Which Side is the Best to Sleep At Night?

Sleeping on your left side is thought to have the greatest benefits for overall health. Learn more about the pros and cons of each sleeping position.

Which Side is the Best to Sleep At Night?

When it comes to getting a good night's sleep, the position you sleep in can make a big difference. According to ancient traditions such as Vastu Shastra, the best direction to sleep is to the south, with your head pointing south and your feet pointing north. This theory is also supported by some recent research. Sleeping on your left side is thought to have the greatest benefits for your overall health.

It can help open your airways naturally and make breathing easier, which is especially beneficial for those who suffer from snoring or sleep apnea. Even so, either side can offer benefits in terms of sleep apnea and relief from chronic low back pain. You don't have to stay with one side all night; feel free to start on the left side and see how your body feels. If you're looking for additional help when it comes to sleeping with GERD, you can also explore solutions such as an acid reflux pillow, which keeps you in the best sleeping position to minimize acid reflux during the night.

Christopher Winter, MD, medical director of the Sleep Medicine Center at Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia, spoke to CNN about the pros and cons of sleeping on your side. That said, sleeping on your back seems to be ideal for most people, followed by the left side and then the right side. Your sleeping position plays an important role in the quality of your sleep, which means it may be time to change it. Research has shown that those who sleep in the north-south position also take longer to enter rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, an essential stage of sleep for cognitive functioning, emotional well-being and overall health. About 47 percent of Americans sleep in the fetal position, making it the most common sleeping position, according to the Better Sleep Council.

People with digestive problems, obstructive sleep apnea, and high blood pressure may benefit from sleeping on their left side. However, it's important to note that if you suffer from positional sleep apnea, experts recommend avoiding the prone sleeping position; in this case, sleeping on your side often serves as a good sleeping position. If you are interested in other ways to improve your sleep and bedroom design, you may want to consider some additional recommendations from feng shui and vastu shastra. For example, if you suffer from back pain or snoring and sleep apnea, change positions to keep your spine aligned. In conclusion, sleeping on your left side is thought to have the greatest benefits for your overall health.

It can help open your airways naturally and make breathing easier while also providing relief from chronic low back pain. If you suffer from snoring or have breathing problems, sleeping on your side is the best option for opening up your airways and being able to breathe better at night.

Rogelio Guffey
Rogelio Guffey

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