#HealthBytes: Here's why you should sleep on the left side
What's the story
The duration of sleep every night coupled with a good routine contributes to the overall quality of sleep.
While it is a common notion that lying on the back has the most health benefits, the ancient science of Ayurveda believes otherwise.
It says sleeping on the left side aids in better digestion, boosts brain health, and is good for pregnant women.
Read on.
Snoring
Keeps tongue and throat in neutral position and prevents snoring
Our airways need to be clear from any blockage for air to move about freely while we sleep.
Sleeping on the left side ensures that the tongue and the soft palate do not fall back to the throat or cause any compression in the airways.
This in turn helps in easy breathing and prevents the vibrational snoring sound, which can happen otherwise.
Pregnancy
Increases blood flow to uterus and fetus in pregnant women
Studies suggest that pregnant women should make sleeping on the left a habit as it's best for them.
That's because it takes the pressure off the liver and kidneys, and also aids in better blood circulation to the heart.
Lying on the left side is also good for the unborn baby, as there is an increased blood flow to the uterus and the fetus.
Digestion
Aids in digestion and reduces heartburn
Our stomach is on the left side and sleeping on the same enables it to function better without strain.
Gravity helps the wastes to move easily from the small intestine to the large intestine and into the colon, while one is lying on the left side.
Sleeping on the left also reduces the acid reflux from the stomach and reduces symptoms of heartburn.
Brain Health
Clears the interstitial waste and boosts brain health
When compared to sleeping on the back or stomach, sleeping on either side of the body has proved to improve brain functionalities.
Studies conducted on animals suggest that sleeping on the side helps the body clear "interstitial waste" from the brain.
This waste removal reduces the risk of many neurological and life-altering diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, among others.