Sleep Positions Can Affect Heart Health, But Can It Also Impact The Brain?

While sleep positions are known to affect heart and sleep health, here's a look at whether they also influence brain health.A lot of research has been done to explore the link between sleeping positions and heart health. In fact, one study published in the journal Echocardiography explored the link between sleep positions and heart function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Researchers found that many patients preferred sleeping on their right side, and heart function seemed to improve in this position. Several other studies have also suggested a connection between sleep positions and heart health.In this article, however, we will focus on whether there is a relationship between sleep positions and brain health. To delve into this topic, OnlyMyHealth spoke with Dr Anuradha H K, Lead Consultant - Neurology at Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru.While there is no scientific evidence or human studies to determine how different sleeping postures might affect neurological functions, including memory consolidation, learning abilities, and the likelihood of developing neurodegenerative disorders, some studies indicate that specific positions, like side sleeping, could enhance brain health by aiding in the removal of waste products, said Dr Anuradha. However, she emphasized that the current findings are not definitive, and more research is needed to fully understand these relationships.She added that there has been research that suggests certain postures can improve or worsen neurological symptoms.For example, side sleeping may be better for people with sleep apnea as it keeps airways open, while stomach sleeping can strain the neck and spine, causing discomfort.The doctor noted that individuals with conditions such as epilepsy may need to be cautious about their sleep posture to reduce the risk of injury during seizures.A study published in the Seizure - European Journal of Epilepsy analyzed 494 generalized convulsive seizures and found that people with epilepsy should sleep in a supine or lateral position to reduce their risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).

Can Your Sleep Position Impact Sleep Quality and Neurological Health?

According to Dr Anuradha, the manner in which you position yourself during sleep can greatly affect the quality of your rest, which may subsequently impact your mental health."Different sleeping positions, including back, side, or stomach sleeping, can influence aspects such as spinal alignment, breathing, and overall comfort. For example, sleeping on your back is frequently advised for maintaining proper spinal alignment, while side sleeping may help mitigate the likelihood of snoring and sleep apnea. Certain positions might cause discomfort or pain, potentially disrupting sleep cycles and leading to a less restorative sleep experience," she said.She added, "Poor sleep quality resulting from poor sleeping positions can contribute to heightened feelings of mental fatigue and stress. When the body fails to gain the restorative advantages of quality sleep, cognitive functions like concentration, memory, and emotional regulation can suffer. This can create a feedback loop where mental fatigue intensifies stress levels, further decreasing sleep quality."Hence, being aware of your sleeping position and making necessary adjustments to improve comfort and support can be essential for fostering better sleep and enhancing overall mental well-being.

Does Incorrect Sleeping Position Have Long-Term Effects On The Brain?

Consistently sleeping in a poor position can lead to chronic pain, poor sleep quality, and sleep deprivation, which may increase stress and harm cognitive functions like memory and decision-making, according to Dr Anuradha.Over time, this could increase the risk of mental health issues and neurodegenerative diseases.So far, most research suggests that sleeping on the side is possibly the best sleeping posture for brain health, as it helps remove waste and may even reduce the risk of dementia. Source: onlymyhealth.com, Tenzin Chodon