We all have our preferred position for sleeping, but did you know that there are extra health benefits to sleeping on your left side? Dr. John Douillard reveals some of the benefits for sleeping on your left side in the video below. He outlines that this sleep position is:
– good for digestion, allowing your stomach to churn gradually and work at digesting your food.
– facilitates lymphatic drainage (supported by gravity)
– helps spleen function
– helps food waste travel through the intestines and makes for better elimination
– helps your heart circulate blood more easily by pumping blood “downhill”
Dr. Douillard says many of these benefits are “anatomically logical”. Research also suggests resting on your left side can relieve heartburn symptoms, while right-side sleeping makes them worse. Sleeping on the left side is also recommended during pregnancy to improve blood circulation, which is good for mom and baby.
Apparently, 63% of Americans sleep on their side and only 14% sleep on their back and 16% on their stomach, although no one stays in one position all night. These facts aside, most physicians recommend that you adhere to your natural sleep position to get the best good night’s sleep.
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