Why Sleep Position Matters
Lev Fomchenkov, a brain health expert, emphasizes that sleeping on your side helps the body more effectively clear waste from the brain. This occurs through the glymphatic system – a sort of “cleaning channel” that flushes out proteins during rest, which over time can contribute to the development of dementia and .
- Side sleeping (whether on the right or left side – it doesn’t matter) promotes better circulation of cerebrospinal fluid.
- Back sleeping can hinder this process and even lead to the accumulation of proteins that harm memory.
- Stomach sleeping often causes spinal issues and also does not aid in brain cleansing.
How Position Affects Long-Term Health
The accumulation of so-called beta-amyloid plaques and tau proteins happens slowly – over years and even decades. If the brain doesn’t manage to “clean up” these deposits during sleep, they begin to block connections between neurons. This leads to memory and thinking problems that we often attribute to aging.
Experts compare this process to household chores: if you don’t take out the trash for weeks, it piles up and starts to interfere with daily life.
Tips for Transitioning to Side Sleeping
- Place a small pillow between your knees to relieve pressure on your spine.
- You can also tuck another pillow behind your back – it will help prevent you from rolling onto your back during the night.
- After a week or two, your body will adjust to the new position, and it will feel natural.
Small Change, Big Benefit
The habit of sleeping on your side can be a simple yet effective way to reduce the risk of age-related . It’s a form of “nightly prevention” that costs nothing but can give your brain a better chance to remain clear and active even in older age.
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