What Side Should You Sleep on When Side Sleeping?

Mattress Expert™ answer: What side should you sleep on? Both left and right sides have potential benefits for side sleeping, and the “best” side depends on your individual health factors. However, we’re Mattress Experts™, not medical professionals, so we can’t recommend one side over another for health reasons. What we can tell you: as long as you have a quality mattress that supports your spine and cushions your shoulders and hips, you can sleep on whichever side feels comfortable and get great rest.

If you’re a side sleeper, you’ve probably wondered at some point which side is actually better. Is sleeping on your left side healthier than your right? Should you alternate sides throughout the night? And why do some people need multiple pillows to “perfect” their positioning?

The truth is, there’s a lot of conflicting information out there about side sleeping. Some sources claim one side is better for your heart; others suggest a different side aids digestion. Medical websites have different recommendations. It can feel overwhelming trying to figure out the “right” way to do something as natural as sleeping (especially when you’re not aware of your positioning during the night).

Here’s what we know: at Texas Mattress Makers, we’re Mattress Experts™, not medical professionals. We can’t tell you which side is medically best for your specific health situation (only your doctor can). But we can tell you that after over 45 years of helping side sleepers find their best mattress, the most important factor isn’t which side you choose. It’s that your mattress properly supports your spine and cushions the areas of your body that interact most with the bed.

This guide explores the benefits of both left and right side sleeping, answers common questions about side sleeping positions, and shows you why mattress quality matters more than which side you pick.

Key Takeaways

• Both sides have potential benefits: Research suggests various advantages for left- and right-side sleeping, but the best side for you depends on your individual health situation.
• Medical factors matter more than which side: Conditions like acid reflux, pregnancy, heart health, and digestion may influence which side works best for you, so consult your doctor if you have specific health concerns.
• Mattress quality is more important than side choice: A supportive mattress that cushions pressure points matters far more than which side you sleep on.
• Proper support is key for side sleepers: Your mattress should support your spine alignment while cushioning your shoulders and hips, the main pressure points for side sleepers.
• Speak to your doctor about medical concerns; speak to us about mattress comfort: We’re here to ensure your mattress supports great sleep regardless of which side you prefer.

What to know about side sleeping

When you sleep on your side, your weight distributes differently than in back or stomach sleeping. Your shoulder and hip become primary pressure points. Your spine needs to stay aligned with your head and neck, which is why pillow choice matters. Your lower back needs support to prevent excessive curving.

This is why your mattress choice matters. A mattress that’s too firm won’t cushion your pressure points adequately. A mattress that’s too soft won’t support your spine. The sweet spot is balanced support and cushioning. However, the only way to truly know if a mattress is suitable for you as a side sleeper is to try it in person in one of our showrooms. More on that later.

Left side vs. right side: Understanding the claimed benefits

While we’re Mattress Experts™, not medical professionals, there is existing research on side sleeping positions and their benefits, suggesting pros and cons for each side. Understanding these differences helps you make an informed choice about what works for your body.

Is it better to sleep on your left side?

Why some people prefer left side sleeping:

• Acid reflux: Some studies found that left side sleeping may facilitate better digestion and gastric emptying, which is why some people find it helps with acid reflux or general digestive comfort.
• Circulation: Research suggests that sleeping on your left side helps reduce pressure on the veins carrying blood back to the heart. Your heart’s strongest chamber, which pumps blood, leans more toward the left side of your body. However, this is debated among medical professionals.
• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, left side sleeping is often recommended because it optimizes blood flow to the placenta and may reduce pressure on the liver. 

Why right side sleeping can work too: Your liver is on your right side, and some sources suggest right side sleeping gives your liver space to function optimally. 

Beyond that, some people simply sleep better on their right side. Comfort and consistency matter more than forcing yourself into a position that doesn’t feel natural. If right-side sleeping feels better for your body, then sleep on your right side. Forced positioning often leads to tossing and turning, which disrupts sleep more than side choice does.

The reality: both sides have claimed benefits, and individual factors matter. If you have specific health concerns, your doctor can recommend which side might work best for your situation.

When health conditions are a factor

Which side should you sleep on for digestion? 

Left side sleeping is often associated with better digestion and is frequently recommended for people dealing with acid reflux or other digestive issues. The theory is that sleeping on your left side positions your stomach in a way that helps food move through your system more naturally.

What side should you sleep on for acid reflux? 

Research suggests left side sleeping may help reduce acid reflux symptoms. Additionally, adjustable beds for side sleepers can be helpful for anyone dealing with acid reflux. Slightly elevating the head of your bed can help reduce reflux symptoms while maintaining your preferred side sleeping position. Paired with a supportive mattress, this combination can make a real difference in sleep quality.

Which side is better to sleep on for your heart? 

According to this article from the American Heart Association, there isn’t enough evidence to support saying that the right or left side is “better” for your heart health. The research isn’t definitive, and individual factors matter when making your decision.

“In general, sleep position is a matter of personal preference. But while you can make a conscious choice about which position you start out in each night, ‘not a lot’ of research has been done on the effects of that choice.”

Dr. Rachel Salas, a sleep neurologist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Sleep and Wellness in Baltimore

This is definitely a medical question best discussed with your cardiologist if you have heart-related concerns. What we know: quality sleep supports heart health. Period. A comfortable mattress that lets you sleep through the night without disruption supports better cardiovascular rest and recovery. So focus on getting great sleep in whatever position feels comfortable and supported.

What about during pregnancy?

Left-side sleeping is often recommended by doctors during pregnancy because it optimizes blood flow to the placenta. Many expectant mothers find that proper positioning and support, combined with a quality mattress, make sleep more comfortable as their bodies change.

As Mattress Experts™ with many mothers in our company, we don’t recommend purchasing a new mattress for pregnancy (unless your current mattress is worn out and causing significant discomfort). You can make a few adjustments to help increase comfort, and after your body has had time to readjust post-partum, then come and see us for a new bed.

Continue reading on Reddit: How to sleep on your side during pregnancy

Does it matter which side you choose to sleep on?

So, which side is better to sleep on right or left? The honest answer is that both can be fine if your mattress supports you properly. There is no one best side to sleep on or best sleeping position that will universally work for every person. Some people naturally prefer the right side or the left, change sides throughout the night, or wind up in completely different positions when they wake up. All of these approaches work as long as your mattress provides consistent support regardless of which side you’re on.

What matters isn’t choosing the “perfect” side. What matters is that your mattress:

• Has enough cushioning for your shoulders and hips
• Provides firm support for your spine
• Maintains alignment from your neck through your hips
• Feels comfortable and supportive all night long

This is why testing a mattress in person, in your actual sleeping position, matters so much. What feels supportive on your left side might not feel the same on your right, depending on your body type and preferences. 

There’s a lot of information out there, so don’t get lost in piles of “medical advice” online. If you have medical concerns, speak to your doctor — but if you want to find the best mattress for your needs to stay comfortable all night, speak to the Mattress Experts™ at Texas Mattress Makers. 

The most important factor in side sleeping: Your mattress

Regardless of which side you choose to sleep on, the most critical factor for sleep quality is your mattress. And just as there isn’t one best side to sleep on, there also isn’t one best mattress for side sleepers. However, finding the right mattress for you makes the difference between waking with shoulder or hip pain and waking refreshed.

When you’re shopping for a mattress as a side sleeper, prioritize:

• Pressure relief: Your shoulders and hips need adequate cushioning to prevent pressure points. We offer many types of pressure relieving mattresses that can suit a wide variety of body types and needs so you can find the best match.
• Spinal support: Your mattress should support your spine’s natural alignment, not create curves or gaps. This can vary depending on your height and weight.
• Responsiveness: The mattress should respond to your body shape without feeling like you’re sinking in or floating on top. Like Goldilocks, it has to feel just right.
• Durability: Look for materials that maintain their support properties over years of use, like our Quantum™ Coil component.

We highly encourage every sleeper to visit any Texas Mattress Makers showroom and test mattresses while lying in their actual side-sleeping position for around 15 minutes. This is the only way to know if a mattress truly supports you. With the guidance of our Mattress Experts™, you can test as many mattresses as you want until you feel confident that you’ve found the one.

How do I know if my mattress supports side sleeping properly?

When you’re lying on the mattress, our Mattress Experts™ will be able to tell that it’s suitable for you if:

• Your shoulder is cushioned but not sinking too deeply
• Your hip is supported but not creating pressure
• Your spine is properly aligned (not curved or twisted)
• You feel comfortable after 15 minutes

If you wake with pain or tossing and turning is frequent, your mattress probably needs replacing, and we can help with that.

FAQs about side sleeping

Which side is better to sleep on right or left?

Neither the right nor left side is better for side sleeping. Pick whatever side feels comfortable to you. If you have health concerns that may require certain positioning, speak to your doctor.

Should I sleep with a pillow between my legs?

You can, but it’s not a necessity to sleep comfortably. A pillow between your knees can help maintain spinal alignment by keeping your hips level and preventing your spine from twisting or curving excessively. However, this shouldn’t be an issue with the right mattress. 

Can side sleeping cause shoulder pain?

Side sleeping can cause shoulder pain if your mattress doesn’t cushion your shoulder adequately or if your pillow doesn’t support your neck properly. A quality mattress designed for side sleepers should prevent this. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain while side sleeping, your mattress might need to be replaced.

Should you switch sides when sleeping?

You can switch sides if it feels comfortable. Some people naturally switch throughout the night, and others prefer one side. Both approaches work fine as long as your mattress supports you properly on both sides.

Side Sleepers: Your Perfect Mattress is Here

Instead of asking, “What side should you sleep on?” ask, “Does my mattress support my current sleeping position?” The truth is that side sleeping works great when you have the right mattress. You don’t need to stress about which side is “medically perfect.” Focus on finding a mattress that supports your spine, cushions your pressure points, and lets you sleep comfortably through the night.

When you visit any of our mattress stores in Houston, a Mattress Expert™ will guide you through getting to know your needs, recommending certain mattresses, and letting you try as many as possible before you find the right fit for you. It’s that simple. Here, your body, your preferences, and your needs determine what type of bed will suit you best, not what side you sleep on.

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• Questions About Sleep Answered by a Mattress Expert™
• Mattress Experts™ Answer: Is Napping Good for You?
• 5 Things You Need to Get Better Sleep
• How Much Sleep Do Kids Need by Age?
• Best Waterproof Mattress Protector for Bedwetting