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Have you ever thought that the way you sleep at night could affect how well your heart works or how well your food digests? Even though it may sound strange, the way you sleep has a bigger effect on your health than you think. Most people only think about how long they sleep, but how they sleep is just as important, especially for their heart and digestion.

Sleeping position and digestion
Depending on how you sleep, your digestion may get better or worse. Because of how your stomach and digestive organs are positioned, experts often suggest sleeping on your left side. When you sleep on your left side, food and waste can move more easily through your digestive tract because the stomach is a little to the left of your abdomen. It can also help with heartburn and acid reflux, especially after a big meal.

But sleeping on your right side might make digestion slower and acid reflux worse. For some people, lying flat on their back or stomach can also make it harder to digest food because it can put pressure on the stomach, which can cause pain or bloating.

Sleeping position and heart health
How you sleep can also affect your heart. Many people think that sleeping on the left side is good for blood flow and relieves pressure on the heart. The right side may be better for everyone, especially those with heart problems. Sleeping on your right side can help ease pain and stress on the heart, especially for people with heart failure. It might also help you breathe better. On the other hand, sleeping on your back can make snoring worse and raise the risk of sleep apnea, which can mess up your heart rhythm and blood pressure.

Tips for better sleep posture
A good pillow that keeps your neck and spine in line will help you sleep better and stay healthy. Putting a pillow between your knees when you sleep on your side can help ease the pressure on your hips and back. Do not eat a lot of food before bed to avoid problems with digestion. Most importantly, pick a sleeping position that feels good for your body.

Your sleeping position can help your digestion, make your heart work better, and improve the quality of your sleep. Making small changes can have a big impact on your health.

Dr. Arun Chowdary Kotaru, Unit Head & Sr. Consultant - Respiratory Disease & Sleep Medicine (Unit I), Artemis Hospitals