When you finally lie down at the end of a long day, you’ll probably curl up under the blanket and settle into your favorite sleeping position without thinking too much about it. But it turns out that some positions may be better than others, and if you’re used to sleeping on your right side, you may want to change your habits.
While sleeping on your right side can be heart-healthy, there are many drawbacks that outweigh its benefits. We have a lot of side sleepers on our team and we’ve done some research to find out what can happen if you sleep on your right side every night.
It Might Make Your Acid Reflux Worse
If you’re trying to get rid of persistent heartburn, making a few lifestyle changes like wearing loose-fitting clothing and choosing low-impact exercise can help ease your symptoms.
But if you sleep on your right side all the time, you could be sabotaging all your efforts because it can worsen the existing condition. Something as simple as turning to the left side can help soothe the burning sensation in your chest.
It May Affects Your Blood Circulation
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In addition to benefiting digestion, sleeping on your left side can help your heart pump blood more efficiently. While sleeping on the right side causes your body’s pressure to crush your blood vessels, sleeping on the left side can increase blood flow.
Proper circulation is critical to maintaining your overall health and wellness, and can also prevent the growth of varicose and spider veins.
It’s Not The Best Sleeping Position During Pregnancy
As your belly grows, it becomes increasingly difficult to get a good night’s sleep. When you sleep on your right side, you can restrict blood flow to your heart and baby.
Since the baby is already pushing up on some of your organs, this discomfort can keep you from getting much-needed sleep.
It May Hurt Your Liver
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Since the liver is located on the right side of the body, sleeping on that side puts more pressure on this essential organ and can lead to liver congestion. To avoid this, try not to sleep on your right side on a regular basis.
Are you one of those who sleep on your side? Which side do you usually sleep on?