Many people trying to manage acid reflux focus on what they eat, the medications they take, and their daily habits. But there is another factor that may influence nighttime symptoms: sleeping position. Digestive health experts note that the way someone lies down can affect how easily stomach contents move back into the esophagus.

Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents flow upward into the esophagus. It can cause heartburn, chest discomfort, a sour taste, coughing, and throat irritation. For some people, symptoms become worse at night because lying flat removes gravity’s usual help in keeping stomach contents down.

Research suggests that sleeping on the left side may reduce nighttime reflux episodes compared with sleeping on the right. One possible explanation involves the body’s anatomy: the stomach sits slightly toward the left side, and this position may make it harder for stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.

By contrast, lying on the right side may make reflux more likely for some individuals. However, this does not mean everyone who sleeps on their right side will experience symptoms. Reflux is influenced by several factors, including body weight, food choices, meal timing, stress, smoking, alcohol use, and underlying medical conditions.

For people who experience nighttime acid reflux, experimenting with left-side sleeping may be a simple habit worth discussing with a healthcare professional. It is not a cure, and persistent or severe symptoms deserve medical attention. Still, a small adjustment in sleeping position may offer some people another way to manage uncomfortable nights.