ‘train' yourself to sleep on your left side. You can try to find a comfortable position that allows you to sleep on your left side.
You can sleep with your back against a wall, using a pillow to keep you in the best position possible. You can even try to put a low light night light on your right side so your brain naturally sends a signal to your body to roll over to get away from the light while you sleep.
While it may take time, eventually your body will become accustom to sleeping on your left side and then you can begin to not only feel the difference, but really get the benefits of a good night's sleep.
Sleep On Left Side Conclusion
While there are several positions people choose when sleeping, the most common positions that people choose are our backs, our stomachs, or our left or right sides. While some people may be able to sleep comfortably on their backs, if you suffer from any breathing issues or if you snore, have sleep apnea, or asthma, it is better to avoid sleeping on your back.
Sleeping on your stomach can lead to muscle and joint pain. Sleeping on your right side can impact your digestive tract and lead to several medical conditions including acid reflux and heartburn.
Most experts recommend sleeping on your left side. This is due to the fact that sleeping on your left side aids in proper digestion, optimal blood flow, less pressure on your muscles, organs and joints, and may even aid in your bodies ability to fight off illnesses and diseases.
Sleeping on your left side is also believed to be the best position for a restful night's sleep which is crucial for a healthy life, healthy mind, and healthy body.
Why not give sleeping on your left side a try? You may be surprised in the results. If nothing else, you have nothing to lose!
Whatever position you choose to sleep in, it is important to get an enough sleep every night, as sleep is the bodies way of repairing itself and fighting off illnesses, diseases, and toxins. Contact your health care provider for the best amount of sleep, and best position, for your personal needs.
