That headline is clickbait. It suggests there’s a hidden danger to sleeping on your right side, but the evidence is much less dramatic.
For most people, sleeping on the right side is perfectly safe.
There are a few situations where sleeping position can matter:
- Acid reflux (GERD): Sleeping on the left side often reduces nighttime reflux. Sleeping on the right side may make reflux worse for some people.
- Pregnancy: During the later stages of pregnancy, sleeping on the left side is often recommended because it may improve blood flow, although either side is generally acceptable if it’s comfortable.
- Heart conditions: Some people with advanced heart failure find one side more comfortable than the other, but there is no general recommendation that everyone should avoid sleeping on the right side.
If you always sleep on your right side, you may benefit from:
- A pillow that keeps your head and neck aligned with your spine.
- A pillow between your knees if you have hip or lower back discomfort.
- A supportive mattress that keeps your shoulders and hips comfortable.
- Changing positions occasionally if you wake up stiff or sore.
When to seek medical advice
If you have:
- Frequent nighttime heartburn,
- Loud snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep,
- Persistent shoulder, neck, or hip pain,
- Poor-quality sleep despite good sleep habits,
it’s worth discussing these symptoms with a healthcare professional, as they may indicate an underlying condition that needs evaluation.
Bottom line: The claim that people who always sleep on their right side “should have…” a special treatment or take a particular action is misleading. For most healthy people, the best sleeping position is the one that allows comfortable, restful sleep while accommodating any specific medical conditions they may have.
