When you lie on your left side, the stomach's anatomy and the effect of gravity may make it more difficult for stomach contents to move toward the esophagus.

When you lie on your right side, the position can sometimes make reflux easier.

That's why people who regularly experience nighttime heartburn are often advised to experiment with left-side sleeping.

This doesn't mean that right-side sleeping causes acid reflux in everyone.

If you never experience heartburn, there's no reason to assume that sleeping on your right side is harming your digestive system.

But if you regularly wake with burning chest discomfort or a sour taste, changing sides may be worth trying.

3. Your Last Meal May Matter More Than Your Sleeping Side

If you experience reflux, changing your sleeping position may help—but your eating habits before bed can be just as important.

A large meal shortly before lying down can increase the amount of stomach contents available to move upward.

Certain foods and drinks can also trigger symptoms in susceptible people.

Common triggers may include:

• Large or high-fat meals

• Alcohol

• Chocolate

• Coffee

• Spicy foods

• Certain acidic foods

• Late-night snacks

Not everyone reacts to the same foods.

Instead of eliminating everything from your diet, pay attention to patterns.

If you repeatedly notice that eating a large meal late at night causes heartburn, try leaving more time between eating and going to bed.

You can also experiment with sleeping on your left side and see whether symptoms improve.

4. Right-Side Sleeping May Still Be Comfortable for People Without Reflux

This is an important distinction.

The fact that right-side sleeping can worsen reflux for some people doesn't mean it's a bad sleeping position.

Imagine two people.

Person A has frequent nighttime heartburn and wakes up several times each night with acid in the throat.

Person B has no reflux, sleeps comfortably on the right side, rarely wakes during the night, and feels rested every morning.

There is little reason for Person B to change simply because the left side may be more favorable for reflux.

Sleep recommendations should be individualized.

A position that helps one person can be uncomfortable for another.

5. Right-Side Sleeping May Help Some People Avoid Back Sleeping

One potential advantage of sleeping on your right side is that it keeps you away from your back.