No matter what throw in of sleeper you are, your sleep position can affect how youdigestfood.
This article reviews ways to improve digestion by sleeping in the best position.
When digestion is working as it should, you barely notice it.
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But if you have any issues likeheartburnorconstipation, you’ll feel uncomfortable and possiblybloated.
Nutritional factors that may disrupt sleep include:
Getting too little sleep can affect your gut.
It can also trigger an increase in hunger and cravings by 33%.
How Does Sleep Affect Health?
Good quality sleep is essential for overall health.
While you’re asleep, your body is repairing.
Lack of sleep has been linked to a higher risk ofstroke,heart attack,diabetes, and more.
Sleeping on your left side may reduce the risk of heartburn and symptoms of indigestion.
Side Sleeping Benefits
There are some benefits to sleeping on your side.
Left-side sleeping is recommended for people who have heartburn due toacid refluxorgastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD).
Most other people would benefit from side sleeping.
Summary
What you eat and drink can affect your digestion during sleep.
Your sleep position can also affect your digestion, alleviating or exacerbating conditions like heartburn.
Side sleeping, particularly on your left side, is recommended to improve heartburn.
A person can make other simple changes, like avoiding eating before bed, that can help digestion.
They will be able to make the best recommendations for your specific situation.
Sometimes simple diet changes can be enough to improve sleep.
If you’re a stomach sleeper, try sleeping on your side for a more restful slumber.
How quickly food digests depends on what you’re eating and drinking.
Drinking plenty of water and getting regularexercisecan help move the waste products through your digestive system a little faster.
You should give a shot to stay upright after eating.
Lying down soon after a meal can increase your risk of heartburn or acid reflux.
Try sitting on a couch and leaning on a pillow instead of lying down if you’re very tired.
Sleep Foundation.Nutrition and sleep.
Canadian Society of Intestinal Research.Sleep.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How does sleep affect your heart health?.
American Sleep Association.How to sleep with GERD.
Canadian Society of Intestinal Research.Heartburn keeping you up at night?
Try sleeping on your left side.
National Health Service.Indigestion and heartburn in pregnancy.
Nemours Children’s Health.Sleeping during pregnancy.
Sleep Foundation.The best foods to help you sleep.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Choosing the best sleep position.
