If you are used to sleeping on your side, you can do it on both ears (rather only one in this case). An American study tends to show that this position would reduce the risk of developing neurological diseases (Parkinson’sAlzheimer’s, etc.).
To reach this conclusion, researchers from Stony Brooke University (United States) conducted their experiments by observing the brains of rats sleeping on their backs, stomachs and sides using X-rays. MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging).
Better elimination of toxins
Scientists have observed that the “glymphatic” system, which clears toxins accumulated in the brain during the day, is more efficient in rats sleeping on their side.
During the day, the brain accumulates toxins which, if not eliminated properly, can promote the development of neurological diseases. This is the case, for example, of the Beta-amyloid protein, the main characteristic of the disease ofAlzheimer’s.
This study also sets out to show that sleep is important for brain health. The latter is more successful in getting rid of toxins when you sleep than when you are awake. The quality and position of sleep would therefore be new parameters to take into account to assess the risks of neurological diseases.
Finally, the researchers point out that sleeping on the side is the most common position in humans but also most animals. It remains to transpose their study from rats to humans. But it seems unlikely that simply sleeping in a position will be enough to avoid the risk of neurological diseases, with many other factors to be taken into account.
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