Finding the best side to sleep on for digestion isn't just about comfort; it's about working with your body's natural anatomy. The right position can help reduce acid reflux and make you feel much better in the morning. Of course, staying in one position all night is easier said than done, especially if your pillow isn't giving you the right support. A pillow designed for side sleepers, like The Scrumptious Side Pillow, can help you stay comfortable while your body does its work.
The Verdict: Why Left is Best for Digestion
When it comes to the best side to sleep on for digestion, the answer is clear: your left side. This isn't just an old wives' tale; it's based on the physical layout of your internal organs. Your stomach and pancreas are located on the left side of your body, and their position plays a big role in how food is digested.
Think about your stomach's shape. It empties from its right side into the small intestine. When you lie on your left side, gravity helps move food waste from your stomach into the small intestine more easily. This can lead to a smoother and more efficient digestive process while you sleep.
Furthermore, the connection between your esophagus and your stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES) is also affected by your position. Sleeping on your left side helps keep this sphincter above the level of your stomach acid. This makes it much harder for acid to flow back up into your esophagus, which is what causes the burning sensation of heartburn. For more information on improving your nightly rest, you can explore our Sleep Wellness blog.
Benefits of Sleeping on Your Left Side
Choosing to sleep on your left side does more than just help your stomach. It offers a few other key benefits for your overall health and comfort, especially after a meal. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, over 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, and your sleep position can be a simple way to find relief.
Here are some of the main advantages of left-side sleeping:
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Reduces Heartburn and Acid Reflux: As mentioned, this is the biggest benefit. Gravity helps keep stomach acid where it belongs, preventing it from creeping up your esophagus. This is especially helpful if you suffer from GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
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Promotes Better Waste Elimination: Sleeping on the left helps move waste through the large intestine more effectively. The ileocecal valve, which connects your small and large intestines, is on your lower right side. Lying on your left allows gravity to help waste move from the small intestine into the large intestine, preparing it for elimination in the morning.
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Improves Lymphatic Drainage: Your lymphatic system's main duct, the thoracic duct, is on your left side. This system is responsible for transporting proteins, glucose, and other metabolites. Sleeping on your left can help your body filter lymph fluid and waste more efficiently.
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Can Boost Brain Health: Some research suggests that sleeping on your left side may help your brain clear out interstitial waste more effectively. This process is important for maintaining brain health as you age.
Making left-side sleeping a habit can contribute to better nights and more energized mornings. You can read more about what makes a great pillow for this position in our Pillow Analysis section.
What About Sleeping on Your Right Side?
If sleeping on the left is so good for digestion, what happens when you sleep on your right? Unfortunately, sleeping on your right side can have the opposite effect and may worsen digestive issues for some people. The reason again comes down to simple anatomy and gravity.
When you lie on your right side, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes. This muscular ring is meant to keep stomach acid from flowing backward. When you're on your right, the stomach is positioned above the esophagus, making it much easier for acid to leak through the relaxed sphincter. This can lead to an increase in heartburn and acid reflux symptoms.
For people who are prone to indigestion, sleeping on the right can mean waking up with a sore throat, a sour taste in the mouth, or a burning chest. While it might feel comfortable for your back or shoulders, it could be the hidden cause of your nighttime digestive troubles. If you find yourself rolling to your right, it might be a sign that your pillow isn't providing enough support to keep you comfortably on your left. You can always check out the latest Honeydew news for updates and sleep tips.
How to Train Yourself to Sleep on Your Left Side
Knowing you should sleep on your left is one thing, but actually doing it all night is another. Most people change positions many times while they sleep without even realizing it. If you're a dedicated back, stomach, or right-side sleeper, here are a few simple steps to help you train your body to favor the left.
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Start on Your Left: Make a conscious effort to begin every night on your left side. Even if you move later, starting in the right position gives your body time to begin digesting your last meal properly.
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Use a Pillow Barricade: Place a body pillow or a stack of firm pillows behind your back. This physical barrier can prevent you from rolling over onto your back or right side during the night.
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Switch Sides of the Bed: If you sleep with a partner, sometimes your position is influenced by which way you face them. Try switching sides of the bed. This might naturally encourage you to lie on your left side to face your partner or the room.
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Get a Pillow Made for Side Sleepers: This is one of the most effective methods. A pillow that is too flat or too thick can cause neck pain and force you to change positions. A dedicated side sleeper pillow provides the right height and support for your head and neck, making it so comfortable you won't want to move.
The goal is to make left-side sleeping your body's new default. With a supportive pillow like The Scrumptious Side Pillow, you can get the alignment you need to stay put comfortably all night long.
Best Pillow for Side Sleeper - Honeydew Sleep
Description (The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow):
The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow features a unique curve that cradles your neck and shoulders for ultimate comfort and perfect alignment. The proprietary fill delivers a luxurious feel and superior support, while alleviating neck and shoulder pain , a condition affecting 30% to 50% of adults. We spent years developing a pillow built to provide perfect alignment and support for your body every single night. Every aspect was meticulously and deliberately chosen for its ability to provide the best sleep possible, and to help you wake up pain free and full of energy , powered by sleep. Unlike traditional rectangular pillows, the unique curve of the Scrumptious Side Pillow was designed to support your neck and shoulders whether you are on your side or your back. The ribbon going around the sides maintains the pillow's structure perfectly, ensuring it doesn't taper at the edges or get higher in the middle , so you'll never roll onto the "flat part" during the night. The foam component is 100% CertiPUR-US certified copper-infused foam, which is far more effective at cooling than gel-based memory foam and has naturally antibacterial properties to keep your pillow fresh night after night. A discreetly hidden zipper lets you add or remove fill to customize the pillow height for your body , because nobody knows what you need better than you. Handcrafted by hand with love in California, USA. Turn down your nights to turn up your days.
Key Features:
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Unique Curved Design: Cradles neck and shoulders for perfect alignment
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Proprietary Fill: Doughy and soft yet still supportive , unlike any other pillow
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Copper-Infused Foam: Superior cooling vs. gel-based memory foam; naturally antibacterial
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100% CertiPUR-US Certified Foam: Always made without formaldehyde or heavy metals
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Adjustable Fill: Hidden zipper to add or remove fill for personalized height
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Structural Side Ribbon: Maintains consistent height across entire pillow surface
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Neck & Shoulder Pain Relief: Specifically designed to stop neck pain at the source
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Side & Back Sleeper Friendly: Unique curve supports all sleeping positions
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Organic Bamboo Pillowcase Included: Cooling, ultra-soft, and skin-friendly
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Cooling All Night Long: Copper infusion keeps pillow temperature regulated
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Washable Cover: Hidden zipper makes cover removal easy for machine washing
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Handmade in California, USA: Family-owned, hand-crafted with care
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Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certified: All textiles safety certified
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No Formaldehyde or Heavy Metals: 100% safe materials
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Travel Size Available: Includes carrying bag for on-the-go sleep comfort
Tech Specs:
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Fill: Proprietary copper-infused CertiPUR-US certified foam blend
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Cover: Organic bamboo , cooling and ultra-soft
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Certification: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 (textiles) + CertiPUR-US (foam)
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Construction: Handmade in California, USA
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Adjustability: Hidden zipper for fill customization
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Available Sizes:
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Queen: approximately 27" x 15"
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King: approximately 30" x 17"
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Travel: approximately 21" x 12"
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Sleep Position: Side sleepers and back sleepers
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Temperature: Cooling copper-infused fill, always cool to the touch
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Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
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Trial Period: 60-night money-back guarantee
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Care: Machine washable cover (remove fill first); tumble dry safe
What's Included:
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1 x Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow (Queen, King, or Travel)
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1 x Organic Bamboo Cooling Pillowcase
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Travel Size: includes carrying bag
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60-night risk-free trial (free shipping both ways)
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3-year limited warranty
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Free nationwide US shipping on orders over $50
Customer Reviews Highlights:
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I was floored by how much better I sleep now. The quality is incredible , the perfect mix of fluffy and firm." , Jonathan K. 🇺🇸
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This pillow is perfect for side sleepers like myself. I'll never go back to my old pillows again." , Michelle D. 🇺🇸
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Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐ based on 587 verified reviews
Shop The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow
The Role of Your Pillow in Comfortable Side Sleeping
Your pillow is more than just a soft place to rest your head. For side sleepers, it is the key to proper spinal alignment and overall comfort. If your pillow isn't right for you, you'll likely spend the night tossing and turning, which defeats the purpose of trying to stay on your left side for digestion.
A good side sleeper pillow fills the gap between your head and the mattress, keeping your neck in a straight line with your spine. Here’s what to look for:
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Proper Loft (Height): Side sleepers need a thicker pillow than back or stomach sleepers. The ideal height depends on your shoulder width and mattress firmness. An adjustable pillow allows you to find the perfect loft for your body.
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Firmness and Support: The pillow should be firm enough to support your head without letting it sink too low, but soft enough to be comfortable. Memory foam and latex are great options for supportive yet contouring comfort.
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Shoulder Cutout: A unique feature of pillows designed for side sleepers is a curve or cutout for your shoulder. This allows you to tuck the pillow in closely, providing better neck support and reducing pressure on your shoulder joint.
Without the right pillow, you might wake up with a stiff neck or sore shoulder, forcing you to roll onto your back or right side for relief. Investing in a quality pillow is an investment in your sleep quality and digestive health. See what others think about our pillow in this Gadgeteer review.
Other Tips for Better Digestion at Night
While changing your sleep position is a powerful tool, it works best when combined with other healthy habits. If you frequently struggle with indigestion at night, consider making a few adjustments to your evening routine.
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Avoid Large Meals Before Bed: Try to eat your biggest meal earlier in the day. A heavy dinner right before lying down puts a lot of pressure on your digestive system.
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Wait Before You Lie Down: Give your body at least 2-3 hours to digest after your last meal or snack before you go to bed. This allows gravity to do most of the work while you are still upright.
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Elevate Your Head: If you suffer from acid reflux, slightly elevating the head of your bed can help. You can do this with bed risers or a wedge pillow. A supportive, lofty pillow can also help keep your head elevated.
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Know Your Trigger Foods: Pay attention to what you eat. Spicy foods, fatty foods, caffeine, chocolate, and acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus are common triggers for heartburn. Avoiding them in the evening can make a big difference.
Combining these tips with left-side sleeping can create a powerful strategy for a peaceful, comfortable night. For more ideas on how to improve your sleep, check out our articles on how the best organic pillows for sleeping will provide you a better night's sleep.
Does Sleeping on Your Stomach or Back Affect Digestion?
We've established that the left side is the winner for digestion, but what about other common sleep positions? Both sleeping on your back and on your stomach have their own effects on your digestive system.
Stomach Sleeping: This is generally considered the worst position for digestion. Lying on your stomach puts a lot of pressure on your abdomen, which can be uncomfortable and may interfere with the digestive process. It also forces you to turn your head to one side, which can lead to neck and back pain.
Back Sleeping: Sleeping on your back can be a good position for spinal alignment, but it has mixed results for digestion. For some, it can make acid reflux worse because it's still easy for stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, especially if you're lying completely flat. However, if you use a wedge pillow or an adjustable bed to elevate your upper body, back sleeping can become a great option for managing reflux.
Ultimately, every position has its pros and cons. But for those specifically looking to improve digestion and reduce heartburn, the left side remains the top choice. You can read about our journey in creating the best pillows for every sleeper by learning about our history from Drift to Honeydew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it bad to sleep on your right side for your heart?
A: This is a common concern, but for most people, sleeping on the right side is not dangerous for your heart. Some theories suggest left-side sleeping may improve circulation back to the heart. However, unless you have a specific heart condition and your doctor has advised you otherwise, you should focus on the position that gives you the best quality sleep.
Q: What if I can't stay on my left side all night?
A: It's completely normal to move around during sleep. Don't stress about staying in one position all night long. The goal is to spend as much time as possible on your left side. Try starting the night on your left and using pillows to encourage your body to return to that position if you move.
Q: Does my mattress matter for digestive comfort when side sleeping?
A: Yes, your mattress plays a supportive role. A mattress that is too firm can create pressure points on your hips and shoulders, while one that is too soft can cause your spine to sag out of alignment. A medium-firm mattress is often a good choice for side sleepers, as it provides enough support to keep your spine straight while contouring to your body's curves.
Q: How long does it take to get used to sleeping on a new side?
A: It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to get used to a new sleeping position. Consistency is key. By making a conscious effort to start on your left side every night and using supportive pillows, your body will gradually adapt. Be patient with yourself during the process.
