We all know that sleep is crucial for maintaining our health, affecting everything from bodily recovery to brain function. But recent research suggests that the way we sleep might have an even bigger impact on our overall well-being, particularly on brain health.
While it may seem like a small detail, experts are highlighting the significant role sleep position plays in sleep hygiene. One specialist argues that a simple adjustment in how we sleep could optimise the glymphatic system, the brain’s natural detoxifier, responsible for clearing out toxins and metabolic waste.
“Given the alarming rise in cognitive disorders and the profound impact they have on the quality of life, understanding the nuanced ways in which sleep position influences our health has become increasingly important,” says Dr. Ramon Velazquez, brain health expert and head of Nootropics Research and Publishing at Mind Lab Pro.
Sleeping on the left side is increasingly seen as a way to optimise the glymphatic system, the body’s natural process for flushing out toxins and metabolic waste from the central nervous system. By positioning the body in this way, gravity helps facilitate more efficient waste removal through the glymphatic pathways.
“The connection between left-side sleeping and brain health is garnering increasing attention, mainly through the exploration of the glymphatic system, a brain-cleansing mechanism discovered relatively recently,” explains Dr. Velazquez.
“This system is pivotal in maintaining brain health by eliminating metabolic waste and other toxins, notably beta-amyloid, which is associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.”
Efficient glymphatic drainage is essential for cognitive function and overall neurological health. When metabolic waste builds up, it can contribute to cognitive decline and the development of neurological disorders. By optimising the brain’s detoxification process, left-side sleeping could become a simple but effective practice to support long-term brain health.
Dr Velazquez outlines several key benefits of sleeping on the left side, showing how this simple change in sleep posture can have a significant impact on brain function and overall health.
Benefits of Sleeping on the Left Side
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Enhanced Body-Wide Cleaning: The body’s lymphatic system, which works alongside the brain’s glymphatic system, both drain into a channel called the thoracic duct, located on the left side of the body. “Sleeping on the left side can improve lymphatic drainage, thus aiding in detoxification processes that are necessary for maintaining neurological health,” Dr Velazquez explains.
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Improved Circulation to the Brain: Sleeping on the left side may boost cardiovascular efficiency, enhancing blood flow to the brain and reducing pressure on key veins. This promotes better circulation and overall brain function.
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Facilitation of Digestive Processes: The left-side position aligns with the natural posture of the stomach and pancreas, which aids digestion and reduces the risk of acid reflux at night. This can contribute to deeper, more restful sleep, supporting cognitive health.
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Heart Health Support: By easing pressure on the heart, left-side sleeping can promote better cardiovascular function. “By preventing the compression of vital organs and promoting better circulation, left-side sleeping supports overall cardiovascular health, indirectly benefiting brain function by ensuring optimal blood supply,” suggests Dr Velazquez.
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Potential Mitigation of Sleep Apnoea and Snoring: This sleep position may reduce symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea by helping to keep airways open. Improved breathing leads to better oxygenation throughout the night, reducing daytime cognitive fatigue and further benefiting brain health.
Dr. Ramon Velazquez: Brain Health Expert and head of Nootropics Research and Publishing at Mind Lab Pro comments: “Sleeping on your left side helps your brain clear out waste products more effectively, which can help maintain brain function and lower risks to brain health.
“This sleeping position may also improve blood flow to the brain and reduce sleep apnoea symptoms, making it a natural way to support brain health through better sleep quality and the body’s natural cleaning processes.
“While we still need more human studies to fully confirm these findings, the potential brain benefits of left-side sleeping make it worth considering as an important part of good sleep habits. Though it might take some time to adjust to this position, the potential health advantages make it worthwhile.”