For most healthy people, sleeping on your right side is perfectly safe. There isn’t good evidence that everyone should avoid it.
What sleeping on your right side may affect
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Acid reflux: Right-side sleeping can make reflux symptoms worse for some people. If you have nighttime heartburn, try your left side and/or elevate the head of the bed.
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Snoring and sleep apnea: Side sleeping in general is often better than sleeping flat on your back because it can help keep the airway more open.
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Shoulder or hip discomfort: Putting pressure on one side for hours can aggravate an already painful joint. A pillow between the knees and appropriate head support can help.
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Pregnancy: Side sleeping is generally recommended later in pregnancy, and comfort often determines whether the left or right side is preferable. Your healthcare professional can give individualized advice.
What about the heart?
You may see claims that right-side sleeping is dangerous for your heart. For most people, this isn’t true. Some people with particular heart conditions may find one position more comfortable than another, but there is no universal rule that healthy people must sleep on their left side.
Bottom line: Choose the position that lets you sleep comfortably and breathe well. If right-side sleeping consistently causes chest discomfort, significant breathlessness, severe reflux, or palpitations, discuss it with a healthcare professional.
