If you're a snorer, pregnant or just want to show your body some love, try sleeping on your left tonight. 

 

如果你睡觉打呼，或者怀着宝宝，或者只想对自己身体好点，那今晚就试着向左侧睡吧。

 

There's bad news for those of us who do it on our backs, on our tummies, on our right-hand side, spooning - or even hanging upside down. We are, of course, talking about sleeping. 

 

The position we sleep in may not be the sort of thing worth paying much attention to, but it can have a huge impact on our health.

 

As the Daily Record reports, sleeping on your left side is the least harmful position for your spine¹. 

 

If you lie on your back, there is a danger you'll end up putting too much pressure on your hips² and upper back. 

 

If you prefer to sleep on your front, then this can lead to neck and lower back strain. 

 

Whereas sleeping on your left-hand side can do you the world of good. The body is able to take the pressure off lymph drainage from the heart and spleen, which is crucial for encouraging the natural flow of lymph fluid and preventing lymphatic congestion³. 

 

As positions go, it's also better for your breathing - especially if you find yourself congested of a nighttime. 

 

Partner who snores? 

 

By encouraging them to lie on their left, the volume and frequency of their snoring will be reduced. 

 

That's because lying on your side gives optimum air flow to your lungs and prevents the base of your tongue from lolling into the back of your throat, obstructing⁴ breathing. 

 

If you suffer from heartburn, sleeping on your left can reduce the uncomfortable symptoms and reduce acid reflux. 

 

Pregnant? 

 

Women expecting a baby are advised to adopt this position when falling asleep to encourage healthy blood flow. 

 

And on a more toilet-related topic , adopting the left-hand side will allow your body to process waste quicker, which in turn helps guard you against constipation. 

 

Because of the route the intestines⁵ take, lying on the left means food is able to travel easier towards your colon⁶.

点击收听单词发音