If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t give much thought to how you sleep—just that you do sleep.

After a long day of work, chores, and parenting, most of us are lucky to make it to bed before we’re out cold. But did you know that your sleep position could actually affect your health?

Many of us naturally prefer a certain sleep style—on our back, right side, or left. It turns out that sleeping on your left side may come with several health benefits. For example, this position can help reduce acid reflux and heartburn by keeping the stomach below the esophagus, making it harder for acid to flow upward.

It also supports spleen function and helps the liver detoxify more effectively. Pregnant women are often advised to sleep on their left side to ease pressure on vital organs and promote blood flow.

Left-side sleeping may even aid bowel movement, thanks to gravity assisting waste through the intestines more smoothly.

Of course, comfort is key. If sleeping on your left side causes discomfort—like shoulder pain—it’s perfectly fine to switch positions.