Feeling nauseous when lying on your left side can be an unsettling experience. This sensation often has understandable physiological or digestive explanations, relating to your body’s position and the mechanics of your digestive system.
How Body Position Affects Digestion
Your body’s position significantly influences digestion. The stomach, a curved organ, is primarily in the upper left abdomen. At its top, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) acts as a valve, opening for food entry and closing to prevent stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus.
When lying down, gravity no longer assists in keeping stomach acid down, increasing reflux likelihood. Sleeping on the left side can reduce acid reflux episodes because the stomach is positioned below the esophagus. Conversely, lying on the right side can worsen reflux, as this position may allow acid to flow more easily into the esophagus.
Common Digestive Disorders
Certain digestive conditions can be exacerbated by body position, leading to nausea. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus due to a malfunctioning LES. This backflow can cause a burning sensation, regurgitation, and nausea.
Other digestive issues can also contribute to discomfort. Gastroparesis, for example, is a condition where stomach muscles take too long to empty food. This delayed emptying can lead to nausea, vomiting, bloating, and a feeling of fullness, which might be more pronounced in certain positions.
A hiatal hernia, where part of the stomach bulges through the diaphragm, can also contribute to acid reflux and related symptoms. Compression in certain positions may worsen nausea or discomfort.
When to Seek Medical Guidance
While occasional nausea when lying on your left side might be benign, persistent or severe symptoms warrant medical attention. Consult a healthcare professional if nausea is frequent, worsening, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These include difficulty swallowing, pain when swallowing, or a sensation of food getting stuck in the throat.
Other indicators for medical evaluation include unexplained weight loss, frequent vomiting, or vomiting blood or black, tarry material. Severe abdominal pain, chronic cough, or chest pain not related to the heart also warrant prompt assessment. A doctor can provide a proper diagnosis and rule out underlying conditions.