Sleep is a fundamental pillar of health, and this is also confirmed from a cardiological point of view, explains Top Health. Indeed, a recent study by researchers at Stanford University found that People who sleep less than six hours a night have a 20% increased risk of developing heart disease.
“Adequate sleep allows the body to rest and repair itself, by regulating hormones that influence blood pressure, inflammation and blood sugar levelsall of which are critically important for heart health” says Dr. Rigved Tadwalkar, a cardiologist at Providence Saint John Health Center.
Sleeping on your side may be best for your heart
Among the different sleeping positions, sleeping on your side is particularly recommended to promote heart health. This position offers several advantages:
- Improved breathing : By sleeping on your side, the airways are more open, making breathing easier and reducing the risk of sleep apnea, a disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Better blood circulation : Sleeping on your side also promotes blood circulation from the lower body to the heart. This helps reduce pressure on the heart and improve its functioning.
Sleeping on your side, okay, but which side?
While the side position is generally beneficial for the heart,
it seems that one side is even more favorable than the other. In fact, studies have shown that sleeping on the right side may be particularly beneficial for people with heart failure or cardiac arrhythmias.
“When lying on the right side, the heart is held in place by the lungs and mediastinum” says Dr. Robert Salazar, a cardiologist at Memorial Hermann in Houston.This helps reduce pressure on the heart and improve its filling.“Studies have also shown that sleeping on the left side may cause a slight drop in blood pressure. However, there is no evidence that it has a significant impact on heart health.
Can’t sleep on your side?
If you’re not used to sleeping on your side, it can be difficult to change positions. You can use pillows to help keep your body in the correct position. You can also place a pillow between your knees to align your spine and relieve pressure on your hips.
It is important to find a position that is comfortable for you and allows you to sleep well. Feel free to experiment with different positions until you find the one that suits you best.
