‘I'm a Cardiologist-This Is the Sleep Position That's Hardest on Your Heart'

Many factors contribute to heart health, including eating a healthy diet and living an active lifestyle. But, while it tends to be one of the first things people let slide, sleep is also a crucial element of heart health.

"Getting enough quality sleep is an important part of keeping your heart healthy," says Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, MD, interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA. "During sleep, the body is resting and repairing your cardiovascular system."

That rest and repair while you sleep can help protect against risk factors for heart disease, like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and obesity, Dr. Chen says.

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But there's more that's happening to your heart at night than just revitalization. Your sleep position can impact your heart-and Dr. Chen says there's one in particular that can be tough on this organ, especially if you have a certain cardiovascular condition.

Research on sleep position's impact on the heart is still evolving, and it's hard to say that one sleep position in particular will completely alter your heart health. Still, it could influence how comfortable you are and may put unnecessary strain on your system. Here's what you need to know.



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What Sleep Position Is Hardest on Your Heart?

Sleeping on your left side may be hardest on your heart, according to Dr. Chen. "The heart is in the middle of your chest, but it's positioned more toward the left side," he says. "When you're sleeping on your left side, it puts slightly more pressure on the heart chambers."

For people with good underlying cardiovascular health, this is unlikely to be an issue, Dr. Chen explains. But if you have a condition like congestive heart failure, it can make a difference in how comfortable you feel.

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"We know that people with congestive heart failure tend to feel better when they sleep on their right side," Dr. Chen says. Sleeping on the left side makes it slightly harder for the heart to pump, which can lead to discomfort, he explains.

But, again, research on this is ongoing. "The science on sleep position is far less developed than the science on sleep duration, quality and sleep disorders," saysDr. Catherine Weinberg, MD, cardiologist at Northwell's Lenox Hill Hospital. "Sleeping on either side can shift blood flow and mechanical forces on the heart, and for people with heart failure or other cardiac conditions, even small changes could matter."

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Another Concerning Sleep Position To Keep in Mind

Sleeping on your back can also be tough on your heart, although the reason is more indirect. "The biggest positional red flag backed by strong evidence is actually sleeping on your back if you have obstructive sleep apnea," Dr. Weinberg says.

What does that have to do with your heart? Obstructive sleep apnea is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). It's specifically linked to a higher risk of high blood pressure, stroke and coronary artery disease, along with heart failure, per the AHA.

Sleeping on your back when you have obstructive sleep apnea causes your tongue and the soft tissues in your throat to move back, narrowing or blocking your airway in the process, Dr. Chen explains.

"If you already have heart disease, this should be on your radar," Dr. Weinberg says. "Sleep apnea is underdiagnosed in patients with heart failure, atrial fibrillation, poorly controlled high blood pressure and coronary artery disease."

How To Sleep To Best Support Your Heart Health

There are a few ways to use sleep to support your heart health.

Dr. Weinberg recommends sticking with a consistent schedule, making sure to leave yourself room to get at least seven hours of sleep a night. "Regularity matters just as much as duration," she says. Going to sleep in a dark room, with a cool temperature, is also crucial, per Dr. Weinberg.

Finally, pay attention to how you feel after you sleep. "If you snore, drag through your days exhausted, have morning headaches or can't fall or stay asleep, talk to your doctor," she says. "These are warning signs of sleep disorders that can seriously damage your heart."

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Sources:

• Catherine Weinberg, MD, cardiologist at Northwell's Lenox Hill Hospital
• Cheng-Han Chen, MD, interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA
• American Heart Association. Sleep Apnea and Heart Health

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This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 2:50 PM.