Verified on 02/26/2024 by Alexane Flament, Editor
After a good meal, the desire to lie down to sleep and digest is great. However, most specialists advise against it. Here’s why.
Lying down after a meal slows down digestion
Going to lie down on a sofa for a few minutes after a good meal would be a very bad idea and would slow down digestion. In any case, this is what Dominic Greenyer, general practitioner at The Health Suite, explains in the columns of Stylist UK.
According to him, “Gravity helps move food through the digestive tract, but this natural aid is counteracted when lying down, which can lead to a slower digestion process”.
A poor digestionin the long term, can cause a proliferation of certain bacteria in the intestine, possibly leading to digestive problems, indicates the specialist.
For this reason, it is best to wait two to three hours after a meal before going to lie down. This gives the body time to start the digestion process and move the food from the stomach to the small intestine.
Lying down after a meal increases the risk of acid reflux
Likewise, after a meal, if you go to lie down, stomach acid can rise up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation (heartburn).
This event is more common in people suffering from gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) but can also happen to everyone. The French National Society of Gastroenterology says this kind of burn can also happen if you lean forward.
The Canadian Society for Intestinal Research advises, to avoid acid reflux, to sleep on your left side.
“The esophagus is located in the center of the body, but the stomach is a curved organ with the majority of its volume found on the left side of the upper abdomen. This means that your body position can have a big influence on the degree of reflux you experience.” indicate the experts.
Going to sleep after a meal disrupts sleep quality
Finally, according to the National Institute of Sleep and Vigilance (INSV), it is important to wait at least two hours after dinner before going to sleep.
Indeed, “digestion causes a rise in body temperature, which is harmful to sleep” explains the Institute.
To enjoy a real, completely restful night’s sleep, it is therefore essential not to go to bed directly after your dinner.
Health journalist
February 26, 2024, at 12:07 p.m.
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