Does sleeping on your left side help your lymphatic system?

Author: Miss Audie Kovacek DVM  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 7, 2025

The Lymph System By sleeping on your left side, you help facilitate the draining process by allowing gravity to do part of the work. On the other hand, sleeping on your right side actually makes the lymph system work harder to properly drain away all the fluid.

What is the best position to sleep in for lymphatic drainage?

Sleep On Your Side

A 2015 study in The Journal of Neuroscience found that waste removed from the glymphatic system was most efficient when lying in the lateral (side) position. (23) Pillow top mattresses are great for side sleepers.

Why is it healthier to sleep on the left side?

And sleeping on the left side is best because it keeps pressure off internal organs and promotes healthy blood flow. "When you are in that third trimester of pregnancy and when you sleep on your back, the uterus is compressing your inferior vena cava. It's compressing the arterial system," says Dr. Somers.

What side does the lymphatic system drain?

In a healthy body, the lymphatic channels from the liver and mesentery drain toward the thoracic duct, which is the main lymphatic vessel responsible for lymph drainage. In most people, the thoracic duct drains into the subclavian vein on the left side.

How to wake up the lymphatic system?

Moving your muscles, breathing, and getting your heart rate up creates a pumping action that stimulates lymphatic flow. Any type of exercise can help get lymph moving. The important thing is to do it regularly. One popular exercise to boost lymphatic flow is to jump on a trampoline, also known as rebounding.

Amazing Benefits of Sleeping on Your Left Side | John Douillard's LifeSpa

What is the best drink for lymphatic drainage?

Here are our top picks for the best teas to keep your lymphatic system flowing beautifully:
  • Yaupon Tea. Yaupon tea, a unique herbal tea made from Ilex vomitoria, is a fantastic option for lymphatic drainage. ...
  • Ginger Tea. ...
  • Chamomile Tea. ...
  • Peppermint Tea.

Can sleep position affect lymph nodes?

Drain Lymphatic Fluid

And left-side sleeping won't just boost drainage: it can also improve your lymph nodes' performance, strengthening your immune system and helping you fight infections. Plus, improved lymph drainage can help your heart.

How do I know if my lymphatic system is draining?

With severe swelling, the lymph fluid can drain through small breaks in the skin or cause blistering. Skin changes. In some people with very severe lymphedema, the skin of the affected limb can thicken and harden so it resembles the skin of an elephant.

What is the largest lymphatic organ in the body?

Spleen. This largest lymphatic organ is located on your left side under your ribs and above your stomach. Your spleen filters your blood and removes cells that are old or not working properly. It also keeps red blood cells and platelets available in case your body needs them.

How to cleanse a clogged lymphatic system?

There are other ways to pamper your lymphatic system, too, including:
  1. Deep breathing. Breathing slowly and deeply can help move fluid through the lymph vessels and nodes. ...
  2. Physical activity. Exercise helps move fluid throughout the body. ...
  3. Dry brushing. ...
  4. Swimming. ...
  5. Tap your skin.

Who should not sleep on their left side?

Researchers have looked at sleep position in people with heart failure, a condition where the heart does not pump effectively. People with heart failure often experience shortness of breath that worsens when they sleep on their left side, Salas said, leading many to prefer their right.

Why should wife sleep on the left side?

According to astrology, the wife sleeping on the left side of the husband strengthens emotional harmony... Read More. In Sanatan Dharma, during a marriage, the wife is asked to sit on the left side of the husband. This practice continues during pujas and religious rituals, where the wife always sits on the left side.

What is the healthiest sleeping position?

"Sleeping on the side seems to have the least negative impact on health," Dr. Pirtle says. Side sleeping is associated with several potential health benefits. Interestingly, the side of the body a person sleeps on can affect what benefits they may receive.

Is sleeping on your left side good for your liver?

Sleeping on the left side during pregnancy can maximize blood flow to the baby and reduce pressure on the liver. This is particularly important in the later stages of pregnancy, especially for women who develop the pregnancy-induced liver disease cholestasis.

Can lack of sleep cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck?

While you may feel groggy and not your best from lack of sleep, poor sleep alone won't cause your lymph nodes to swell. But little sleep because of a virus or infection may cause swollen lymph nodes.

What kind of pillow is best for lymphatic drainage?

Wedge Pillows: Elevated Support During Recovery

These pillows, set at an angle, prevent the head from lying flat thus reducing swelling by promoting better lymphatic drainage.

What are the five diseases of the lymphatic system?

Lymph nodes and Disease
  • Lymphedema. Lymphedema is where Edema, or fluid collection, leads to swelling of limbs and other regions drained by the affected lymphatic channel. ...
  • Lymphadenopathy. ...
  • Lymphadenitis. ...
  • Lymphoma. ...
  • Filariasis. ...
  • Splenomegaly. ...
  • Tonsilitis. ...
  • Further Reading.

Where does lymphatic drainage go?

The lymphatic vessels drain into collecting ducts, which empty their contents into the 2 subclavian veins, located under the collarbones. These veins join to form the superior vena cava, the large vein that drains blood from the upper body into the heart.

What is the test for the lymphatic system?

Lymphoscintigraphy. During this test, the person is injected with a radioactive dye and then scanned by a machine. The resulting images show the dye moving through the lymph vessels, highlighting blockages.

What does lymphatic clogging feel like?

What are the symptoms of lymphoedema? The main signs and symptoms of lymphoedema are: swelling in your arm, leg or other affected area — clothes, shoes or jewellery may seem tighter than usual. a feeling of heaviness or tightness in the affected area.

What is the best lymphatic drainage tool?

The best products for lymphatic drainage, at a glance:

Best Dry Brush With Handle: Goop Beauty Dry Brush, $25. Best Gua Sha for Body: Skin Gym Sculptural Body Gua Sha, $52. Best Handheld Dry Brush: OSEA Body Brush, $28. Best Jade Gua Sha: Mount Lai The Jade Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool, 29.

How do you get rid of lymphatic fluid build up?

Compression bandages and garments

Compression bandages or garments, such as sleeves, gloves, stockings or tights, fitted over affected limbs act as a counterforce to muscles. This stimulates more effective lymph drainage. The combination of exercise and compression encourages the fluid to move out of the affected limb.

What does sleeping on your left side do for your lymphatic system?

The Lymph System

By sleeping on your left side, you help facilitate the draining process by allowing gravity to do part of the work. On the other hand, sleeping on your right side actually makes the lymph system work harder to properly drain away all the fluid.

What drink helps swollen glands?

Medications can often provide relief, but natural remedies, such as basil, apple cider vinegar, and chamomile tea, may help treat swollen lymph nodes.

Does walking help lymphatic drainage?

Physical activity encourages fluid to drain into the lymphatic system in the abdomen. Walking, swimming, yoga, pilates and Tai chi all might help to encourage the lymph to move. Pelvic floor exercises may also help. These target and strengthen the muscles in your pelvis.

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