Sleeping on the left side is recommended for pregnant people. Sleeping on this side improves blood flow between the heart, fetus, uterus, and kidneys, while keeping pressure out of the liver. If you feel uncomfortable, doctors recommend switching to the right side for a short time instead of sleeping on your back. When you rest on your back, your nostrils tend to close, which can cause you to snore.
Sleeping on your left side can help open your airways naturally and make breathing easier. You can also find relief if you rest on your right side, but doctors think sleeping on your left side is more effective. It is also the recommended sleeping position for people with sleep apnea. An ideal sleeping position can make you feel better physically by supporting your spine and keeping your body aligned.
In addition, if a new sleeping position can help you sleep faster and stay asleep, you can reap the benefits of a good night's sleep. Sleep reduces stress, increases mental clarity, increases energy levels, and helps maintain a strong immune system. Because of the anatomy and location of your body's internal organs, these incredible benefits only come from sleeping on your left side instead of sleeping on your right side. While you may find it comfortable, sleeping on your stomach is generally not recommended for most people, as it puts excessive strain on your muscles, joints, and spine, which can lead to aches and pains.
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. Supine sleep can cause the uvula to move toward the back of the throat, causing snoring or loss of oxygen intake during sleep. When you sleep soundly, your body has a chance to rejuvenate and recover from the previous day's activities. It's important to remember that, like sleep itself, there is no single “perfect” sleeping position.
That said, sleeping on your back seems to be ideal for most people, followed by the left side and then the right side. Now, every time you try to return to your usual sleeping position, the tennis ball will create a little discomfort and encourage you to move to your side. Sleeping on your side can help brain health by helping to distribute toxins throughout the brain so that the body can eliminate them. Instead, more work needs to be done to understand if sleeping on your left side can improve blood flow to your heart while you rest.
A study conducted among people who sleep overweight found that sleeping on their side improved oxygen levels by six to seven percent. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects many Americans and can negatively affect sleep quality by contributing to episodes of acid reflux and heartburn. Sleeping on your back allows your body to rest in a neutral position while keeping your head positioned above your chest, which is great for minimizing heartburn pain and symptoms. Side sleep occurs when you avoid sleeping on your back or stomach and choose to sleep on one side or the other.
