In this insightful exploration, Dr. Michael Kent delves into how your sleeping position can significantly affect various bodily functions while you rest 🌙. Sleeping on your left side versus your right side influences digestion, heart function, breathing, and overall organ efficiency. This breakdown, grounded in real human physiology, reveals how gravity interacts with the body’s systems overnight, potentially placing more strain on certain organs depending on the side you choose to sleep on.
Research presented includes vital studies that highlight these effects:
1. [Khoury et al. (1999)](https://journals.lww.com/ajg/Fulltext/1999/08000/Influence_of_spontaneous_sleep_positions_on.8.aspx) – Examines the influence of sleep positions on gastroesophageal reflux disease.
2. [Person et al. (2015)](https://journals.lww.com/jcge/fulltext/2015/09000/A_Novel_Sleep_Positioning_Device_Reduces.18.aspx) – Discusses a device that reduces reflux during sleep.
3. [Xie et al. (2013)](https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.1241224) – Investigates how sleep aids in metabolite clearance from the brain.
4. [Lee et al. (2015)](https://www.jneurosci.org/content/35/31/11034) – Analyzes the effect of body posture on glymphatic transport in the brain.
5. [Ravesloot et al. (2013)](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11325-012-0753-1) – Reviews positional therapy’s potential in treating snoring and sleep apnea.
The video educates viewers on the practical impacts that sleep positions can have on health over time. By making simple adjustments, such as sleeping on the left side, individuals might improve their comfort and health outcomes
Remember, while this content serves as an educational resource, it is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for concerns regarding your sleeping position or overall health.
By Dr. Michael Kent | Senior Health