Great Reasons Sleep On Your Left Side

Your sleeping position is especially important to consider for your mental and physical well-being. This is because there's more to the quality of sleep you're getting than its duration. In fact, a small body of research suggests that people who sleep on their left side are not only likely to sleep better, but are believed to be healthier than those who sleep on their right side.

 

This idea stems from an ancient holistic approach to health and medicine developed in India, known as Ayurveda (meaning "the science of life"). But why sleep on your left side? It turns out that doing so enhances your digestion, alleviates back pain and also reduces heartburn. Let's take a closer look at the health benefits of sleeping on your left side:

1. It supports the body in getting rid of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials
According to Ayurvedic tradition, sleeping on your left side bolsters the lymphatic system, allowing your body to better filter lymph fluid and waste via the lymph nodes. In this respect, your sleeping position makes a difference, because the left side of the body is the dominant lymphatic side. Furthermore, new research has found that sleeping on the left side can allow the body to clear waste chemicals from the brain more efficiently. In contrast, sleeping on your right side decreases the lymphatic system's efficiency.

2. It is good for the heart
Sleeping on your left side improves circulation to the heart. The theory is that gravity can facilitate both lymph drainage toward the heart, as well as circulation away from the heart.

3. It may reduce heartburn
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, lying on the left side can help reduce acid reflux symptoms. On the contrary, lying on the right side may aggravate the symptoms. So, if you're struggling with heart burn, lie down on your left side for 10 minutes  to alleviate the symptoms.

 

4. It may improve digestion
The idea that sleeping on your left side may improve digestion simply stems from a matter of gravity. The theory is that lying on the left side allows food waste to move easily from the large intestine into the colon. Therefore, this means that you are more likely to have a bowel movement upon waking. This sleeping position also allows the stomach and pancreas to hang naturally, as both organs are predominantly located on the left side.
It may also better channel the gastric juices and easily promote the secretion of pancreatic enzymes. It therefore enables digestion to work little by little instead of all at once, which is what tends to happen when we sleep on the right side (see image above).

5. It may alleviate back pain
Sleeping on the left side can relieve pressure on the spine, and is therefore ideal for people who suffer from chronic back pain, allowing them to feel more comfortable and get a good night's sleep.

6. It is beneficial for pregnant women
Besides boosting blood circulation, sleeping on the left side can also help relieve pressure on the back, keeping the uterus from squeezing the liver. This sleeping position also increases blood flow to the uterus, kidneys and fetus.

Who does not benefit from this sleeping position?
For the most part, there are a number of beneficial reasons for sleeping on your left side. However some, particularly those with heart disease, sleep apnea, glaucoma, and carpal tunnel syndrome, may not benefit from sleeping on one side.
If you're unsure which sleeping position is best for you, consult with a medical professional.

 

Making the switch
If this is a sleeping position you are not used to, it might take some time to get into the new habit of sleeping on your left side. Here are a couple of tips to make the transition a little smoother:
• Place a body pillow behind your back so that it is harder for you to roll off of your left side while sleeping.
• Sleep on the opposite side of the bed than you normally do. That way, your sleep orientation won't feel so different.
• Sleeping on your side can put pressure on your hips and shoulders, so opt for a softer mattress to relieve pressure in those areas.
Without a doubt, the combination of a comfy bed and a health-promoting sleeping position will increase your chances of sleeping well.

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The Symptoms and Treatments of Fibromyalgia

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User Content: Donna P

Rheumatic diseases have been researched extensively by doctors and medical experts over many years. They are characterized as conditions that affect the joints and muscles. They can arise for many reasons, including failures in the immune system. However, while rheumatic conditions such as arthritis are often talked about, there is one condition that has had little time in the spotlight - fibromyalgia, a chronic disease that affects roughly 4% of the American population (80% of those affected are women aged 35 to 55).

 

In this helpful guide, we'll take a look at fibromyalgia, its symptoms, lifestyle implications and alternative treatment methods alongside a few simple forms of pain relief. But first, let's take a closer look at what fibromyalgia actually is.
About fibromyalgia
Most commonly described as a rheumatic, chronic disorder, fibromyalgia causes widespread pain, tenderness and muscle discomfort. It is often related to arthritis, however it isn't actually a form of arthritis because it doesn't cause inflammation, or damage joints or tissue. Nevertheless, it can cause severe amounts of pain and bodily fatigue, hindering daily life and regular activities. Its true cause is still in the process of being understood by doctors. 
The symptoms
Symptoms of fibromyalgia can present themselves at various times of day, however they're usually at their worst during the morning or early evening. Symptoms range from dull aches, to widespread aches and pains throughout the body. Notable symptoms also include:​

• The need to urinate frequently
• Insomnia
• Cramping in the lower abdomen, as well as bloating and nausea
• Difficulty remembering and concentrating on tasks
• Extreme fatigue and lowered energy levels
• Stiffness when sitting or standing
• Sensitivity to sharp smells and noises
• Anxiety and depression

 

Tender points

Image by Maya Bornstein, littlethings.com
Certain points on the body made tender by fibromyalgia can be especially painful. These pressure points, as indicated in the illustration above, are generally located around the shoulders, elbows, knees, breastbone, back of the hand and hips. However, these tender points do not necessarily need to be touched for pain to be triggered - they can be a focal point for pain without being touched at all.
Unfortunately, fibromyalgia can be particularly difficult to treat, because not all doctors are familiar with the condition. It is therefore crucial to consult with a physician who is well-versed with the condition. Here are some simple lifestyle changes you can make to help with pain relief.

 

Treatments for fibromyalgia

1. Movement therapies

A number of alternative therapies can help reduce pain and stress in the body. Yoga and meditation can be especially useful for people suffering from chronic illness. Tai Chi is another alternative therapy that has been found to work well. It combines slow, gentle movements with meditation and deep breathing, and thus is ideal for alleviating the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

2. Massage therapy

Massage is a well-known therapy for easing muscle pain and tension in those suffering from rheumatic conditions. Massages can help improve circulation and promote the production of serotonin, a natural painkiller.

3. Acupuncture

This trusted alternative treatment has been used for centuries. Thin needles are applied to certain pressure points to ease pain and tension in the body, as well as to balance blood flow and prevent stiffness.

4. Improve your sleeping habits

Sleep problems and intense daytime fatigue have been linked to fibromyalgia. Ensuring that you get enough sleep is essential for reducing the condition's painful symptoms. Make it a point to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. It's also advisable to avoid napping during the day to ensure that your nightly sleep is as restful as possible. 

5. 5-HTP amino acids

This natural amino acid promotes the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that also acts as the body's natural painkiller. It has been reported that the supplement can alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms, reducing pain, fatigue and stiffness.

6. Keep a daily food journal

Diet plays a significant role in managing symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. As such, no research has been conducted on what foods patients should avoid or add to their diets. Nevertheless, monitoring what you eat can help a great deal. Doing so will help you determine specific foods that aggravate the pain. It is also wise to not drink alcohol or coffee right before bed - doing so may disrupt your sleep.

Experts find link between jet lag, obesity and your gut microbes

Scientists have discovered that jet lag not only confuses the human body's sleeping patterns -- it can also make travelers gain weight.

Researchers from Israel have found a strong circadian rhythm among all the organisms that are in the human gut. This rhythm, however, seemingly becomes disrupted when the person changes the time zone where he is.

The study published in the Cell journal reveals that the microbes in the gut of humans and mice have circadian rhythms that are controlled by the body's biological clock.

When the circadian rhythm is disrupted as the host body changes time zones, the microbes are confused, leading to problems in metabolism and an increased risk to obesity.

Eran Elinav, one of the researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science, says the results of the study explain the previously mysterious fact that people with unstable day-night cycles, such as frequent travelers suffering from jet lag and employees with shifting schedules, are more at risk in developing obesity and other complications due to problems with their metabolism.

Elinav said that the findings would allow researchers to develop preventive measures for people in these situations, so that they would be less prone to developing complications.

A person's sleeping patterns have been connected to several diseases in addition to obesity, including cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular problems. However, until the findings of the study, it was unclear just how exactly the disruptions in the circadian rhythms were increasing a person's risk for these ailments.

The study experimented on mice, exposing them to varying schedules of light and dark, along with abnormal feeding times spread across 24 hours. The experiment led to a massive confusion of the rhythmic fluctuations of the microbes within the mice. In addition, fatty food being fed to the jet-lagged mice made them gain weight quicker. They also developed problems in metabolism related to diabetes.

Two people who traveled to Israel from the United States also showed changes in the composition of the microbes in their guts. The bacteria linked to metabolic diseases such as obesity grew faster.
"Targeting the harmful changes in the microbiota in these large human populations with probiotic or antimicrobial therapies may reduce or even prevent their risk of developing obesity and its complications," Elinav said.

Elinav shared his fascination over the way gut microbes, living completely in a dark environment, feature a circadian behavior of being sensitive to light and dark.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.








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