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The day after the holiday, you may have suffered from indigestion. Uncomfortable, it makes it difficult to sleep. How to sleep well? What position should you adopt? We tell you everything!
Food in abundance, alcohol… The last days of the year are often an opportunity to have richer meals than usual, washed down with alcohol, sometimes consumed without moderation. But beware of indigestion! Here’s how to sleep if you have a stomach ache.
Better to sleep on your left side
To avoid the discomfort caused by reflux and indigestion, there is a simple trick that allows you to sleep without being too bothered. According to the Canadian Society for Intestinal Research, when you suffer from indigestion, you should sleep on your side. But not just any one!
You should favor the left side. In fact, sleeping on your left side helps reduce gastroesophageal reflux and cramps that may occur.
According to the Canadian Society for Intestinal Research, “gravity helps prevent stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus.”. But when lying down, gravity disappears, allowing the contents of the stomach to move up into the esophagus more easily.
By sleeping on the left side, the stomach, naturally on the left, will be lower than the esophagus, which will limit acid reflux.
Adapt your sleeping position in case of reflux
Experts therefore recommend adapting your sleeping position according to your condition. If it is not possible for you to sleep on your left side, it is advisable to sleep in an elevated position, putting a pillow under your mattress. By not lying completely horizontal, this position helps limit reflux.