We all know that getting enough sleep is essential for our well-being.
But it turns out that the position in which we sleep is also important.
In fact, studies show that sleeping on the left side plays on health and quality of sleep.
The theory comes from Ayurveda, a holistic approach to health and medicine that originated in India.
So why is sleeping on the left side recommended?
Because it is good for the digestion, the back and even the heart due to the position of the different organs in the body.
Here are 6 good reasons why sleeping on the left side is good for your health :
According to Ayurvedic medicine, sleeping on the left side allows the body to better filter lymph fluid and waste through the lymph nodes.
Scientific studies have also found that sleeping on the left side helps the brain to better eliminate its chemical waste that accumulates during the day.
On the contrary, sleeping on the right side decreases the efficiency of the lymphatic system.
From a digestive point of view, sleeping on the left side is better than the right side.
Why ? It's all about gravity.
Indeed, if you are lying on your left side, transit is easier from the large intestine down to the colon.
As a result, you are more likely to go to the bathroom when you wake up.
Since our stomach is on the left side of the body, sleeping on the left side also allows the stomach and pancreas to hang down more naturally.
In particular, this promotes the development of pancreatic enzymes and the digestive process.
To better understand, look at this drawing which shows the inside of our body:
Doctors have long recommended that pregnant women sleep on their left side to improve circulation to the heart.
Even if you're not pregnant (or a woman), sleeping on your left side can indeed ease your heart.
Why ? Because once again, gravity facilitates lymphatic drainage and aortic circulation.
Sleeping on the left side not only improves blood circulation for pregnant women.
It also relieves the back, prevents the uterus from pressing on the liver and increases blood flow to the uterus, kidneys and fetus.
It is for this reason that doctors recommend that pregnant women sleep as much as possible on the left side.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that lying on your left side helps reduce acid reflux symptoms.
Again this is because our stomach is on the left side of our body.
Conversely, lying on your right side can have the opposite effect and therefore increase heartburn.
Know that you can feel the benefits of this position by doing a simple test.
If you have heartburn after a meal, lie on your left side for 10 minutes. The result will be immediate!
People who suffer from chronic back pain can try sleeping on their left side.
Why ? Because it relieves pressure on the spine.
As a result, it reduces pain and automatically improves your chances of having a good night's sleep.
For some people with heart disease, sleep apnea, glaucoma or carpal tunnel syndrome, sleeping on the left side is not necessarily recommended.
If you're unsure about the best sleeping position, it's best to consult a healthcare professional.
If you're ready to make the switch from the right side to the left side, you'll see that it's not that easy to pick up this new habit.
It may take some getting used to sleeping on the left side.
Fortunately, there are simple tricks to make the transition smooth.
For example, you can try putting a pillow behind your back to avoid switching sides during sleep.
You can also try changing sides of the bed. In this way, you will feel less the change of orientation.
Also remember to choose a comfortable and soft mattress because sleeping on your side puts pressure on the hips and shoulders.
Also make sure you have a mattress that keeps your spine straight.
The combination of a comfortable bed and a good sleeping position will increase the chances of sleeping well and feeling good when you wake up.
