How Your Sleeping Position Can Impact Your Health

The way you sleep plays a more important role in your health than you might realize. Sleep gives your body the opportunity to eliminate toxins and recover from the events of the day. This recovery process can be enhanced—or hindered—depending on your sleeping position.

The Impact of Sleeping Position on Your Health

Your sleep quality and the position you sleep in significantly affect your physical, heart, and mental health. Generally speaking, sleeping on your stomach is one of the least ideal positions for a restful night’s sleep. It’s even been linked to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Sleeping on your back is somewhat better, but it may still pose risks for people with respiratory issues or back pain. This leaves sleeping on your side as the most favorable position for many.

Why Sleeping on Your Side is Recommended

Research published in the Journal of Neuroscience shows that sleeping on your side helps the brain remove waste more efficiently, which may reduce the accumulation of Alzheimer’s-related plaques.

Which Side Is Better for You?

Many healthcare professionals recommend that pregnant women sleep on their left side. This position promotes better blood circulation to the heart, uterus, kidneys, and fetus, and it helps relieve pressure on the liver.

People suffering from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) also benefit from sleeping on their left side to minimize symptoms. Holistic medicine refers to the left side of the body as “the dominant lymphatic side,” believing that this side better supports the filtration of toxins from lymph nodes.

How to Transition to Sleeping on Your Left Side

For Those Who Sleep on Their Right Side or Back:
If you struggle to sleep on your left side, start by lying with your back against a wall, using a pillow on your left side or between your legs. This setup can help keep your body in place throughout the night.

For Belly or Right Side Sleepers:
To make the switch, lie on your left side with a large pillow beside you. Tuck your left arm under the pillow and place your right arm above it. For added comfort, position your legs to mirror this arrangement. By hugging the pillow, you can prevent yourself from rolling onto your stomach. You may also add a pillow behind your back to keep you from shifting to the other side.

Getting Enough Sleep

Now that you know how to improve your sleeping position, the next step is ensuring you’re getting enough sleep. Missing just one night of rest can negatively affect your body, so aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

If falling asleep is difficult, consider trying yoga, aromatherapy, or taking a power nap during the afternoon to catch up on sleep. Prioritizing quality sleep is always worth the effort!