If you usually sleep on your right side, here’s what you should know
Sleeping on your right side is generally safe for most people. There isn’t good evidence that right-side sleeping is inherently harmful to your heart or other organs.
A few points are worth knowing:
Heart health: For most healthy people, sleeping on either side is fine. Claims that sleeping on the right side will cause a heart attack are not supported by good evidence.
Acid reflux: If you suffer from nighttime heartburn, left-side sleeping may reduce reflux compared with right-side sleeping.
Pregnancy: Side sleeping is generally recommended later in pregnancy, and the left side is often suggested for comfort, although either side can be used. Your maternity clinician can give individualized advice.
Shoulder or hip pain: Sleeping repeatedly on one side can put pressure on that shoulder or hip. Changing positions and using appropriate pillow support may help.
Sleep apnea: Your sleep position can affect breathing in some people. Side sleeping is often preferable to sleeping flat on the back for positional obstructive sleep apnea.
Bottom line
You don’t need to stop sleeping on your right side if you’re comfortable and sleeping well. If you regularly wake with heartburn, shoulder pain, breathing problems, or choking/gasping, that’s more important than which side you prefer.
