Digestion helps break down food into nutrients, which our body uses for cell repair, growth, and energy. And so many people wonder what is the best side to sleep on for digestion. Look no further as we are going to answer that for you.
According to experts, it’s best to sleep on your left side while you elevate your head. This position can ease heartburn. When you sleep this way, the muscle ring valve controlling the stomach’s intake of food is kept above the level of gastric acid. So just in case there will be reflux, the acid will immediately go back to the stomach – thanks to gravity.
Add a Pillow Between Your Knees
Another technique is to put a pillow between your knees. When you feel a bit uneasy, that could be coming from a strained neck or even a misaligned spine. The pillow should avoid discomfort and can help in keeping your spine in a neutral position as well.
We’ve found a couple of good pillows online, and you might want to get these for yourself.
Comforever Leg Pillow for Sleeping
This pillow is perfectly contoured in between your legs. It comes with a removable cover that you can wash easily. Plus, it’s skin-friendly, soft, and breathable. The pillow uses memory foam and is perfect for side sleepers. You can even use it while you are resting on your couch or seated on your favorite chair. What we love about this product is that it doesn’t have any smell, unlike most pillows available in the market.
“Love it.” This is a review from a customer that has been using the pillow for two months. According to her, it still looks and feels brand new. She is also suffering from hip pain, and the pillow has helped her manage the condition. If you want to experience the same level of comfort, then get this Comforever Leg Pillow right away.
NATUMAX Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers
If the first option doesn’t fit your preference, then we have another one for you. This knee pillow from NATUMAX has an ergonomic design that can fit comfortably between your legs. This can help in aligning your back, knees, and hips as well. It is highly recommended for people suffering from sciatica, back pain, leg pain, and even for those who are pregnant.
The cover is machine washable too, and cleaning this should be a breeze. It comes with a leg strap, so it doesn’t matter if you roll over while you sleep. The company offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, so you can order this pillow without worries.
Apart from comfortable pillows, using a quality and firm mattress is beneficial too. This is not just for digestion, it’s for your overall health. If you are about to replace your mattress, here are a few ones that could work best.
Sleep Innovations Marley Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress
This 10-inch cooling gel memory foam mattress is ideal for hot sleepers. This can guarantee to regulate your temperature, which will allow you to have a comfortable sleep every night. We understand that it’s encouraged that you sleep on your left side. However, if you are comfortable with other sleeping positions, this mattress could deliver as well. It is made in the USA, so you know that the quality is always top-notch.
Don’t take our word for it. Its customers have spoken. They said that it’s not just good for sleeping, it’s also perfect for intimate moments. You might want to wait for two full days for it to expand. But that’s fine because it’s worth it.
Lucid 8 Inch Gel Memory Foam-Mattress
This is perfect even for teens or older kids who would like to have a firm mattress. It has a 1.5-inch ventilated memory foam top layer that gives you a cooler sleeping experience. And with a thick support foam, you are sure to get extreme comfort.
One of its customers shared that this is the best mattress she’s ever bought, and we understand why. For her, it’s not like you are sleeping on a mattress, but in space! Now, that’s a compliment on a whole new level. You will get exactly what is advertised.
Follow the Three-Hour Rule
When we talk about the three-hour rule, it means you shouldn’t eat large meals three hours before your bedtime. If you do this, there’s a chance that you would wake up in the middle of the night with a painful stomach. As a rule of thumb, always give time for your digestive system to do its job.
Drink Water
This might seem like a no-brainer tip, but don’t drink coffee a few hours before your bedtime. Caffeine blocks adenosine, which is a chemical that is responsible for making us sleep. Other drinks that you must avoid are tea with sugar, soda, and even hot chocolate.
Others Benefits of Side Sleeping
You would be surprised by some of the health advantages of sleeping on your side. First, it’s beneficial for brain health. In 2015, an animal study proved that sleeping on the side can remove toxins from the brain. And because of that, there’s a lesser risk of having neurological diseases.
Also, if you wish to control snoring, sleeping on your side can help. The position keeps your airway open, and it makes people snore less.
Lastly, sleeping on your side can reduce the pressure on your heart. However, one should sleep on their right instead of left.
Cons of Sleeping on the Side
There are also disadvantages when you sleep on your side. One, it could put pressure on your lungs and stomach. It may cause one of your arms go numb, and it’s not ideal if you have shoulder problems.
If you want to know more about the best side to sleep on for digestion, watch this video.
Conclusion
Which side is best to sleep on for digestion?
The general answer would be on your left side. However, take note that sleeping alone will not improve your digestion. There should be a change of lifestyle as well. You need to watch what you eat, and of course, be more physically active.
