This is what sleeping on the left side does for our brain, stomach & glymphatic health | April 5, 2025

Why Sleeping on Your Left Side Might Be the Healthiest Option

Many people naturally gravitate toward sleeping on their side—but few realize this position can come with a variety of health benefits. While the best sleep position is ultimately the one that feels most comfortable, certain issues like back pain, jaw discomfort, poor digestion, or snoring might improve just by changing how you sleep. Specifically, shifting to your left side could offer surprising advantages.

The Benefits of Sleeping on Your Left Side

Reduces back pain
Sleeping on your stomach can strain the spine, leading to discomfort. Side sleeping helps keep your spine aligned and reduces pressure, especially in the lower back.

Minimizes snoring and sleep apnea
When you sleep on your back, your tongue and soft palate tend to fall backward, partially blocking your airway—this leads to snoring and can worsen sleep apnea. Side sleeping helps keep your airway open by preventing the tongue from sliding back.

Supports digestion
Sleeping on the left side may improve symptoms like bloating, heartburn, and constipation. That’s because your stomach sits on the left side of your body, and lying this way can help gravity aid digestion.

May benefit brain health
While you sleep, your brain clears out waste through a system known as the glymphatic system. Research suggests side sleeping may help this process work more efficiently, potentially lowering the risk of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. While more studies on humans are needed, early findings are promising.

Improves circulation—especially during pregnancy
Pregnant women are often advised to sleep on their left side because it enhances blood flow to the placenta and vital organs.

Tips to Train Yourself to Sleep on Your Side

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