Sleep is a natural, periodic state of rest in which the body's nervous system is inactive, the eyes are closed, and consciousness is suspended. The amount and quality of sleep a person needs vary depending on factors such as posture, age, lifestyle, and health. Your sleeping posture matters because it can affect the quality of your sleep and your overall health. Sleeping in certain positions can cause discomfort or pain in different parts of the body, which can lead to a restless night and leave you feeling tired and irritable the next day. Therefore, choosing the right sleeping posture that suits your body and sleeping habits helps you achieve a good night's sleep and promote better health. There are several things that happen when you sleep on your left side, some of which are beneficial for your health. This is what happens when you sleep on your left side:
- Improves Digestion: Sleeping on your left side can improve digestion. The stomach is positioned on the left side of the body, so when you sleep on that side, the stomach and its contents are positioned below the esophagus. This can help prevent acid reflux or heartburn, as gravity is helping to keep stomach acid from flowing up into the esophagus.
- Reduces Snoring: Sleeping on your left side can also reduce snoring. Snoring can occur when the airway is partially blocked, and sleeping on your back can make this worse. Sleeping on your left side can help keep the airway open and reduce snoring.
- Promotes Lymphatic Drainage: The lymphatic system is responsible for removing waste and toxins from the body. Sleeping on your left side can help promote lymphatic drainage, as the lymphatic system is on the left side of the body. This can help reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Improves Heart Health: Sleeping on your left side can improve heart health. The heart is located on the left side of the body, so when you sleep on that side, it can help improve blood flow and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Enhances Brain Health: Sleeping on your left side can also enhance brain health. The glymphatic system, which helps remove waste from the brain, is more efficient when sleeping on your left side. This can help reduce the risk of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
- Eases Pregnancy Discomfort: Pregnant women are often advised to sleep on their left side. This can help improve blood flow to the fetus and reduce the risk of stillbirth. It can also help reduce discomforts, such as back pain and acid reflux.
- Reduces Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep. Sleeping on your left side can help reduce sleep apnea, as it can help keep the airway open and reduce snoring.
- Improves Spine Alignment: Sleeping on your left side can also improve spine alignment. When sleeping on your back, the weight of the body can put pressure on the spine, leading to back pain. Sleeping on your left side can help reduce this pressure and improve spine alignment.
Summarily, sleeping on your left side can offer a range of benefits for your health, including improved digestion, reduced snoring, lymphatic drainage, heart health, brain health, pregnancy discomfort, sleep apnea, and spine alignment. It is worth trying to see if it works for you, and if you find it uncomfortable, there are other positions you can try.