Research discussed in the article suggests that sleeping on the left side may reduce reflux episodes compared with sleeping on the right. This appears to be related to the natural position and shape of the stomach and its connection with the esophagus.
When someone lies on the left side, the junction between the stomach and esophagus may remain above the stomach contents, making it more difficult for acid to travel upward. Sleeping on the right side can position the stomach differently, potentially allowing acid to reach the esophagus more easily in people who are prone to reflux.
Changing sleeping position therefore may be a simple way for some people to reduce nighttime heartburn and improve sleep. However, persistent or severe reflux should not be managed through sleeping position alone, since ongoing symptoms may require lifestyle changes or medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause.
