Sleeping is essential for our health and well-being, but did you know that the position we sleep in can also play an important role in our quality of sleep and even our overall health? Among the different sleeping positions, sleeping on the left side seems to be particularly beneficial. In this article, we explain why sleeping on your left side is better than sleeping on your right side.
Better digestion and lymphatic drainage
When sleeping on the left side, intestinal transit is facilitated thanks to the natural position of our digestive tract. Indeed, the stomach and the pancreas are located mainly on the left side of the body, and this position allows for more efficient secretion of enzymes and other digestive juices. This reduces the risk of gastroesophageal reflux and promotes better absorption of nutrients by our intestines.
The role of the lymphatic system
The lymphatic system is responsible for draining waste and toxins from our body. The majority of lymphatic vessels are found on the left sides of our body, and Sleeping on your left side therefore optimizes this drainage process. Thus, toxins are eliminated more quickly, helping our body to function properly and keeping us healthy.
Reduction of pressure on internal organs
Sleeping on your left side also helps reduce the pressure exerted on certain internal organs, such as the liver, lungs and stomach. By adopting this position while we sleep, we avoid compressing these organs and thus allow them to function better.
Less pain for arthritis sufferers
People with arthritis or joint pain may also benefit from sleeping on their left side. This position helps relieve pressure on the joints and helps reduce inflammation.
Improved blood circulation
Sleeping on your left side is also beneficial for blood circulation, particularly with regard to venous return to the heart. The aorta, the main artery responsible for distributing oxygenated blood throughout our body, starts from the left side of our heart and descends slightly, forming an arch. Sleeping on the left side therefore facilitates blood circulation from the legs to the heart, thus improving our overall blood circulation.
Particularly recommended during pregnancy
For pregnant women, it is advisable to sleep specifically on the left side. Not only does this improve blood circulation, as mentioned previously, but this position has another important advantage: it promotes the circulation of blood and nutrients to the placenta. Sleeping on the left side therefore allows future mothers to take care of their baby by providing everything they need to grow and develop correctly.
Sleeping on your right side: what are the disadvantages?
This sleeping position can also have negative effects on our health. Indeed, sleeping on your right side can lead to:
- An increased risk of gastroesophageal reflux,
- Increased pressure on certain internal organs such as the liver and stomach,
- Poorer digestion and slower elimination of toxins and waste through our lymphatic system.
However, these problems do not necessarily affect everyone and some people can sleep very well on their right side without feeling any discomfort or health concerns. Still, it’s important to keep in mind the potential benefits of sleeping on your left side.
How to adopt the position to sleep on the left side?
If you want to change your sleeping position to sleep on your left side, here are some tips:
- Place a pillow between your knees to keep your hips aligned and reduce pressure on your back and joints.
- Use a suitable pillow to support your head and neck, to keep your spine in a neutral position.
- Switch to sleeping on your left side before you fall asleep, even if it doesn’t feel natural at first. Over time, your body will get used to this new position and it will become more comfortable.
Sleeping on our left side has many benefits for our health, such as better digestion, more efficient lymphatic drainage, less pressure on our internal organs, and improved blood circulation. If you want to adopt this position to sleep, do not hesitate to follow the advice mentioned above. Of course, each person is different, it is essential to listen to your body and opt for the position that gives you the most comfort while you sleep.
