Everyone has a favorite sleep position. Many find sleeping on their side to be the most comforting, while others like to lay flat on their stomach or rest on their back. But have you ever been curious if your preferred sleeping position could impact your brain health? Surprisingly, research suggests that it can.
Below, our internal medicine specialists in Northwest Indiana are going to explain how sleeping on your back can potentially influence the progression of certain neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
The connection between sleeping on your back and your brain health
According to a recent study presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2024, sleeping on your back (or “supine sleeping”) could create a buildup of neurotoxins in the brain, and this buildup could increase your risks of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. The study found that people who slept on their backs for more than two hours each night were more likely to experience cognitive decline and other chronic, progressive brain disorders like Parkinson’s disease.
Back sleeping, sleep disorders, and brain health concerns
Sleeping on your back can be a very comfortable sleeping position, and many people even think it is necessary for optimal spine alignment during sleep. But you should recognize that there are some major downsides of sleeping in this position, especially for people who are already at higher risk for neurodegenerative diseases.
Sleeping on your back can increase your risk of developing sleep disorders, one of the most notable being sleep apnea, which can cause you to stop breathing or breathe shallowly while you sleep. These interruptions in your breathing lead to fragmented and restless sleep, but they can also have other, more serious health consequences.
Repeated sleep interruptions over the years can foster conditions that are ideal for the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Since Alzheimer’s and other cognitive conditions are linked to inflammation and oxidative stress, not getting enough sleep can substantially increase these risks.
When your sleep is interrupted, neurotoxins that are normally flushed out during deep sleep are not flushed out. This buildup of neurotoxins in your brain could increase your risks of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of cognitive decline as time goes on.
Could changing your sleep position reduce Alzheimer’s risk?
If you have always preferred sleeping on your back, you may be surprised to know about the potential brain benefits of switching to your side. It turns out that side sleeping is actually the best position to most effectively remove neurotoxins from the brain. It might even help you lower your risks of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
This does not mean that you must completely give up sleeping on your back. What you need to do is take the time to figure out what sleeping position is most suitable for you, and make sure you consider your health and lifestyle when doing that.
An experienced internal medicine specialist in Northwest Indiana can help you find sleep habits that match your needs, especially if you have a family history of Alzheimer’s or other neurodegenerative diseases.
Support your brain health with an internal medicine specialist
Making some changes to your lifestyle, like around your sleep habits, is only part of the picture when it comes to keeping your brain healthy. Know that brain health is influenced by many different factors, and addressing only sleep may not give you the results you want.
On the other hand, a qualified internal medicine expert in Northwest Indiana can help you come up with a personalized plan for better brain health. They will give you tips on improving your sleep quality, adopting a healthy diet, and staying active with regular exercise. With their advice, you can create a daily routine that supports your brain health over the long term.
Looking for an Affordable Internal Medicine Specialist in Northwest Indiana?
Are you ready to meet with an internal medicine specialist in Northwest Indiana who can help you maintain your sleep and brain health? If so, 219 Health Network is the place to visit. We have a team of experienced and compassionate internists who provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages. Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to learn more.