Sleeping Positions for Constipation
Constipation is a condition in which you may have fewer than three bowel movements a week. When it comes to constipation, sleeping on your left side may help support digestion for some people, although scientific evidence is limited. By lying on your left side, you enable gravity to help move waste through your colon overnight. Moving waste into the last part of the colon may help encourage a bowel movement in the morning.
If sleeping on your side is uncomfortable, try:
- Using a pillow designed to support your head and neck for side sleeping
- Placing a firm pillow between your knees: This helps keep your hips in the right position for side sleeping and supports the lower back.
- Hugging a pillow: This may help support your arm in a comfortable sleeping position and helps keeps the arms parallel to each other.
- Using a body pillow: A full-length body pillow may help prevent rolling onto your back or stomach during the night.
- Avoid resting directly on one arm: This can help reduce numbness or shoulder discomfort while side sleeping.
If left-side sleeping is uncomfortable or not practical, sleeping on your back with a pillow placed under your knees may help support spinal alignment and reduce abdominal pressure, which some people find more comfortable during episodes of constipation.
Sleeping on your stomach is generally discouraged if you are constipated, as this position can place pressure on the abdomen and make it harder to maintain proper spinal alignment during sleep.
It's important to note that while these sleeping positions may provide relief for some individuals with constipation, they may not work for everyone. People with spine or heart conditions should check with their healthcare provider before changing sleep positions.
Other remedies used in combination may be helpful, such as dietary approaches commonly used for constipation. New sleeping positions or home remedies for constipation do not replace treatment recommendations for a healthcare provider that account for individual factors, such as other medication conditions or medications. Remember, what works for one person may not work for another. If you're experiencing persistent or severe constipation, it's important to seek medical advice for proper evaluation and treatment options.