Everyone knows that sleep is critical for physical and mental health, but it is also suggested that sleep posture is also an important factor for optimal health. Few studies show that for many people, sleeping on the left side is beneficial. Estet-portal.com will tell you why sleeping on the left side, according to the above theory, is useful.
Six Potential Benefits of Sleeping on Your Left Side
Sleeping on the left side is good for digestion, back and even the heart. Read more about this sleeping position below.
1. Sleep on your left side – benefits for the lymphatic system
According to Ayurveda, sleeping on the left side allows the body to more effectively filter lymph and dispose of waste through the lymph nodes, since the left side of the body is the dominant lymphatic side. Western researchers confirm that the brain is better cleansed of harmful chemicals when a person sleeps on his left side. Conversely, sleeping on the right side reduces the effectiveness of the lymphatic system.
2. Benefits of sleeping on the left side for digestion
The benefits of this sleeping position for digestion are due to the phenomenon of gravity. When a person lies on their left side, the waste products from the digestion of food move freely from the large intestine to the descending colon. Also, sleeping on the left side ensures the natural position of the stomach and pancreas, so that the digestive processes are more efficient.
3. Sleeping on the left side for the heart
Doctors have long recommended that pregnant women sleep on their left side to improve blood circulation. Sleeping on the left side is useful not only for pregnant women and not only for women, as it relieves pressure from the heart – gravity improves the outflow of lymph, it is easier for the heart to pump blood. However, some believe that sleeping on the left side is bad for the heart, especially after a heart attack or in cases of chronic heart disease.
4. Sleeping on the left side for pregnant women
Pregnant women are advised to sleep on their left side, not only because of improved blood circulation. This sleeping position reduces stress on the back and prevents the uterus from putting pressure on the liver, and improves blood flow to the uterus, kidneys, and fetus. However, depending on the position of the fetus, your doctor may recommend a different sleeping position for pregnant women.
5. Sleeping on the left side relieves heartburn
In The Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology published results of a study indicating that sleeping on the left side contributes to the relief of heartburn. This phenomenon is due to the left-sided location of the stomach. Sleeping on your right side can increase the symptoms of heartburn. Therefore, if you have heartburn after eating, try to lie down on your left side for 10 minutes.
6. Sleeping on the left side relieves back pain
If you suffer from chronic back pain, try getting used to sleeping on your left side. It is believed that this position during sleep helps the spine to relax, resulting in less pain.
Despite all the benefits of the sleep position described above, some people, for example:
- with heart disease;
- sleep apnea;
- glaucoma;
- carpal tunnel syndrome;
sleeping on the left side may be contraindicated. In any case, if you have serious health problems, it is better to consult a doctor.
How to train yourself to sleep on your left side?
If you decide to switch to sleep on your left side, but the right side is more familiar to you, you can try the following methods:
- try to lie down on your left side and put a pillow against your back (the more, the better) – so it will be more difficult for you to roll over to the other side during sleep;
- move to the other side of the bed (for example, if you sleep against the wall, lie down to the free edge of the bed or vice versa) – so it will be easier for you to sleep on the other side;
- put a lamp or a night light on the right side – in a dream, you will automatically turn away from the light source and turn to your left side.
Each sleeping position has its pros and cons. In Tibet they say that sleeping on the left side prolongs life, yogis believe that sleeping on the left side warms, and on the right – cools. Sleeping on your back will protect against premature wrinkles and help with scoliosis and hypertension, but is contraindicated for sleep apnea. Some believe that you need to sleep only in the position in which you are comfortable, justifying this by the fact that the body itself knows how it is more comfortable for him to rest – the choice is yours.
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