5When a person lies on the left side, the connection between the stomach and esophagus may remain above the level of stomach contents, making it more difficult for acid to flow upward. By contrast, sleeping on the right side may allow stomach acid to reach the esophagus more easily in some individuals.
This does not mean that everyone who sleeps on the right side will develop reflux. Many factors contribute to digestive health, including body weight, diet, meal timing, stress levels, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, and underlying medical conditions.
Other Habits That Can Reduce Nighttime Reflux
Health professionals often recommend avoiding large meals shortly before bedtime. Eating late at night may increase the likelihood of reflux because the stomach remains full while a person is lying down.
Some additional strategies include: