For years, Nora slept on her right side because it was the only position that felt natural. Lately, however, she had begun waking with burning in her chest, a sour taste in her throat, and restless nights that left her exhausted. One evening, after another miserable morning, her sister suggested trying her left side. Nora laughed at first, but she tried it with a pillow against her back. The difference surprised her. Her heartburn seemed calmer, and she slept longer without waking.

Curious, Nora began reading about sleeping positions. She learned that left-side sleeping can help some people with nighttime reflux because gravity keeps stomach contents lower. It is also commonly recommended during later pregnancy because side sleeping can support comfortable blood flow. Nora wondered whether such a simple change could really matter. Then, while preparing breakfast, she noticed something that made her stop. The symptoms she had blamed on stress had been getting worse for months, and that morning, she realized she needed to find out why.