This week’s blog has some interesting information. When you saw the title of the blog “Left, left, left right left” I imagine your mind went the old Army cadence that matches the march where your feet should be. Interestingly it is something they use to keep your mind off how tired and bored you are.
LEFT? RIGHT? FRONT? BACK?
We aren’t talking about the Army today. We are, however, talking about sleeping positions. Some sleep experts agree that sleeping on your left side has some significant health benefits. Most people spend a third of their lives sleeping. Lets find out why sleeping positions matter and which is best.
MAYO PLEASE
I will synopsize an article I read by the Mayo Clinic about sleeping positions. It reminds back-sleepers to beware. It is the worst sleeping position especially if you suffer from sleep apnea. It has to do with your tongue and jaw falling down crowding your airway. Tummy sleepers keep the airway open but strains your neck and back. It is agreed, side sleeping is a good way to sleep.
LEFT OR RIGHT?
It is reported that sleeping on the left side is best because it keeps pressure off internal organs and promotes healthy blood flow. Healthline.com says that although our bodies appear to be largely symmetrical, our organ placement makes us internally asymmetrical. During the night when you sleep on your left side, gravity helps take waste on a voyage through the ascending colon, into the transverse colon and finally dump it onto the descending colon resulting in your morning constitutional. Isn’t that special?
THE BENEFITS
Those who suffer from heartburn (AKA GERD) could benefit from left side snoozing. Why? It aids digestion. Researchers theorize that if we lie on our left side, the stomach and gastric juices remain lower than the esophagus while we sleep. Left side sleeping is not only beneficial to those who have sleep apnea, but also it can be beneficial to those who love them. If you’ve ever been a bed partner to someone who sounds like a freight train, you understand.
ANOTHER POINT OF IEW
I read sleeping on your right side, also known as the right lateral position, offers several potential benefits for patients with heart problems. This position can maintain the heart stability and mitigate the risk of adverse changes in the heart position heart rate and blood pressure. Although some studies show people with heart failure often avoid sleeping on their left side, there is no evidence this sleeping position causes heart problems. What do you think about this Dr. White?
GLORIOUS SLEEP
In summary, I believe your sleep position isn’t as important as simply getting good sleep. It improves your overall health. Not getting enough quality sleep regularly raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity and dementia.
HDD
At HDD we are concerned for your health. If you and your healthcare provider have concerns about your health that can be diagnosed through diagnostic ultrasound, call us at 550-350-3397.