This is what sleeping on the left side does for our brain, stomach & glymphatic health

Side sleeping is the go-to position of many people. However they may not be aware that this comes with certain health benefits. In fact, different sleeping positions could lead to different results in the body, for good and bad. In general, people should sleep however they find themselves most comfortable. Still, if they are experiencing symptoms like back pain, jaw pain, poor digestion, and more, they may want to consider changing their bed positioning. To be more specific, they may want to consider sleeping on their left side.

The Benefits of Sleeping on Your Left Side

  • Reduce back pain – Sleeping on the stomach could pressure the spine and cause aching. Side sleeping keeps the spine in a naturally straight position and reduces the pressure in the lower back.
  • Reduce snoring – Sleeping on the back causes the tongue and soft palate to slide backward and partially cover the airway, causing increased snoring. It’s also a common occurrence for people with sleep apnea. But side-sleeping keeps the tongue forward and the airway clear.
  • Improve digestion – Sleeping on the left side, in particular, could ease some gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, constipation, and heartburn. The stomach is on the left side of the body, so lying on that side allows gravity to aid the digestion process. [1]
  • It may help with brain health. Many people are unaware that the brain eliminates waste during slumber. Studies indicate that side sleeping helps the brain clear metabolic waste more effectively by supporting the glymphatic system, which is similar to our lymphatic system, but in our central nervous system. This may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Parkinson’s, and other brain diseases, according to animal studies. More research is needed on humans to expand on these concepts further. [2]
  • Improves blood flow – Good circulation is crucial during pregnancy to allow blood to flow to the placenta. This is why it’s recommended that expecting women sleep in this position

How to Train Yourself to Sleep on Your Side

Choose a good pillow and mattress 

  • Find a pillow well-suited to your collarbone structure.
  • Ensure the pillow is firm enough to support the neck.
  • Mattresses must often be softer to prevent pressure from building in the shoulders and hips.

Use pillows as barriers and supports

  • Put a pillow between your knees to support your hips and lower back
  • You can also hug a pillow to comfortably rest your upper arm.
  • Invest in body pillows to maintain your position.
  • Sew a tennis ball onto the back of a shirt to prevent yourself from rolling over.

Sleep on the couch at first

  • Couches are often narrow and only have room for side sleeping anyway.

Disadvantages of Sleeping on Your Side

Although this position could provide many benefits, it’s not for everyone, especially those who use mattresses and pillows that make side sleeping uncomfortable. These disadvantages include:

  • Pain in the shoulders and hips

Side sleeping on too-firm mattresses could increase pressure on the shoulders, hips, and knees. However, too-soft mattresses could cause the spine to go out of alignment and also cause pain.

  • Pressure in the face

People with sinus congestion and glaucoma may experience painful or uncomfortable pressure in their faces when they lie on their sides. Additionally, it could worsen a tight or stiff jaw.

Related Posts

It\’s time to get your masks back out!

Australia has recently faced a “triple outbreak” of influenza, Covid-19, and RSV, overwhelming hospitals and increasing doctor visits. Families report weeks of illness, with children and the…

FAREWELL AT HOME: EMMA HEMING’S TEARFUL DECISION ABOUT BRUCE WILLIS STUNS THE WORLD

Bruce Willis Moves to Care Home as Family Focuses on Love and Connection Actor Bruce Willis, 70, who has been living with frontotemporal dementia, has moved into…

My Son’s Sh0cking Discovery at My FIL’s Funeral

Children often notice what adults overlook. At my father-in-law’s funeral, my four-year-old son, Ben, made an innocent comment that exposed a truth I never saw coming. While…

After deployment, I found my 7-year-old daughter locked in the garage, weak and covered in bites. “Daddy,” she cried, “Mom’s boyfriend said I belong here.” I rushed her to the base medic, then made one call. That night their house was raided and Lisa’s furious screams told me my real battle had just begun.

The knock on the garage door was faint, more scrape than sound. I’d just returned from fifteen months in Afghanistan, my boots barely on U.S. soil three…

At 61, I remarried my first love. On our wedding night, as I removed my traditional bride’s dress, I was surprised and pained to see…

I’m 61, widowed eight years, resigned to silence—until Facebook showed me a name I’d never forgotten: Anna Whitmore, my first love. Her smile still glowed, now softened…

Why Homes Display Green Porch Lights

When I noticed my ex-husband had swapped our porch light for a green one, I learned it wasn’t just decorative—it was symbolic. Across the U.S. and abroad,…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *