…should be mindful of how it affects your digestion, particularly when it comes to acid reflux and heartburn.
Because of the anatomical layout of your stomach and esophagus, sleeping on your right side places your stomach above your esophagus. This makes it much easier for gastric acid to leak upward into your throat, especially if you have eaten close to bedtime or consumed heavy, fatty, or acidic foods.
If you are a dedicated right-side sleeper and frequently wake up with a sour taste in your mouth, a burning chest, or a persistent dry cough, health experts suggest making a few simple adjustments:
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Switch to the Left Side: Sleeping on your left side keeps the junction between your stomach and esophagus elevated above the level of gastric acid, using gravity to naturally keep stomach contents where they belong.
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Elevate Your Head: If side-switching is difficult for you, use a wedge pillow or elevate the head of your bed by about 6 inches to help prevent reflux overnight.
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Watch Your Evening Timing: Give your body at least 2 to 3 hours to digest your last meal before lying down to rest.
Do you often deal with nighttime heartburn, or are you exploring different sleep positions for health and comfort?
