If you’re referring to the viral claim that sleeping on your right side is dangerous, that’s an exaggeration. For most healthy adults, sleeping on either side is perfectly reasonable. The “best” position depends on your health and comfort.
What happens when you sleep on your right side?
- Reflux: Some people with acid reflux may find right-side sleeping makes symptoms worse. Left-side sleeping can reduce nighttime reflux for many people.
- Heart concerns: There is no good evidence that routinely sleeping on your right side damages a healthy heart. In fact, people with certain heart conditions may find one side more comfortable than the other.
- Breathing: Side sleeping can be helpful for some people with obstructive sleep apnea, compared with sleeping flat on the back.
- Shoulder or hip pain: Sleeping on one side can aggravate pain if the mattress or pillow doesn’t provide adequate support.
What if you’re pregnant?
Later in pregnancy, side sleeping is generally recommended, and either side is acceptable. The left side is sometimes suggested for comfort or you should never sleep on your right side. If you’re comfortable, breathing normally, and sleeping well, right-side sleeping is generally fine. circulation, but you don’t need to panic if you wake up on your right side.
When should you pay attention?
If changing position doesn’t help and you regularly wake with chest pain, significant shortness of breath, choking/gasping, or severe palpitations, that deserves medical evaluation rather than simply changing your sleeping position.
Bottom line: There is no universal rule that you should never sleep on your right side. If you’re comfortable, breathing normally, and sleeping well, right-side sleeping is generally fine.
