This is what sleeping on the left side does for our brain, stomach & glymphatic health

Man, sleeping and bed in morning rest for healthy wellness, peace and quiet on comfort pillow at home. Tired or exhausted male person asleep or dreaming on peaceful holiday or weekend in the bedroom

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give much thought to how you sleep at night. As long as you’re getting those precious zzz’s, what does it matter if you’re curled up on your side, sprawled out on your back, or face-down on your stomach?

Source: Shutterstock

Well, it turns out the position you choose to rest your head could have a bigger impact on your health than you realize. In fact, different sleeping positions can lead to vastly different results in the body – for better or for worse.

While people should ultimately sleep in whatever way feels most comfortable, understanding the potential benefits and drawbacks of each position can be eye-opening. And one sleep style in particular – sleeping on your left side – has some pretty remarkable advantages that may just have you rethinking your nightly routine.

The Benefits of Sleeping on Your Left Side

Reduce back pain – Sleeping on the stomach could pressure the spine and cause aching. Side sleeping keeps the spine in a naturally straight position and reduces the pressure in the lower back.

Reduce snoring – Sleeping on the back causes the tongue and soft palate to slide backward and partially cover the airway, causing increased snoring. It’s also a common occurrence for people with sleep apnea. But side-sleeping keeps the tongue forward and the airway clear.

Improve digestion – Sleeping on the left side, in particular, could ease some gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, constipation, and heartburn. The stomach is on the left side of the body, so lying on that side allows gravity to aid the digestion process.

It may help with brain health – Many people are unaware that the brain eliminates waste during slumber. Studies indicate that side sleeping helps the brain clear metabolic waste more effectively by supporting the glymphatic system, which is similar to our lymphatic system, but in our central nervous system. This may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Parkinson’s, and other brain diseases, according to animal studies. More research is needed on humans to expand on these concepts further.

Improves blood flow – Good circulation is crucial during pregnancy to allow blood to flow to the placenta. This is why it’s recommended that expecting women sleep in this position.