The position in which we sleep significantly affects our overall health, and a bad sleeping position can be the cause of:
- Heartburn
- Poor circulation
- Stomach issues
- Headaches
- Back and neck pain
- Sleep apnea
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Premature wrinkles
Yet, it has been found that sleeping on the side prevents such issues and reduces the likelihood of interrupted sleep.
Here are 7 benefits of this sleeping position:
Prevent Nighttime Heartburn
While sleeping on the left side, the stomach is below the cardiac sphincter, which links the esophagus to the stomach, and this prevents heartburn, by preventing the contents in the stomach to flow back into the esophagus.
Improves Drainage of the Lymphatic System
The role of the lymphatic system is to get rid of the impurities and toxins from the body, and sleeping on the left side helps it to better drain into the thoracic duct placed on the left side, and thus accelerate the process. This will also bring back the escaped protein back to cells.
Normal Heart Function
When we sleep on the left side, the heart easily pumps blood toward the body. Moreover, gravity also helps the function of the circulatory system.
Prevents Liver Congestion
The liver can often become overburdened, and sleeping on the left side can neutralize the toxins before they are eliminated or accumulated in the liver.
Boosts the function of the Gut
The ileocecal valve (IV), which links the large and small intestine, is located in the left body side, so this sleeping position aids the transfer of waste from the small and large intestine and allows gravity to help regular bowel movements.
Improved Spleen function
This sleeping position also boosts the function of the spleen, which is located on the left side of the body, since gravity stimulates the blood flow to it.
Beneficial for Pregnant Women
Sleeping on the left side can be highly beneficial, especially in the least trimester, as it boosts blood circulation and helps the function of the liver.
You might find it a bit hard to get used to sleeping on the left side at first, but after a while, you will start feeling the numerous benefits and it will become your usual sleeping position.
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