A stomach ache and digestive pains can stop you from getting a good night’s sleep.
Digestive issues like heartburn, acid reflux and constipation can disturb your rest. This can make you feel tired the next day.
The good news is you can ward off tummy problems and get great sleep. You can improve your digestion and have a restful night.
Adjust Your Sleeping Position
In this article, we will look into sleep positions that can aid your digestion. We will discuss the best ways to lie in your bed to avoid pain in your tummy.
Let’s dive in.
The Best Sleeping Position to Aid Digestion: Sleep on Your Left Side
To the left, to the left!
It may surprise you that sleeping on your left side can improve how your digestive system and GRAVITY work together.
This is because waste is moved from your right side to your large intestine and ultimately to your left side’s lower colon by the small intestine.
This raises the chance of having a bowel movement first thing in the morning, together with gravity. Consider it like setting an internal alarm clock for when your digestive system needs a wake-up call.
You can prevent stomach acid from reentering your oesophagus by sleeping on your left side.
This lessens indigestion and heartburn. The stomach is positioned below the oesophageal aperture in this position.
Here’s how different sleeping positions can affect your digestive health:
✅ Sleeping on Your Left Side: Sleeping on your left side feels so much better after a meal.
This isn’t merely a coincidence.
Sleeping on your left side promotes healthy digestion by utilising gravity to drive food through the small intestine and into the large intestine.
Additionally, this position lowers the chance of heartburn.
Additionally, it combats GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Thus, sleeping on your left side may be the best option to lessen digestive problems and improve your digestion.
❌ Back Sleeping: Sleeping on your side is wonderful for your spine.
However, it can backfire if you have GERD.
Consider tilting your head upwards if you sleep on your back and have symptoms such as heartburn or other digestive issues.
This can help you to stop stomach acid from entering your oesophagus.
❌ Stomach & Right-Side Sleeping: Particularly after large meals, people who sleep on their stomach or right side may be more susceptible to heartburn.
If you are prone to digestive problems, you may want to think again before assuming these positions.
The Connection Between Sleep and Digestion
When we talk about gut health, we often think of bloating, constipation, and probiotics. But sleep? Not so much.
Surprisingly, poor sleep and digestive health are more connected than most realise.
A lack of sleep can worsen digestive issues. This can lead to symptoms like acid reflux and indigestion.
Ever had a big meal and then gone to bed only to be woken up in the middle of the night by heartburn?
When you lie flat, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus. This can lead to that dreaded burning sensation.
This is why lying on your left side can greatly reduce heartburn and acid reflux because the stomach is below the esophageal opening in this position – science, yo!
3 Tips for Sleeping to Help Digestion
1. Raise Your Head While Resting
Lifting your head and sleeping on your left side helps digestion at night. This position keeps a muscle (the LES) above stomach acid.
If acid rises, gravity helps push it back down quickly.
Regardless of your sleeping position, maintain a neutral neck and spine alignment.
The key? A cushiony pillow that offers both comfort and support.
2. Place a Pillow Between Your Knees for Support
Placing a pillow between your knees can also help you sleep better.
Your pains can be coming from your spine being misaligned. If your neck or spine is in a bad position, it can cause you to lose sleep.
By using a pillow between your knees, you can fix your alignment. This can also add comfort to your sleep.
3. Adopt the Three-Hour Meal Interval Prior to Sleeping
Don’t eat three hours before sleeping. You can avoid waking up with an upset stomach by giving your body enough time to metabolise your last meal.
What Are the Health Benefits of Sleeping on Your Left Side?
Left-side sleeping appears to have multiple health benefits, including the following:
- Facilitating digestion
- Reducing heartburn
- Boosting the health of your brain
- Helping sleep apnea
So when it’s time to get some sleep, go on and try facing left. This might just make your sleep a little better tonight.
Addressing Common Concerns With Sleeping on Your Left Side
- Neck and Back Pain: Side sleepers often complain about neck and shoulder pain. Investing in a good pillow that provides proper neck support can make a difference.
- Sleep Apnea: If you experience snoring or interruptions in breathing, back sleeping might exacerbate these issues. In such cases, seeking medical advice is crucial.
- Other Health Issues: Beyond digestion, our sleeping habits can impact heart health, blood flow, and even sinus issues. For instance, back sleeping can benefit those with sinus problems as it allows for better drainage.
Sleeping Position for Digestive Issues FAQs
What are the best positions to lay in to relieve stomach pain?
Sleeping on your left side can fight stomach aches.
This position can help with digestion and gas release.
Another comfortable position is curling up. Do this almost like you’re hugging your knees.
If you’re still not feeling right, try lying on your back and placing a pillow under your knees; it can take off some pressure.
What’s the best side to sleep on for better digestion and overall health?
The left side is your best bet. This position not only aids digestion but also helps with the natural flow of other body systems.
Does sleeping on your left help with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
Definitely! When you sleep on your left side, you’re reducing the chance of stomach acid flowing back into the oesophagus.
This can be a game-changer for those with GERD. It can decrease those unwelcome acid reflux episodes during the night.
Using an ergonomic pillow will also help you sleep comfortably on your side.
Is stomach sleeping bad for digestion?
Yes, stomach sleeping can be less than ideal for digestion. When you lie on your stomach, you put extra pressure on your digestive organs, which can disrupt their natural functioning.
Additionally, this position can increase the risk of acid reflux, especially if you’ve eaten shortly before sleeping.
It’s generally better to sleep on your side, especially your left, to promote healthy digestion.
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