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Is Left-Side Sleeping the Secret to Better Health?
1. Enhances Brain « Cleaning »
Your brain has a waste-clearance system called the glymphatic system. Emerging research, primarily in animals, suggests that side sleeping may be the most efficient position for this process, potentially helping to clear out metabolic waste products linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
2. Optimizes Digestion
Your stomach is naturally positioned on the left side of your body. Sleeping on your left side:
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Can help reduce symptoms of acid reflux (GERD) and heartburn by keeping the stomach below the esophagus.
3. Boosts Circulation & Is Ideal for Pregnancy
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This position takes pressure off the inferior vena cava (a major vein that returns blood to the heart), improving circulation throughout the body.
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For pregnant women, left-side sleeping is highly recommended as it maximizes blood flow to the placenta, fetus, and kidneys.
4. Can Reduce Snoring
Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue and soft palate to collapse backward, obstructing the airway. Side sleeping helps keep the airways open, which can significantly reduce snoring and mild sleep apnea.