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Research has found that left-side sleeping can reduce nighttime acid exposure and may help some people experience fewer reflux symptoms.
It doesn’t work equally well for everyone, but it is a simple position worth trying.
What About Sleeping on Your Right Side?
This is where things get interesting.
Some people find that lying on the right side makes reflux symptoms worse.
The position of the stomach can make it easier for acid to move toward the esophagus when you’re lying on your right side.
If you regularly experience nighttime heartburn, you could try switching to your left side and see whether your symptoms improve.
What Happens When You Sleep Flat on Your Back?
Sleeping completely flat can also be problematic for people with frequent nighttime reflux.
Without an elevated upper body, stomach contents may have an easier path toward the esophagus.
However, simply adding several pillows underneath your head isn’t always the best solution.
Why?
Because ordinary pillows may bend your body at the waist rather than raising your entire upper torso.
Elevating the Upper Body May Help
For people who experience frequent nighttime reflux, raising the upper part of the body can sometimes reduce symptoms.
A wedge pillow or an appropriately elevated part of the bed can raise the chest and upper abdomen while keeping the body relatively straight.