Q: What are the benefits of sleeping on one side vs the other? (Daniel, F)
A: Daniel, there is no consistent scientific evidence that sleeping on one side versus the other is better for everyone across the population. However, there is some evidence that with certain medical conditions, sleep on one side or the other may be beneficial. For example, patients who have reflux disease may benefit from sleep on the left side compared to the right, as sleeping on the right side has been shown in one study to relax the connection between the esophagus and the stomach, leading to more acid reflux. In patients with heart conditions, sleeping on the right side may reduce discomfort and shortness of breath, as found in another study. Patients with orthopedic pain may find that sleeping on one side or the other may reduce their pain and thus reduce the disruption in sleep. In general, side sleeping compared to sleeping face up (supine) may reduce the severity of snoring and sleep apnea in some patients. There are even some animal studies which indicate that side sleeping may increase the ability of the brain to eliminate cellular debris from the brain compared to supine sleep.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Q: How much time should it take to fall asleep? (Ariel S.)
A: Ariel. the average person requires 10 to 20 minutes to fall asleep. If it’s less, it may be a sign that you’re sleep deprived. If it’s much more, it may be an indicator of insomnia. If you struggle to fall asleep, many doctors recommend reading a book or doing a crossword until you feel tired. Don’t rush or stress – falling asleep isn’t something you can just “make” happen.
|