Increase your chances of developing Alzheimer's by sleeping in this position.

For decades, the mainstream has been promoting ineffective drugs and risky procedures to maintain brain health and sharp memory. However, the focus has seldom been on the everyday habits that can truly make a difference in combating serious conditions like Alzheimer’s.

Fortunately, that's where I come in.

Recent research indicates that making a small adjustment in your sleeping habits can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease before it even begins.

Here's all you need to know to safeguard your brain.

Overview

• Back sleeping may increase the risk of brain toxicity, leading to neurodegenerative conditions by hindering the brain's waste removal process.
• Side sleeping is associated with better clearance of neurotoxins, supporting optimal brain health and reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
• Addressing sleep apnea and adopting a side-sleeping position can improve brain health by enhancing toxin removal efficiency and minimizing sleep disruptions.

Your Sleep Position Can Make a Difference

We all have our preferred sleep positions.

Whether you favor sleeping on your side, stomach, or back, a recent study highlights the importance of paying attention to how you sleep.

Research has linked sleeping on your back (supine position) to an increased risk of sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and digestive issues, particularly in individuals at high risk for dementia or those experiencing cognitive decline.

Furthermore, a recent study presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference revealed that sleeping in the supine position could trigger the breakdown of brain cells.

The study analyzed the sleep patterns and cognitive outcomes of both healthy adults and adults with neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.

It's no surprise that individuals with neurodegenerative conditions spent over two hours per night sleeping on their backs.

Essentially, this implies that just two hours of back sleeping could potentially harm your brain!

Here's what happens to your brain...

Supine Sleep Challenges Your Brain

Sleeping on your back impedes your body's ability to clear toxins from the brain, leading to the accumulation of harmful chemicals that can harm your cells.

Researcher Daniel J. Levendowski, involved in the study, also mentions that sleeping in the supine position can affect other bodily functions like breathing:

“When we sleep on our backs (supine), the neurotoxic flushing is less efficient than when we sleep on our sides due to differences in how the venous blood returns from our brain to our heart. Additionally, sleep apnea is more severe when back sleeping, and the resulting continuous interruptions in sleep also contribute to the buildup of neurotoxins. Thus, our research suggests inefficient neurotoxin clearance resulting from back sleeping over many years contributes to neurodegeneration.”

He also dispels the common belief that back sleeping is healthier, stating, “It is commonly believed that back sleeping is better than side sleeping because the spine is better supported and balanced. However, for brain health, it is just as easy to avoid shoulder and neck problems by comfortably side-sleeping using appropriate pillows and mattress toppers.”

Further research is required to explore how your sleep position impacts the sleep hormone melatonin, but it is crucial to note that melatonin plays a role in more than just sleep. It can also help safeguard your brain against Alzheimer’s disease.

Ensure Your Brain Gets the Sleep It Needs!

If you typically sleep on your back, it's time to make a change.

Invest in a side-sleeper pillow to facilitate a comfortable and supportive transition to a new sleeping position. Additionally, discuss your intentions with your partner and encourage them to wake you if they notice you sleeping in the supine position.

Speaking of partners, while not everyone shares a bed with their partner, recent research indicates that it can have positive or negative implications for health.

Lastly, if you or your partner suspect sleep apnea (characterized by loud snoring or gasping for breath during sleep), consult a healthcare professional promptly to undergo a sleep study. Treating sleep apnea can help you achieve the quality of sleep necessary to eliminate harmful toxins from your brain.

Another way to boost brain health and enhance cognitive functions is by taking power naps similar to those taken by NASA astronauts.

Summary

New research suggests that sleeping on your back (supine position) may hinder the brain's ability to clear toxins, potentially increasing the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Side sleeping is more effective in promoting neurotoxin removal and supporting better brain health. Simple adjustments like using a side-sleeping pillow and seeking medical advice for sleep apnea can help safeguard your cognitive well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does back sleeping impact brain health? Back sleeping can impede the brain's toxin-clearing capabilities, contributing to the accumulation of harmful substances associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
• Why is side sleeping preferable for brain health? Side sleeping enhances the brain's glymphatic system, facilitating efficient toxin clearance and lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders.
• What are the risks associated with back sleeping? Back sleeping can worsen sleep apnea, disrupt sleep patterns, and hinder neurotoxin clearance, potentially leading to cognitive decline.
• Can specialized pillows help with side sleeping? Yes, side-sleeper pillows offer support and help maintain a comfortable side-sleeping position to promote better sleep posture.
• What should I do if I suspect sleep apnea? Consult a healthcare provider for a sleep study to diagnose and manage sleep apnea, which can enhance your overall sleep quality and brain health.