Many people wonder if their sleeping position affects heart health. According to medical experts, sleeping on the right side is generally safe for most healthy individuals. Dr B C Kalmath, director and HOD of cardiac sciences at KIMS Hospitals in Thane, explains that while sleeping position can matter for those with existing heart conditions, it poses no harm to people without such issues. The key factor is comfort and quality of rest rather than a specific side. For individuals experiencing breathlessness, palpitations, or heart-related discomfort, the sleeping position might influence how comfortable they feel during the night. Doctors emphasize that the best sleeping position is one that allows peaceful, uninterrupted rest throughout the night. Good-quality sleep is more important for overall heart health than choosing a particular side. People with heart problems should experiment to find what works best for them.
Understanding Sleep Positions and Heart Health
When lying on the right side, the heart sits slightly higher in the chest, potentially reducing pressure on the organ and making breathing easier. Dr Sudhir Kumar, consultant neurologist at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad, confirms that right-sided sleeping may even be more comfortable and hemodynamically favourable for those with heart failure. However, sleeping on the left side can make some people more aware of their heartbeat since the heart sits closer to the chest wall. While this awareness is not harmful, it may cause anxiety or restlessness in certain individuals. For healthy people, both sides are equally safe, and the choice should depend on personal comfort and sleep quality.
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