And now, to max up the benefits of sleep, research has found the best position to get your nightly shut-eye.
Sleeping on your left side offers health benefits
A study has found that sleeping on your left side is the least harmful position for your spine. When you lay on your back, you put too much pressure on your hips and upper back. If you sleep on your stomach, you put added strain onto your neck and lower back. On the other hand, when you’re sleeping on your left side, the pressure is taken off lymph drainage from the heart and spleen, promoting the proper flow of lymph.
Sleeping on your left side has also been shown to relieve nighttime congestion, so you can breathe easier. And, it can improve snoring! This is because sleeping on your left side gives optimum air flow and prevents the base of your tongue rolling into the back of the throat, obstructing breathing.
Sleeping on your left can help relieve heartburn and acid reflux symptoms as well.
Lastly, sleeping on your left side has been shown to improve your regularity, promoting easier waste removal and thus preventing constipation, because it is easier for food to travel through the intestines in this position.
As you can see, sleeping on your left side comes with numerous benefits for your overall health, so you may want to make a conscious effort to give this position a try.