Sleeping on your right side? Not a good idea!

We all understand the importance of getting enough sleep for both mental and physical health, but it turns out that sleep posture may also play a significant role in achieving optimum health.

In particular, a limited body of evidence indicates that sleeping on the left side may be the key to greater health and sleep for many people. The theory is based on Ayurveda, holistic health care and medicine stemming out of India.

Why then is sleeping on the left side such a big deal? It turns out that the locations of certain organs may be advantageous for our stomachs, our backs, and even our hearts.

Here are some reasons why sleeping on your left side may be helpful.

1. Acid reflux is avoided by sleeping on the left side, which forces stomach acid into the stomach's pit rather than the oesophagus. This issue could arise if you sleep on your right side. So, to avoid heartburn or acidity after a spicy meal, it is recommended to sleep on your left side.
   
2. Snoring relief: Sleeping on your back leads to breathing problems that further cause snoring. It occurs when you push the tongue and throat muscles towards the throat. Snoring can be avoided by lying on your side, as it helps keep the muscles in a neutral position. It is also helpful for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
   
3. Improves digestion: Sleeping on your left side makes it easier for waste to pass from your small to large intestine. Better digestion is the effect of this.
   
4. Healthy lymphatic system: Lymph fluid, toxins, and waste are all filtered by the body while you sleep on your left side. This is due to the left lymphatic side being dominant and its ability to stimulate waste flow to the left-side thoracic duct.
   
5. Improves circulation: For the best blood flow to the heart, kidneys, and foetus, pregnant women should lie on their left side. Patients with varicose veins may also benefit from treatment because of the increased circulation.
   
6. Other advantages of sleeping on your left side include better heart and spleen health. There is also a lesser risk of neck and back spine problems.

How to switch over

If you're prepared to make the change, you'll discover that establishing a new sleeping position will take time. For instance, you might want to try placing a body pillow behind your back to make it more difficult for you to roll onto your left side while you're sleeping. Try sleeping on the opposite side of the bed from where you usually do so that your sleep orientation won't seem significantly different (even when you're on your opposite side). Additionally, it's critical to select a mattress that is suitable for side sleeping.

Conclusion
Although the earlier mentioned reasons support why you should sleep on your left side, changing how you've been sleeping all this time may cause you some discomfort. Take your time, though, as having a good night's sleep is essential for your health in any case. To ensure restful sleep, it's crucial to select the correct kind of mattress. Choose a soft mattress if you intend to sleep on your side as it can put pressure on your hips and shoulders. Additionally, you should pick a mattress that enables your spine to relax in its natural posture; otherwise, you risk waking up every morning with unneeded aches and pains.