When a person sleeps on their side, the glymphatic system works better; Although little known, this system “cleans” the brain of toxins during the night
According to science, sleeping on your side is the best solution for those looking for a restful sleep. This is because the position activates the glymphatic system to the maximum and promotes the cleansing of metabolites and “toxic” elements from the brain. Indeed, this way of rest can reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases in the future.
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In addition to the problem involving the glymphatic system, sleeping on your side has other benefits, such as keeping the spine aligned and facilitating the digestive process. For those who suffer from sleep apnea, this position also reduces snoring..
However, the possible benefits of side sleeping can easily be lost when a person does not get the minimum amount of sleep needed. Regenerative rest must be at least seven hours.
What is the glymphatic system?
Similar to the lymphatic system, the glymphatic system can be understood as a way of cleaning the central nervous system (CNS), which involves the brain. It is a complex network of vessels that eliminate metabolic waste that accumulates during wakefulness, that is, the period in which the person is awake.
“Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a vital role in this process. During sleep, CSF flows through the brain, exchanging with interstitial fluid (ISF) to remove waste products, including proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as amyloid beta and tau. [do Alzheimer]”, specifies Ryan McCormick, doctor and science communicator, in an article on the platform Examined.
How does brain cleansing happen?
To understand how this process works, researchers from Boston University (USA) analyzed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of sleeping patients: here the position of the volunteers was not analyzed. Through the images, the scientists observed that both the movement of blood and cerebrospinal fluid in the brain contributed to this process. The whole movement resembles a rinse cycle in a washing machine.
In the images, the first wave in red and yellow represents the blood flow. Then the blood withdraws and the cerebrospinal fluid appears, in blue. According to a study published in the journal, the entire cycle lasts 20 seconds and repeats countless times during the night Science.
The secret to a good night’s sleep
After understanding the importance of the glymphatic system, it is worth explaining how scientists have discovered that sleeping on your side is the best way to promote this cleansing. This was confirmed by researchers at Stony Brook University (USA), in a study published in the journal Journal of Neuroscience.
In this research, the authors used magnetic resonance imaging techniques to evaluate the behavior of the glymphatic system in rodents, in three positions: sleeping on the side; sleeping on the back; and sleeping on the stomach.
According to the authors, sleep on your side It has a positive impact on the brain’s ability to eliminate waste and, as a result, influences long-term brain health. Although the tests were conducted on animals, the team believes that the same should be observed in humans.
The main hypothesis, according to scientists, is that “the most popular posture (the side position) evolved to optimize waste elimination during sleep.” Therefore, gravity, fluid dynamics, and anatomy within the glymphatic system contribute to these benefits.
While there is a more beneficial way to sleep, not everyone may feel comfortable in this position for a variety of reasons. If that’s the case for you, that’s okay! In the meantime, don’t forget to try to get a good night’s sleep.
Source: Science, Journal of Neuroscience, Examined
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Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
