Laying on which side is better for digestion

However, whether a person chooses to sleep on their front, side, or back, it is important that they use supportive pillows and a firm mattress. Learn more about ways to improve digestion here. In , they highlighted that significant numbers of people in the U. With such high numbers, it is no surprise that people are interested in which sleeping positions work best. A cross-sectional study investigating sleep positions and movement has shown that the predominant sleeping position is on the side.

Side sleeping has many other health benefits apart from aiding digestion. However, a person must adequately support their body with a firm mattress and pillows, no matter what side they sleep on. This article examines the pros and cons of side sleeping. If a person wants to sleep on their side, positioning a pillow at the base of their spine will help them maintain that position.

Learn more about pillows to ease neck pain in side sleepers here. Side sleeping can affect blood flow and put pressure on the stomach and lungs. Resting on one arm can also cause numbness, while a person with shoulder problems may have difficulties lying on their side. As the head tends to move forward when a person sleeps on their side, it is crucial to use a firm and responsive pillow.

This is the best way to ensure alignment between the head and spine. Another way of keeping the spine and lower half of the body aligned is by putting a pillow between the legs.

This can also help support the knees. Learn more about knee pillows for side sleepers here. The National Sleep Foundation indicates that sleeping on the back is the healthiest position for sleep.

However, they also recommend changing sleep positions to determine which way is best for you. One major issue with back sleeping is acid reflux , as this position allows acid to travel back up the throat. Sleeping on the back can make snoring or sinus conditions worse. This happens because the back of the tongue collapses into the airway, obstructing breathing. People who snore should try sleeping on their side. A person could help alleviate these symptoms by adding pillows to elevate their head.

This can also help with headaches. In some cases, less-than-ideal sleep positions can lead to morning constipation and other unpleasant effects.

Our bodies are not symmetrical—many organs lay on one side of the body. Which side you sleep on can compress an organ or, conversely, give it extra space. Traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine recommends sleeping on your left side to help support healthy digestion and restful sleep. Beyond traditional knowledge, here are several anatomical reasons why sleeping on your left side may be the best sleeping position for digestion:.

With these features in mind, scientists are currently investigating the impact of sleep position on digestion. For example, a study in the JAMA Internal Medicine journal focusing on acid reflux and heartburn found that subjects experienced fewer symptoms when resting on their left sides for four hours after a heavy, fatty meal.

There are several other tips for fine-tuning your left side sleeping position:. In fact, the benefits of getting adequate sleep could potentially outweigh the anatomical differences between left side sleeping and other positions. Is your favorite sleep position placing a strain on your digestive system? Below are our top recommendations for better digestion at night. One solution? Eating earlier in the evening so that you have more time to digest before you hit the sheets.

But, exactly how long before bed should you stop eating to help aid in digestion and avoid those daunting symptoms of constipation, bloating, or heartburn? Are you wondering how probiotics could help you sleep better?

The microbiota living organisms in your gut play an essential role in helping your body break down foods and absorb nutrients. Light exercise and motion can also help speed up the process of gastric emptying. Try out one of the following:. Is there another way you like to move? Are you unsure where to start with probiotics? With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which products will best support your gut health. With targeted release technology, these helpful bacteria survive the journey through your stomach into your intestines where they can help aid healthy digestion.

For best results, use probiotics daily or nightly and experience potential benefits for digestive health, immunity, and emotional well-being. Khanijow, V.

Sleep Dysfunction and Gastrointestinal Diseases. AAspects of sleep effects on the digestive tract. Arq Gastroenterol. Franke, A. Postprandial walking but not consumption of alcoholic digestifs or espresso accelerates gastric emptying in healthy volunteers. It flattens the natural curve of your spinal alignment, which can eventually lead to lower back pain. Plus, sleeping all night with your head turned to one side will strain or give you neck pain.

Be aware of your body and overall sleep patterns to consider if your chosen position is the best option for you. For example, if you do suffer from back pain or snoring and sleep apnea, switch up your position to keep your spine aligned. By Carlie Dobkin. Back Sleepers Pros: Sleeping on your back is great for the spine, neck , and posture because the back is straight.

Stomach Pros: Stomach sleeping eases snoring, but that's about it. The Bottom Line Be aware of your body and overall sleep patterns to consider if your chosen position is the best option for you. Back to the Rest.