Ideally, the pillow should fill the space between your shoulder and head so your neck remains aligned with the rest of your spine.
It may help with acid reflux.
For people who experience gastroesophageal reflux, sleeping on the left side may reduce nighttime reflux symptoms compared with sleeping on the right side or lying flat on the back.
This is one reason left-side sleeping is often suggested for people who experience heartburn at night.
Raising the head of the bed can also help some people with nighttime reflux. Simply stacking several pillows under the head may not provide the same benefit and can sometimes create an uncomfortable bend at the waist or neck.
How to sleep comfortably on your side
Try these simple adjustments:
- Choose a pillow that keeps your head level rather than tilted up or down.
- Keep your shoulders and hips comfortably aligned.
- Bend your knees slightly instead of curling tightly into a ball.
- Place a pillow between your knees if it helps your hips and lower back feel more comfortable.
- Avoid placing your arm beneath your head in a way that causes shoulder pressure or numbness.
You do not necessarily need to sleep on your left side every night. If you are healthy, comfortable, and sleeping well on your right side, there may be no reason to change.
