For years, I never paid attention to the position I slept in. I would simply lie down on whichever side felt comfortable and fall asleep within minutes. Then one day I came across an illustration claiming that sleeping on the right side could affect digestion, and it made me wonder if something as simple as sleeping position could really matter.

After looking into it, I discovered that the position of your stomach can influence how stomach acid moves while you’re lying down. According to the explanation, sleeping on the right side may allow stomach contents to move more easily toward the esophagus in some people, increasing the chance of nighttime acid reflux or heartburn.

On the other hand, sleeping on the left side is often recommended for people who frequently experience acid reflux. In that position, the stomach sits below the esophagus, making it more difficult for stomach acid to travel upward. Many people who switch to sleeping on their left side report fewer episodes of nighttime discomfort and better sleep.

That doesn’t mean everyone who sleeps on their right side will develop digestive problems. Many people sleep that way for their entire lives without experiencing heartburn at all. Factors such as diet, body weight, eating close to bedtime, and certain medical conditions often play a much bigger role than sleeping position alone.

If you regularly wake up with heartburn, a sour taste in your mouth, or discomfort after sleeping, changing your sleeping position may be worth trying. Sometimes a small adjustment, like sleeping on your left side or avoiding large meals before bed, can make a noticeable difference in how you feel the next morning.