A good night’s sleep is about more than simply getting enough hours. Your sleeping position can also influence how comfortable you feel during the night , especially if you occasionally experience heartburn, acid reflux, neck stiffness, or back discomfort. There is no single sleeping position that is perfect for everyone. However, understanding how different positions affect the body can help you make small adjustments that may lead to more restful nights. Why Sleep Position Matters for Acid Reflux The stomach sits primarily toward the left side of the upper abdomen. Because of this anatomy and the effect of gravity, sleeping position can influence how easily stomach contents travel toward the esophagus. For people who experience gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) or nighttime heartburn , lying on the right side may sometimes make reflux symptoms more noticeable. By comparison, sleeping on the left side may help some people experience fewer nighttime reflux episodes , because thi...