Nausea is a common sensation in the stomach caused by various factors, from diet to illness. Adjusting how you are lying down can significantly influence the severity of the discomfort. This uses the force of gravity to manage stomach contents and potentially ease the queasiness. Understanding this relationship offers a quick, non-pharmacological strategy for finding comfort.
The Anatomical Advantage of Lying on the Left Side
When feeling nauseous, the recommended position is to lie on your left side. This is based on the specific anatomical arrangement of the digestive system, as the stomach curves to the left side of the abdomen.
Lying on the left side places the stomach lower than the esophagus. This orientation uses gravity to help keep the stomach contents, including stomach acid, where they belong. The liquid and partially digested material are pulled toward the floor of the stomach pouch, away from the opening to the esophagus.
This positioning helps ensure that the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is positioned above the stomach’s contents. Studies show that acid reflux episodes are shorter and less frequent when lying on the left side, which often corresponds to a reduction in accompanying nausea.
Positions That Can Worsen Nausea
Conversely, certain positions can intensify the feeling of nausea. Lying on your right side is discouraged because it makes it easier for stomach acid to rise. When positioned on the right, the stomach sits higher than the esophagus, allowing gravity to push stomach contents toward the LES.
This position can promote the relaxation of the sphincter muscle, increasing the risk of acid reflux, which frequently triggers or worsens nausea. Lying flat on your back is also counterproductive, as this position removes the gravitational advantage entirely.
Without an incline, stomach acid can pool in the esophagus for a longer time, prolonging the irritation that contributes to the queasy feeling. Any position that puts pressure on the abdomen, such as lying flat on the stomach, should also be avoided. This pressure can physically squeeze the stomach, forcing its contents upward toward the esophagus.
Quick Fixes Beyond Body Positioning
While optimizing body position is helpful, other simple actions can provide supplementary relief. Focusing on controlled, slow breathing can help calm the nervous system and ease the sensation of nausea. Try inhaling deeply through the nose, holding the breath briefly, and then slowly exhaling through the mouth.
Sipping clear liquids, such as water or flat ginger ale, is an effective strategy for managing discomfort. Ginger is a well-known remedy, and even small sips of a ginger beverage or a piece of ginger candy can help settle the stomach. Avoiding strong or unpleasant odors can prevent the nausea from escalating, as the sense of smell is closely linked to the brain’s vomiting center.
Applying a cool compress to the back of the neck may offer a soothing sensation. Other techniques involve light acupressure, such as gently pressing on the P-6 point on the inner wrist, which is associated with managing nausea. These simple adjustments work in conjunction with lying on the left side to help you find comfort quickly.