What Side to Lay on When Your Stomach Hurts: Best Sleep Positions

Published: Jan 28, 2024
Updated: Sep 16, 2024
What Side to Lay on When Your Stomach Hurts: Best Sleep Positions
In this article
    Reading time
    9 min

    Wondering what side to lay on when your stomach hurts? Stay with us as we will guide you through the 4 best sleeping positions to lay in to relieve abdominal or stomach ache.

    Whether it’s indigestion, cramps, or a bug, finding the right position can make all the difference! Let’s explore each sleep position and discuss how they ease your discomfort.

    Plus, we’ll provide your with tips on aligning your body and pillows for optimal comfort.

    Key Takeaways
    Sleeping on the left side aids digestion by utilizing gravity.
    Sleeping on the right side improves digestion with the help of gravity.
    Back sleeping position aligns the spine, reducing pressure on the stomach and preventing acid reflux disease.
    Fetal position relieves pressure on the stomach, promotes better digestion, and provides a cozy feeling for better sleep.

    Left Side Sleeping Position For Digestion

    When experiencing stomach pain, try sleeping on your left side to get a better sleep. This position can help alleviate discomfort and promote better digestion. By lying on your left side, you allow gravity to aid in the movement of food through your digestive system. It can also help prevent acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by keeping your stomach lower than your esophagus.

    Additionally, sleeping on your left side may improve circulation and reduce pressure on your liver, stomach, and pancreas. This position allows for optimal blood flow and can help ease any inflammation or swelling in the abdominal area.

    Right Side Sleeping Position For Pain Relief

    To keep easing stomach pain, try sleeping on your right side. This position helps with digestion and reduces discomfort.

    Sleeping on your right side uses gravity to move food through your digestive system. It promotes better digestion. It also prevents acid reflux and heartburn by keeping your stomach lower than your esophagus.

    Side sleeping relieves pressure on your organs, improving blood flow and oxygenation. This not only reduces discomfort but also enhances your overall sleep quality.

    ShutEye@3x
    Take control of your sleep with personalized sleep insights



    Try ShutEye Now

    Back Sleeping Position

    For maximum comfort and relief from stomach pain, try sleeping on your back. Sleeping in this position allows your spine to align naturally, reducing pressure on your stomach and promoting better digestion. It also helps prevent acid reflux and heartburn, as gravity keeps stomach acid from flowing back into your esophagus.

    To enhance your comfort, place a pillow under your knees to relieve any lower back tension. Keep your head slightly elevated with a soft pillow to reduce the risk of snoring. Remember to choose a mattress that provides adequate support to your body, ensuring a restful sleep at night.

    Fetal Position For Optimal Sleep Health

    If you’re experiencing stomach pain, try sleeping in the fetal position for maximum comfort and relief. This position involves curling up on your side with your knees drawn towards your chest, resembling the position of a fetus in the womb. By assuming this posture, you can alleviate pressure on your stomach and promote better digestion.

    The fetal position also helps to relax your abdominal muscles and reduce discomfort. It allows you to find a cozy and secure position, giving you the freedom to move and adjust throughout the night. To enhance your comfort, you can place a pillow between your knees or against your stomach.

    women sleeping on her right side

    Laying Back With Your Head Elevated

    Elevating your head while sleeping can help alleviate stomach pain. When you experience discomfort in your stomach, lying with your head elevated can provide relief. This sleeping position allows gravity to assist in the digestion process, preventing acid reflux and reducing the pressure on your stomach.

    By propping yourself up with extra pillows or using an adjustable bed frame, you can achieve the desired elevation. This position not only helps soothe your stomach but also promotes better breathing and reduces snoring.

    Sleeping on Your Stomach

    When your stomach hurts, one option for finding relief is to sleep on your stomach. Sleeping on your stomach can provide freedom and comfort, allowing you to find a position that eases the pain. By lying on your stomach, you may experience a sense of release and relaxation, as the pressure on your stomach is reduced. This position can also aid digestion and relieve bloating.

    However, it’s important to note that sleeping on your stomach may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions or back problems. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

    women sleeping wearing grey t shirt

    So What Side to Lay on When Your Stomach Hurts?

    Doctor’s answer
    The best sleeping position for a stomach ache depends on the cause. Sleeping on the left or right side can aid digestion using gravity. Sleeping on the back aligns the spine and reduces pressure, preventing acid reflux. The fetal position helps relieve stomach pressure and promotes better digestion. Sleeping on the stomach can strain the neck and spine, potentially worsening discomfort.
    Dr. Dan Rifkin
    MD, MPH, FAASM Sleep Medicine Expert Physician & Neurologist

    Importance of Proper Pillow Support

    To ensure optimal comfort and alignment while sleeping on your stomach, it’s essential to have proper pillow support. Your pillow plays a crucial role in maintaining the natural curves of your spine and reducing strain on your neck.

    When selecting a pillow, look for one that isn’t too thick or firm, as this can cause your head to be elevated too high and put strain on your neck. Instead, opt for a softer pillow that allows your head to sink slightly, keeping your neck in a more neutral position.

    Additionally, consider using a body pillow or placing a small pillow under your hips to provide extra support and relieve pressure on your lower back.

    How to Alleviate Stomach Pain While Sleeping

    Relieve stomach pain while sleeping by adjusting your sleep position. Finding the right position can help alleviate discomfort and promote a better night’s sleep. Here are three positions to try:

    • On your side with knees bent: This position can help reduce pressure on your stomach and promote digestion. Place a pillow between your legs for added support and alignment.
    • On your back with a pillow under your knees: Elevating your knees can help relieve tension in your stomach muscles and promote relaxation. This position also helps maintain proper spinal alignment.
    • On your stomach with a pillow under your hips: If you prefer sleeping on your stomach, placing a pillow under your hips can help reduce strain on your lower back and alleviate stomach pain.

    Choosing the Best Position for Your Specific Needs

    To determine the best position for your specific needs, consider the following factors and make adjustments accordingly. First, think about the type of stomach pain you’re experiencing. If you have acid reflux, it’s best to sleep on your left side to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into your esophagus.

    If you have constipation or gas, try sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees to promote proper digestion. For menstrual cramps, lying on your side with a pillow between your legs can help relieve discomfort.

    Additionally, consider your personal comfort preferences. Experiment with different positions and listen to your body.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, finding the right position for sleep and digestion can greatly alleviate stomach pain and ensure a restful night’s sleep. Whether you prefer sleeping on your left side, right side, back, or in the fetal position, each position offers unique benefits for relieving discomfort.

    Remember to properly align your body and use supportive pillows for optimal comfort.

    ShutEye@3x
    Discover the power of sleep with ShutEye!
    Download Now
    FAQ

    Sleeping on your stomach can worsen stomach pain as it can put pressure on your abdomen. It's best to try sleeping on your side instead, as this can help alleviate discomfort and promote better digestion.

    If your stomach hurts, it's important to find a comfortable position for sleep. Sleeping on your left side may help relieve stomach pain by promoting better digestion and reducing acid reflux.

    There are no specific pillow recommendations for alleviating stomach pain while sleeping. However, using a supportive and comfortable pillow that suits your preferences may help improve your overall sleep quality.

    Sleeping in the fetal position can help relieve upset stomach by reducing pressure on your abdomen. It may also promote better digestion and alleviate discomfort. Experiment with different positions to find what works best for you.

    To find the best sleeping position for your specific stomach problems, try a few different positions and see what feels most comfortable.
    About authors
    Jessica Brown, a 29-year-old freelance copywriter passionate about human nature and deeply committed to promoting sleep and mental health awareness. Jessica holds a Master of Arts in Literary Studies from the National University of Singapore and a Bachelor's in Biology from the University of Cambridge.
    Dr. Dan Rifkin, MD, MPH, is the founder and CEO of Ognomy, the first healthcare service to entirely shift the diagnosis and care of sleep apnea from a clinical setting to the home. He is a board-certified neurologist and sleep specialist with more than 25 years of experience in sleep medicine.

    Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940

    You may also like
    Back Sleeping (Supine): Pros and Cons Explained
    back sleeping
    supine
    Updated Sep 16, 2024
    8 min
    What Is The Best Position To Sleep With Sciatica?
    best position to sleep with sciatica
    Updated Oct 15, 2024
    6 min