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The claim that sleeping on the right side causes heart attacks is mostly false. While sleep position can influence heart function in some cases, it is not a major cause of heart attacks
The real key to heart health is managing risk factors like diet, exercise, and medical conditions rather than worrying about sleeping position. (THIP Media)
A social media post claims that sleeping on the right side causes heart attacks during sleep. We fact checked this claim and found it to be mostly false.
The Claim
We received a viral Facebook post via our WhatsApp tip line at +91-85078 85079. The post claims that the leading cause of heart attack-related deaths during sleep is sleeping in the wrong position—on the right side instead of the left. It states that sleeping on the left side is essential for heart health and digestion. Additionally, it warns that waking up suddenly or getting up too quickly can put excessive pressure on the heart, potentially leading to heart attacks or strokes.
Fact Check
Can sleeping on the right side cause heart attacks?
No, sleeping on your right side does not cause heart attacks. In fact, some studies suggest that sleeping on the left side may change how the heart appears on an ECG due to a slight shift in position. However, these changes are simply a result of how the machine records the heart’s activity and do not mean that left-side sleeping is harmful. For healthy people, the side you sleep on doesn’t affect your heart’s performance.
For some people with certain heart conditions (like consecutive dilated cardiomyopathy), sleeping on the right side might actually feel more comfortable because it helps keep the heart steady. Experts advise pregnant people to sometimes try left-side sleeping to ease pressure on the liver, but overall, both sleeping positions are safe. As always, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor if you have any concerns about the best sleep position.
Dr Ubaid ur Rahman, General Physician at Holy Mission Clinic, New Delhi, says, “Sleeping on your right side doesn’t cause heart attacks. There’s no scientific evidence linking it to heart problems. Your heart is well-protected by your body, and sleeping positions generally don’t harm it. If you have existing heart conditions, certain positions may cause discomfort. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle—regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management—is key. Always consult your doctor for personalised heart health advice.”
Is sleeping on the left side better for the heart?
There isn’t strong, conclusive research proving that sleeping on the left side improves heart function or circulation in healthy individuals. However, it may help in digestion and reduce acid reflux. There is also no strong evidence that sleeping on the right side is harmful. In fact, a 2011 study suggests that sleeping on the right side can help you sleep better and may prevent breathing issues if you have respiratory problems.
For most people, sleep position has little effect on heart health compared to factors like diet, exercise, and stress. People with heart failure may feel better sleeping on their right side, while those with acid reflux (GERD) or pregnant women may benefit from the left side. If you have sleep apnea, avoiding back sleeping can help. The best sleep position is the one that lets you rest well.
Does waking up too quickly cause heart attacks or strokes?
Not directly, but sudden movements can affect blood pressure. Waking up too quickly from deep sleep may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness or lightheadedness—a condition called orthostatic hypotension. This is more common in older adults and people with certain health conditions, but it does not directly trigger heart attacks or strokes in healthy individuals. Severe orthostatic hypotension may increase the risk of a stroke, but this is rare. Also, getting up at night to urinate has no proven link to sudden cardiac arrest or changes in ECG readings.
The claim suggests that getting up slowly is necessary to prevent a fatal cardiac event. While standing up gradually can prevent dizziness, it does not prevent heart attacks. Heart attacks occur due to blocked arteries or heart muscle damage, not from changing positions too quickly.
We spoke to Dr Almas Fatma, MBBS, Diploma in Family Medicine, PG in Digital Health, General Physician from Navi Mumbai, about the claim that waking up too quickly can cause heart attacks or strokes. She says, “There’s no scientific evidence to support that waking up suddenly or standing up too quickly causes heart attacks or strokes. Waking up to urinate, known as nocturia, may signal underlying health issues like heart disease or high blood pressure, but it doesn’t directly cause heart problems. If you feel dizzy when standing up, sitting on the edge of the bed for a moment can help. The key to heart health is regular checkups and managing risks, not following viral myths.”
What actually increases heart attack risk during sleep?
Underlying health conditions, not sleep position, are the real concern. The primary factors that contribute to heart attacks include:
- High blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking and excessive alcohol intake
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that disrupts breathing and puts strain on the heart
These factors are far more important than sleep position when assessing heart attack risk.
THIP Media Take
The claim that sleeping on the right side causes heart attacks is mostly false. While sleep position can influence heart function in some cases, it is not a major cause of heart attacks. Similarly, waking up slowly is a good habit to prevent dizziness, but it does not directly prevent heart attacks or strokes. The real key to heart health is managing risk factors like diet, exercise, and medical conditions rather than worrying about sleeping position.
This story was originally published by THIP Media and republished by News18 as part of the Shakti Collective.
