A good night’s sleep is crucial for the entire health. All the necessary body functions occur when you sleep. A lack of sleep can be detrimental to health and may lead to many health complications. Ayurvedic medicine claims that sleep is considered to be equally valuable as a diet for the body. The sleep quality provides balance for the body and the mental health and the body is able to heal itself through proper sleep.
One of the most important parts of the sleeping process in the sleeping pose. The pose in which you sleep can affect not only your sleeping patterns but also your overall health. You may experience many ailments due to wrong sleeping poses, such as fatigue, muscle cramping, headaches, premature wrinkles, and heartburn.
The best sleeping position is considered to be sleeping on your left side of the body. On the other hand, sleeping on your stomach or in the fetus position are considered to be wrong and harmful. Sleeping on the left side of the body can facilitate the lymphatic drainage, provide better elimination, aid the digestion, help the circulation and support healthy spleen function. Read below to find out more details about why sleeping on the left is considered to be the best sleeping pose.
The Lymph Drains Toward the Left
- The lymphatic system is present on the left side of your body.
- Hence, sleeping on the left side can relieve the congestion of the lymphatic system.
- Moreover, the lymph fluid carries proteins, waste products, and glucose.
- These are purified by the lymph nodes and drained on the left side of the heart.
- Many ailments are attributed to the lymphatic congestion.
- When the lymphatic system is congested, the lymph backs up on the left.
- Hence, sleeping on the left side provides some relief of the pressure that lymph drainage applies.
- This sleeping pose removes the pressure away from the heart and the spleen.
Benefits of Sleeping on the Left Side
Better Heart Function- The heart is positioned on the left side of the body.
- Thus, when you sleep on your left side, the gravity will help lymph drainage and help the function of your heart.
- The biggest artery, or the aorta, can circulate better away from the heart.
- Sleeping on the left side will improve the circulation of the heart and promote heart health.
Improves Digestion
- Sleeping on the left side will help the digestion process, again due to gravity.
- The waste will easily move from the large intestine into the colon and promote the bowel movement.
- Thus, as soon as you wake up, after sleeping on your left side, you’ll feel the urge to completely eliminate the waste.
Ideal Pose for Pregnant Women
- Sleeping on the left side will improve the circulation and relieve any pressure from the back.
- Moreover, this pose prevents the uterus from pressing the liver and promoting blood flow to the uterus, kidneys, and fetus.
Reduces Heartburn
- The stomach is on the left side, and thus, sleeping on the left side will alleviate symptoms of acid reflux.
- In case you experience a heartburn after a meal, lie on your left side for 10 minutes and you will feel immediate relief.