The Risks of Side Sleeping
Side sleeping is the most common position, but there are health implications depending on whether you lie on your left or right side.2
Pregnant women and those with acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are advised to sleep on their left side. “This is because the stomach is lower than your oesophagus,” explains Margo. Conversely, people with heart conditions should try sleeping on their right side to alleviate pressure on the heart.
Sleep position may also impact brain health. During sleep, the brain’s glymphatic system “washes” waste toxins away from the brain. There is evidence that suggests this process works better when we sleep on our right side, which could be of interest to people at risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Side sleeping can also cause wrinkles and breast sagging due to the skin on the face being pressed against bedding and gravity pulling breast tissue.