Experts Say Sleeping on Your Right Side May Have Both Benefits and Risks
Is Sleeping on Your Right Side Bad for You?
The image suggests that sleeping on the right side may allow stomach acid to flow more easily into the esophagus, while sleeping on the left side may help keep acid lower in the stomach ucrm.
There is actually some scientific basis behind this idea. However, the reality is more nuanced than many social media posts suggest.
For most healthy people, sleeping on the right side is not dangerous. But for certain individuals—especially those with acid reflux—sleep position can make a noticeable difference.
How Sleep Position Affects Acid Reflux
The stomach is not perfectly symmetrical.
When lying on the left side, gravity and the position of the stomach may help keep stomach contents away from the lower esophagus.
When lying on the right side, stomach acid may have a greater chance of reaching the esophagus in some people.
Research has found that:
Left-side sleeping may reduce nighttime reflux symptoms.
Left-side sleeping may reduce acid exposure in the esophagus.
Some GERD sufferers report fewer symptoms when sleeping on the left side.
What Is GERD?
GERD stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, a condition in which stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus.
Common symptoms include:
Heartburn
Sour taste in the mouth
Chest discomfort
Chronic cough
Hoarseness
Difficulty sleeping
For people with GERD, sleep position can be an important part of symptom management.
Potential Benefits of Sleeping on the Right Side
Sleeping on the right side is not all bad.
