Did you know that the position we sleep in has a drastic effect on the quality of our health? For example, pillows can help align your posture, easing pressure on your spine. Whereas, switching sides also has multiple health benefits. But the million-dollar question that is yet to be answered is, which side is best to sleep on? Left, or right?
Left Side
Most people have their stomachs situated to the left of the abdomen. Hence, when you sleep on the left side, the contents of the stomach stay more put in reference to gravity. However, when you roll out to your right side, it may trigger acid reflux. Although that is not necessary.
Furthermore, giving time to your body to digest meals before lying down can reduce the risk of acid reflux. However, if you sleep on the right side, switching sides may help make a difference.
Right Side
While the left side works best if you have gastric problems, sleeping on the right side helps with breathing. Especially if someone suffers from sleep apnea.
Research conducted in 2011 among a group of people assessed sleeping on the left side compared to the right side and back, in terms of breathing difficulty and severity.
The authors of the paper concluded,
We found that the sleeping position had a significant influence on apneic events and [right-sided sleeping position] decreased the frequency of obstructive respiratory events in patients with moderate and severe disease.
Although the exact mechanism of sleeping on the right side for a better breathing mechanism is not clear. Further studies in 2018 were conducted to study the ECG changes in sleep positions. It was observed that people with heart failure opted for sleeping on the right side. However, it could be a possible mechanism of self-protection for improving cardiac function without realizing it.
