Does sleeping on the right side really hurt? Let's find out together
In recent years, many have been peremptory: sleeping on the right side is bad for you. And in support of this claim, research results are often brought in that prove, data in hand, that this sleeping position is to be avoided at all costs. The truth, as is often the case, is much more multifaceted than that, not least because the results of scientific studies should always be analyzed in context, avoiding getting caught up in facile enthusiasms.
Let us see, then, whether it is true that sleeping on the right side is bad for you and, if not, how things really are.
Does sleeping on the right side hurt?
The answer to this question would seem to be "yes, sleeping on the right side is bad for you." This has always been said by Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine, which has argued since the earliest times that the benefits of sleeping on the left side are undeniable: from the sleeping position, in fact, numerous benefits would accrue for both health and longevity.
Then, to bolster this thesis, in 2015 came the results of a study conducted by Dr. John Doulliard, published in the peer-reviewed journal The Journal of Clinic Gastroenterology, showing that sleeping on the right side hinders the proper functioning of the lymphatic system, compresses the spleen by hindering its function and significantly increases gastroesophageal reflux.
From these conclusions, the belief then spread that sleeping on the right side is bad for you and that to sleep better you therefore need to rest on your left side. But is this really the case?
The consequences of sleeping on the right side
Dr. Doulliard's entire study rests on an absolutely correct consideration, namely that the human body is not symmetrical. Specifically, the published results are based on the fact that the lymphatic system is shifted to the left and that sleeping on the right side would cause some organs to be crushed.
In particular, sleeping on the right side would compress the spleen to such an extent that its activity would be hindered, just as the pressure on the stomach resulting from the position would eventually impair digestion. In addition, the study also speaks of an overall worsening of blood circulation and disorders related to gastroesophageal reflux, as well as the fact that sleeping on the left side promotes the proper functioning of the heart. And it concludes by stating that, therefore, sleeping on the left side brings great benefits, both in terms of sleep quality and, more generally, health.
Sleeping on the right or left side? Benefits of sleeping on the left side
Sleeping on the right side, therefore, would be a mistake. In fact, according to Dr. Doulliard's theory, the best sleeping position is the fetal position, on the left side, for several reasons:
- improves the lymphatic system-since the lymphatic system is located on the left side, sleeping on this side aids in the drainage of fluids, which carry essential nutrients for the human body, such as proteins, glucose and metabolites.
- helps the heart-sleeping on the right side compresses the aorta, making it more difficult for the heart to pump blood through the body. Sleeping on the left side, therefore, would promote blood flow, thus avoiding burdening heart activity.
- promotes digestion-since the stomach is located on the right side of the body, sleeping on the left side prevents the rise of gastric juices in the esophagus. Sleeping on the right side, in fact, would only worsen the digestion process and increase the risk of burning and pain, typical of this disorder.
- facilitates the production of pancreatic enzymes-sleeping on the right side, again according to this study, causes the pancreas to be crushed, hindering the physiological secretion of pancreatic enzymes, which are essential for digestion.
- optimizes spleen function-located on the left side of the body and responsible for the activity of disposing of waste substances and toxins, the spleen works best when sleeping on the left side. Sleeping on the right side, in fact, prevents fluids from reaching this organ naturally.
What is not sufficiently taken into account by proponents of these conclusions, however, is that the study was conducted on patients who already suffered from reflux and who, therefore, actually might gain benefits from sleeping on the left side.
But is this enough to argue that sleeping on the right side is bad for you?
So does sleeping on the right side really hurt?
As is often the case, news is inflated and artfully managed, so no, sleeping on the right side does not hurt. What really hurts is sleeping in the position least suitable for you.
For example, if you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux, you should follow Dr. Doulliard's advice and sleep on the left side, so as to minimize the rise of gastric juices and avoid waking up from burning or pain in the stomach.
But if you frequently experience episodes of sleep apnea, then know that a 2011 study by the Department of Cardiology at Bayindir Hospital in Ankara attested how sleeping on the right side significantly reduces the number of obstructive respiratory events. In addition, another 2018 study showed how sleeping on the right side activates an unconscious self-protective mechanism of the heart, which improves cardiac activity.
And if you kept looking for studies on the best sleeping positions, you would find everything and the opposite of everything. Because the truth is only one: you know what the best sleeping position is, and only you can decide which one is good for your sleep and your health.
How to sleep well on the right and left side
To claim that sleeping on the right side does not hurt or that it is better for some people to sleep on the left side is certainly not to ignore that it is from the correct sleeping position that restorative sleep and better health results. But for these purposes, rather than talking about sleeping position, it would be more correct to talk about the correct posture to be assumed during the night.
And we take care of that by providing you with orthopedic devices that can take care of your health. The Pharmaflex Hybrid mattress, for example, will be your most valuable ally if you suffer from back pain, while our pillows, Cervical and Reflux, will help you soothe neck pain and effectively combat gastroesophageal reflux, respectively. Regardless of whether you prefer to sleep on the right or left side.
Don't ask yourself what is the best sleeping position. What really makes a difference are the mattresses and pillows you rest on.
