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Sleep is one of the most important things in a person’s life. It provides us with physical and mental well-being. But how should one lie to make sleep truly restful?
According to several studies, the key to healthy and quality sleep is sleeping on the left side. This idea comes from Ayurveda, a system of health practices that is recognized by the World Health Organization. Ayurveda originates from India and its main aim is overall prevention against various diseases and health problems. According to Ayurveda, sleeping on the left side brings improvements to health in the areas of digestion, back pain, and heart disease.
Lymphatic system
The left side of our body is the lymphatic side.
According to Ayurveda, and also Western medicine, sleeping on the left side supports the cleansing of the body by the lymphatic system from impurities and toxins.
Conversely, sleeping on the right side slows down the activity of the lymphatic system.
Digestion
The left-side position is the most natural for our digestive system.
Thanks to gravity, partly digested food more easily makes its way into the large intestine during the night.
Additionally, the left side is natural for the placement of the stomach and pancreas, which work somewhat more efficiently in that position.
Heart
Again, gravity plays the most important role.
When sleeping on the left side, you passively help your heart distribute blood throughout the body.
Because of gravity, the heart has an eased task when releasing blood, and thus you slightly lower your blood pressure during the night.
Pregnancy
Sleeping, as well as relaxing on the left side, is particularly beneficial for pregnant women.
Again, circulation plays the main role. The left-side position improves blood flow to the uterus, kidneys, and also directly to the fetus.
This position also eliminates the possibility that the uterus would press on the vital liver.
Heartburn
Gastroenterologists have found a connection between sleeping or resting on the left side and heartburn.
Because of the natural position of the stomach when lying on the left, this position is beneficial for such problems as well.
If you get heartburn next time, definitely try it.
Just 10 minutes of rest on the left side should improve everything.
Back pain
If your spine often aches, try changing your sleeping routine and start sleeping on your left side.
Even though it doesn’t have any particular advantages, one can still be found. The point is that if you change your sleeping position, the pressure on your spine will be reduced and it will repay you well.
