Which side of the body do you prefer to sleep on? You may not know that sleeping on the left side could be a new source of health benefits. That's why we should try sleeping on the left side.
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousWhich side of the body do you prefer to sleep on? Maybe you don't know that sleeping on the left side it could be a new source of benefits for your health. That's why we should try sleeping on the left side.
Based onAyurveda, the left side of the body is completely different from the right side and emphasizing the habit of sleeping on the left side has positive effects on both health and longevity.
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Sleeping on the left side according to Ayurveda
In particular, according to Ayurveda, the ancient traditional Indian medicine, sleeping on the left side facilitates lymphatic drainage, improves blood circulation to the heart and promotes the elimination of toxins, encourages proper digestion and is beneficial for the flow of bile.
Ayurveda argues that the elimination of toxins is most effective by involving the lymphatic system on the left side of the body. The lymphatic system it is essential to detoxify our body and sleeping on the left side can favor its proper functioning.
In addition, sleeping and resting lying on the left side would facilitate a better passage of digestive wastes through the intestine, particularly to the descending colon. In the morning it will be easier for the body to deal with the actual elimination process.
A very important organ that we may sometimes forget is located right on the left side of the body. This is the spleen. There spleen it is part of the lymphatic system and carries out the task of filtering the blood. Its work is facilitated by gravity when we are lying on the left side.
And what about digestion? Beyond the actual night's rest, Ayurveda suggests to lie down on your left side for 10 minutes after meals to help the body digest food properly. In this way, in fact, the stomach and pancreas would be in the ideal position to digest.
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Sleeping on the left side in pregnancy
The benefits of resting on the left side of the body are not limited to what Ayurveda emphasizes. There Nemours Foundation, eg, stresses that sleeping on the left side is very useful in pregnancy.
In particular, sleeping on the left side during pregnancy is beneficial for circulation, prevents the uterus from putting too much pressure on the liver, improves blood flow to the uterus and kidneys, and relieves the back by relieving pain.
Other benefits of sleeping on your left side
Sleeping on the left side of the body can help prevent heartburn and help snorers when they are usually lying on their back to breathe better. Neck pain and back pain can also relate to the way you sleep. On the side we are usually in a more natural position but we must also know how to choose a suitable pillow and the right mattress.
However, we must remember that, even if we fall asleep on the left side, at night we tend to turn around and change position normally. If your doctor - for example your gynecologist - has recommended that you sleep on your left side for health reasons, ask him directly for further advice on how to maintain this position comfortably.
When instead sleep on the right side
Sleeping on the left side of the body is not always recommended. In some cases and in specific health conditions, the doctor may recommend sleeping on the right side, with particular reference to people who have had a heart attack and heart problems.
For example, sleep on the right side it could reduce heart rate and blood pressure, while sleeping on the left side could have a negative effect on the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating heart rate and blood pressure.
Also, the heart may be in a better position just when we are lying on our right side. In any case, it is a topic that science will have to deepen.
Conclusions
Everyone will choose the position in which to sleep according to their health conditions. If you are in a particular period - for example during pregnancy or recovering from a heart attack - it is very important follow the advice of an expert about the best position to maintain during sleep.
Finally, some people may find it very uncomfortable to sleep on the left side and prefer the supine or right side position. Much can depend on your physical conformation, on the type of pillow and mattress you use and prefer.
In what position do you usually fall asleep?
Marta Albè
Photo source: Stweb Designer
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