What Risks Do You Run When You Sleep on Your Right Side?

Your favorite sleeping position may affect digestion more than you think.

Many people have a preferred sleeping position and rarely think twice about it. Some sleep on their backs, others curl up on one side, while many switch positions throughout the night without even realizing it.

Recently, discussions about whether sleeping on the left or right side is healthier have gained attention online. One of the most common claims is that sleeping on the right side may increase the likelihood of acid reflux and digestive discomfort.

But what does this idea actually mean?

How Body Position Can Affect Digestion

The stomach is not located symmetrically in the body. Because of its shape and position, gravity can influence how stomach contents move while a person is lying down.

When a person lies on the left side, the connection between the stomach and esophagus is positioned in a way that may help keep stomach acid lower.

When lying on the right side, stomach contents may be more likely to move toward the esophagus, potentially increasing the chance of acid reflux in some individuals.

This is one reason why sleep position is frequently discussed in relation to digestive comfort.