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

Most of us don’t think twice about how we sleep. We just curl up in whatever position feels most comfortable and drift off. But did you know that your sleeping position can affect your brain function, digestion, and overall health? Studies suggest that sleeping on your left side offers surprising benefits, from improving digestion to enhancing your brain’s natural detox system.

If you’ve never considered changing your sleep posture, now might be the time! Let’s explore the science behind left-side sleeping and how it can positively impact your body.

The Surprising Benefits of Sleeping on Your Left Side

Sleeping on your left side isn’t just about comfort—it can actually improve several bodily functions. Here are the top benefits of making the switch.

Supports a Healthier Spine & Reduces Back Pain

Ever wake up with an aching back? Sleeping on your stomach or even your back can put unnecessary strain on your spine. When you sleep on your left side, your spine stays in a more natural alignment, reducing tension in your lower back. If you suffer from chronic back pain, switching to your left side could be a game-changer.

Helps Reduce Snoring & Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Snoring happens when the airway is partially blocked. When you sleep on your back, your tongue and soft palate fall backward, making snoring worse. Side sleeping, especially on the left side, keeps your airway open, reducing both snoring and symptoms of sleep apnea. If your partner often complains about your snoring, this might be the easiest fix.

Video : What Sleeping On Your Left Side Does For Our Brain, Stomach And Lymphatic Health

Aids Digestion & Reduces Acid Reflux

Sleeping on your left side can actually help your digestive system. Since your stomach is naturally positioned on the left side of your body, lying on that side allows gravity to aid digestion. This can help prevent acid reflux and heartburn, improve digestion by helping food move smoothly through the intestines, and reduce bloating and constipation.

Boosts Brain Health Through the Glymphatic System

Did you know your brain has a built-in cleaning system? It’s called the glymphatic system, and it works mainly while you sleep. This system helps flush out toxins and waste that accumulate in the brain during the day.

Research suggests that side sleeping improves glymphatic drainage, meaning it can help remove harmful substances linked to neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. In short, sleeping on your left side may support better brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Enhances Circulation & Heart Health

Sleeping on your left side also helps your heart work more efficiently. Because your aorta (the main artery) curves to the left, sleeping on this side reduces pressure on the heart, making it easier for blood to flow.

For pregnant women, doctors highly recommend sleeping on the left side to improve circulation to both the mother and the baby.

How to Train Yourself to Sleep on Your Left Side

If you’re a back or stomach sleeper, you might be wondering how do I train myself to sleep on my left side? Here are some helpful tips.

Use the Right Pillow & Mattress

A firm mattress and a good pillow will support your neck and keep your spine aligned while you sleep. A memory foam pillow that conforms to your head and neck is ideal.

Use a Pillow as a Barrier

Placing a pillow behind your back can prevent you from rolling onto your back while you sleep. If you want extra support, try hugging a pillow to keep your upper body stable.

Put a Pillow Between Your Knees

If you experience hip or knee discomfort, a small pillow between your knees can help reduce strain on your joints and keep your spine aligned.

Wear a Sleep Shirt with a Tennis Ball

This is an old trick, but it works. Sewing a tennis ball into the back of your sleep shirt makes it uncomfortable to roll onto your back, helping you stay on your side.

Try Sleeping on a Couch Temporarily

If you’re struggling to train yourself, sleeping on a narrow couch for a few nights might help, as it naturally limits movement.

The Downsides of Side Sleeping

While sleeping on your left side has numerous benefits, it’s not perfect for everyone. Here are a few potential drawbacks.

Shoulder & Hip Discomfort

If you sleep on a too-firm mattress, your shoulder and hip may feel sore due to added pressure. The solution is a softer mattress or a memory foam topper that can help cushion these areas.

Facial Wrinkles & Puffiness

Pressing your face into a pillow every night can cause wrinkles over time. If this concerns you, try using a silk pillowcase to reduce friction on your skin.

Jaw Stiffness

If you suffer from TMJ (jaw pain), sleeping on one side might add pressure to your jaw. Switching sides occasionally or using a softer pillow can help alleviate this issue.

Comparing Sleeping Positions: Which Is Best for You?

If sleeping on your left side doesn’t feel right for you, let’s compare other sleeping positions.

Sleeping on Your Back: Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Good for spinal alignment
  • Reduces pressure on joints
  • Helps prevent facial wrinkles

Cons:

  • Can worsen snoring and sleep apnea
  • Increases risk of acid reflux

Sleeping on Your Stomach: Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Can reduce snoring

Cons:

  • Puts strain on the neck and spine
  • Increases risk of back pain
  • Can restrict breathing.

Sleeping on Your Right Side: Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Still helps with snoring
  • Better than stomach sleeping

Cons:

  • Can worsen acid reflux
  • Doesn’t support circulation as well as left-side sleeping

Video : Sleeping on Your Left Side…Your Body’s Best Resting Position! Dr. Mandell

Final Thoughts: Should You Switch to Sleeping on Your Left Side?

Your sleep position plays a bigger role in your health than you might realize. While everyone has their own preferred sleeping posture, sleeping on your left side offers significant benefits for your brain, digestion, heart, and spine.

If you often wake up with back pain, acid reflux, or poor circulation, making the switch to left-side sleeping might improve your overall well-being. However, comfort is key, so if this position doesn’t feel right, listen to your body and find what works best for you.

Now, over to you. Do you sleep on your left side, or will you try switching? Let us know in the comments. Sweet dreams and better sleep ahead!

I Brought My Son to Meet My Boyfriend’s Parents — What He Discovered in My Boyfriend’s Old Room Rendered Me Speechless

Mia, a single mom, finally felt a flicker of hope with her new boyfriend, Jake. Their weekend getaway to his childhood beach house seemed idyllic. But when her son Luke stumbles upon a hidden box filled with bones, their picture-perfect escape takes a horrifying turn.

Hi, I’m Mia, and I work as a fourth-grade teacher. It’s a job I love, not just because I get to mold young minds, but also because it gives me the flexibility to spend time with my son, Luke.

Being a single mother isn’t easy, but for five years now, I’ve managed to raise Luke mostly on my own. His dad, well, let’s just say “present” isn’t a word I’d use. Weekends with Dad were more like a distant memory for him than a regular occurrence.

Things finally started to feel a little lighter four months ago. That’s when I met Jake. He was a fellow teacher, kind-hearted and with a laugh that crinkled the corners of his eyes.

And best of all, Jake loved kids.

However, I wasn’t sure about how Luke would react upon knowing I had another man in my life.

Luke had always been so attached to me, and I believed the thought of sharing me with someone else would affect him.

So, despite the butterflies fluttering in my stomach, I knew it was time to introduce Luke to Jake.

The thought gnawed at me for days, but finally, I decided to take the plunge.

“Hey, Luke-a-doodle,” I chirped one sunny afternoon, finding him engrossed in a particularly intricate Lego creation. “What would you say to meeting someone special for lunch this weekend?”

Luke looked up with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Special, huh? Like superhero special or birthday cake special?”

“More like friend special,” I explained nervously. “His name is Jake, and he’s a teacher too, just like me.”

Luke’s brow furrowed. “Another teacher? Does he have a beard like Mr. Henderson?”

Mr. Henderson, our ever-patient custodian, was practically a legend amongst the students, thanks to his impressive salt-and-pepper beard.

I chuckled. “No beard, but he does have a really cool laugh.”

The following Saturday arrived, and with a knot of anticipation in my stomach, I introduced Luke to Jake at a local pizzeria.

Initially, Luke hesitated and clung to my leg. But Jake quickly put my little boy at ease.

“Hey there, Luke!” Jake boomed, crouching down to his level and extending a hand. “I’m Jake. Your mom tells me you’re a Lego master?”

Luke peeked at me, then back at Jake, a flicker of curiosity sparking in his eyes. He hesitantly took Jake’s hand, his grip surprisingly firm.

“Yeah, I can build spaceships and T-Rexes!”

“Awesome!” Jake exclaimed. “Maybe you can teach me a thing or two sometime? I’m pretty terrible at anything more complicated than a simple tower.”

That did the trick. Luke’s chest puffed out with pride.

The rest of the afternoon unfolded with a steady stream of dinosaur facts, Lego building tips, and Jake’s (admittedly terrible) attempts at replicating Luke’s creations.

By the time we left the pizzeria, Luke was chattering non-stop about Jake’s “funny laugh.”

That initial lunch was just the beginning. Over the next few weeks, we spent several weekends enjoying outings. Picnics in the park, trips to the zoo, and even a disastrous (but hilarious) attempt at bowling.

It was then, after several shared weekends and a growing sense of “rightness” between us, that Jake and I decided to take things further.

Recently, Jake invited us to visit his parents’ house by the ocean. He thought it would be a nice getaway for all of us.

Honestly, the idea of a relaxing weekend by the sea sounded perfect to me. Luke was also excited.

The moment we arrived, Jake’s parents, Martha and William, enveloped us in a warm hug. Their house had a charm that whispered of childhood summers.

“Come on, let me show you guys my old stomping ground!” Jake announced, leading us up a creaky wooden staircase.

At the top of the stairs, he ushered us into a room.

“This is it,” he declared proudly, pushing open the door. “My haven, unchanged since the great escape. I mean, since I moved out for college.”

The room was a snapshot of Jake’s teenage years. Faded posters of rock bands adorned the walls, their edges curling slightly with age.

“Wow,” I breathed, a nostalgic pang tugging at my heart.

Meanwhile, Luke darted across the room, his eyes wide with curiosity.

He knelt beside a dusty box overflowing with plastic figures and miniature race cars.

“Cool toys, Jake!” he exclaimed.

Jake chuckled, scooping up a handful of the toys. “These bad boys are veterans of countless battles,” he said, kneeling to Luke’s level. “Want to see if they can still hold their own?”

Luke’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. “Can I play with them here?”

“Sure thing, buddy,” Jake winked.

As Luke began playing with the toys, Jake held my hand and pulled me closer.

“Let’s go downstairs,” he whispered into my ear before gently planting a kiss on my cheek.

Leaving Luke behind, we headed downstairs. I sat on the couch in the living room, adoring the beautiful house, while Jake chatted with his folks in the kitchen.

Suddenly, Luke came running downstairs. He looked absolutely terrified. He grabbed my hand and pulled me furiously towards the door.

“What’s wrong, Luke?” I asked, my heart pounding.

“Mom, we need to leave now because Jake…” Luke’s voice quivered, and his eyes darted around.

“Calm down, sweetie. What’s wrong?” I knelt beside him, trying to soothe him.

“I found a strange box with bones in his room. We need to go!” he blurted out.

“What do you mean, bones?”

“In a box, under his bed. Real bones, Mom!”

I looked at him, my mind racing with possibilities. Did I trust Jake too quickly? Jake had always seemed so kind and caring.

Could he really be hiding something so sinister?

“Wait here,” I told Luke firmly, though my voice wavered with fear. I quickly made my way back to Jake’s room.

As I entered, my eyes were immediately drawn to the box under the bed. With trembling hands, I reached down and pulled it out. Lifting the lid, I felt a jolt of shock.

There they were: bones. My mind reeled, and without wasting another second, I grabbed Luke’s hand and we ran out of the house.

My heart raced as I fumbled with the car keys.

In no time, we sped down the driveway, leaving Jake’s parents’ house behind.

Soon, my phone buzzed incessantly with calls from Jake, but I couldn’t bring myself to answer. I was too scared and confused.

After driving aimlessly for a few minutes, I pulled over to the side of the road. I needed to think clearly.

Soon, the reality of what just happened began to sink in, and I decided to call the police. I dialed 911 with shaky fingers and explained the situation to the dispatcher.

Within an hour, I received a call back from the police. My heart pounded as I answered.

“Mia, the bones are fake,” the officer said, his voice calm and reassuring. “They’re replicas used for teaching purposes. There’s nothing to worry about.”

I felt relieved, but the feeling was soon replaced by guilt. How could I have jumped to such drastic conclusions? I felt embarrassed and ashamed.

I realized I had let my fears get the best of me. I had overreacted in the worst possible way.

At that point, I knew I had to call Jake. With a deep breath, I dialed his number. He picked up on the first ring.

“Jake, I’m so sorry,” I began. “I was scared, not just for myself, but for Luke. I know I jumped to conclusions, and I’ll understand if you can’t forgive me.”

“Mia, I understand your feelings,” Jake replied. “You were protecting your son, and that’s natural. I forgive you. Come back here. Let this be our funny story, not a reason to break up.”

I smiled through my tears and heaved a sigh of relief. Jake’s understanding meant everything to me. I turned to Luke, who was watching me with wide eyes.

“It’s okay, sweetheart,” I said, pulling him into a hug. “Everything’s going to be okay. The bones weren’t real. They’re just for teaching. Jake isn’t a bad guy.”

We drove back to Jake’s parents’ house. They looked quite worried, but I quickly explained everything and apologized for leaving abruptly.

We spent the rest of the day relaxing by the ocean, the tension gradually melting away. That incident marked the beginning of a stronger bond between us, and now, we often recall it with a smile.

Jake even laughs at how I rushed out of the house with Luke that day.

What would you have done?

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