Ramadan 2025: UAE experts reveal which side is healthier to sleep on during fasting
According to the latest sleep survey results 80 per cent of UAE residents choose to sleep on their side because this position is connected to enhanced brain cleansing during deep sleep.
Health professionals have noted the essential impact of sleep positions on digestion and energy levels during fasting periods in Ramadan which also affects overall health.
Premier Inn Middle East's research revealed a major gender disparity where 84 percent of women sleep on their side compared to 77 percent of men.
Side sleeping remains the most popular position yet 11 percent of men choose back sleeping and 12 percent prefer front sleeping which is slightly more than the 10 percent and 6 percent of women who choose these positions.
Reduced risk of snoring
Natalie Pennicotte-Collier, global sleep expert and author of ‘Sleep Reset – The New Tools of Rest and Recovery’, said: Your preferred sleeping position plays an essential role in achieving restful sleep. People have natural sleep posture preferences but each sleeping position comes with particular benefits and drawbacks.
Side sleeping has become popular among UAE residents and studies spanning several decades suggest this position could enable more effective brain cleansing during deep sleep than back or front sleeping positions. Side sleeping helps maintain proper spinal alignment and lowers snoring risks.
Medical professionals state that people need deep restorative sleep for health maintenance which requires establishing a quiet space free from distractions.
Sleeping on which side?
Dr Khalid Mamdooh Alkubaisy, a specialist in Internal Medicine, Medeor Hospital, Abu Dhabi, said: The left side sleeping position delivers multiple health advantages. When sleeping on the left side it helps digestion through improved gastric emptying while reducing acid reflux for better food processing efficiency by the body. The left sleep position aids in detoxification as it facilitates lymphatic drainage which helps remove toxins from the body while maintaining overall well-being.
Sleeping during Ramadan
Medical experts warned as Ramadan approaches that sleep position choices can majorly impact digestive processes after Suhoor and Iftar meals.
According to his advice people should wait 1-2 hours after eating before going to bed because lying down immediately after meals causes bloating and acid reflux. The left side sleeping position supports intestinal movement which decreases constipation risk while improving digestive efficiency. A brief walk after eating enhances glucose metabolism which proves especially helpful for diabetic patients.
Healthcare experts said that because the stomach and pancreas are located on the body's left side gravity assists digestion when you sleep on your left side. This effect facilitates the transit of food through both the stomach and intestinal tract.
Dr Najeeb Salah Abdulrahman, Specialist Gastroenterologist, International Modern Hospital, Dubai, said: According to Dr Najeeb Salah Abdulrahman, resting on your left side can improve blood flow which becomes especially important during fasting because maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance becomes more critical.
Medical experts stressed that maintaining proper sleep patterns during Ramadan is crucial for sustaining energy levels.
Dr Karima Arroud, Consultant, functional medicine and aesthetic, Wellth, said: The practice of sleeping on the left side helps decrease cardiac pressure which leads to better circulation and enhanced lymphatic drainage. Emerging research indicates this sleeping position can lessen heart strain especially for older individuals or people with cardiovascular problems.
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