Sleeping on Your Side can Prevent Dementia

Posted on by Jesse Santiano, M.D.

The brain produces toxins and abnormal proteins like beta-amyloid and tau protein during its activity. If these proteins are not cleared, they can create plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain that lead to neurodegenerative diseases like dementia.

An NIH study showed one night of sleep deprivation increases the β amyloid burden in the right hippocampus and thalamus. These increases lead to were associated with mood worsening following sleep deprivation.

Fortunately,  there is a waste removal system in the brain called the glymphatic system. The glymphatic is made of canals that drain the waste outside the brain.

However, the glymphatic system only works when we sleep. That’s because the glymphatic channels are wider and can accommodate bigger molecules like proteins.

A study used Magnetic resonance imaging to quantify the glymphatic flow in anesthetized rodents’ brains in supine, prone, or lateral positions. The study found that glymphatic transport was most efficient in the lateral position than supine or prone positions.

 

Photo from Unsplash

Sleeping on the side causes a pressure differential that makes the glymphatic channels wider and to drains the waste materials. These abnormal proteins eventually end up in the liver to be degraded.

Widening of the glymphatic channels also allows for better oxygenation of the brain during the sleep state.

A study found that people with Alzheimer’s sleep more in the supine position for more than 2 hours than those with normal cognition. Sleeping problems are common in n 25–35% of Alzheimer’s patients. They have a shorter total sleep time, increased awakening, and worse sleep efficiency.

There are no drugs available right now that can clear the neurofibrillary tangles. Luckily we have a system that we can use that is free and available to all.

Sleeping on your side refreshes the brain. If you have sleep apnea, use your CPAP machines to get the most out of your sleep.

Stay current by subscribing. Feel free to share.

Don’t Get Sick!

Contents hide
Related readings
Share this:
Like this:
Discover more from Don't Get Sick!

Related readings

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Count up & Countdown timer. You must want a reliable timer to know when to start or stop clearly. This new digital kitchen timer features Loud/Silent mode, On/Off switch, Large screen and Buttons with clear markings for ease of use Loud & Silent mode...
Antonki 2 Pack Digital Timer for Kids, Magnetic Countdown Kitchen Timers for Cooking, Egg, Classroom, Teacher, Exercise, Study, Oven - Battery Included #1
Antonki 2 Pack Digital Timer for Kids, Magnetic Countdown Kitchen Timers for Cooking, Egg, Classroom, Teacher, Exercise, Study, Oven - Battery Included #2
Antonki 2 Pack Digital Timer for Kids, Magnetic Countdown Kitchen Timers for Cooking, Egg, Classroom, Teacher, Exercise, Study, Oven - Battery Included #3
Antonki 2 Pack Digital Timer for Kids, Magnetic Countdown Kitchen Timers for Cooking, Egg, Classroom, Teacher, Exercise, Study, Oven - Battery Included #4
Antonki 2 Pack Digital Timer for Kids, Magnetic Countdown Kitchen Timers for Cooking, Egg, Classroom, Teacher, Exercise, Study, Oven - Battery Included #5

Antonki 2 Pack Digital Timer for Kids, Magnetic Countdown Kitchen Timers for Cooking, Egg, Classroom, Teacher, Exercise, Study, Oven - Battery Included

Available for Amazon Prime $7.47 ($3.74 / Count) (as of June 1, 2025 16:18 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Count up & Countdown timer. You must want a reliable timer to know when to start or stop clearly. This new digital kitchen timer features Loud/Silent mode, On/Off switch, Large screen and Buttons with clear markings for ease of use Loud & Silent mode... read more
HIGH QUALITY: Four colors are a group, including blue, pink, white, and green. ABS plastic shell, not easy to break and long use time; LCD large screen display, the numbers are clearer ；Plastic buttons, not easy to get dirty, have a strong touch. Saf...
4-Piece Multi-Function Electronic Timer, Learning Management, Suitable for Kitchen, Study, Work, Exercise Training, Outdoor Activities(not Including Battery). #1
4-Piece Multi-Function Electronic Timer, Learning Management, Suitable for Kitchen, Study, Work, Exercise Training, Outdoor Activities(not Including Battery). #2
4-Piece Multi-Function Electronic Timer, Learning Management, Suitable for Kitchen, Study, Work, Exercise Training, Outdoor Activities(not Including Battery). #3
4-Piece Multi-Function Electronic Timer, Learning Management, Suitable for Kitchen, Study, Work, Exercise Training, Outdoor Activities(not Including Battery). #4
4-Piece Multi-Function Electronic Timer, Learning Management, Suitable for Kitchen, Study, Work, Exercise Training, Outdoor Activities(not Including Battery). #5

4-Piece Multi-Function Electronic Timer, Learning Management, Suitable for Kitchen, Study, Work, Exercise Training, Outdoor Activities(not Including Battery).

Available for Amazon Prime $7.98 ($2.00 / Count) (as of June 1, 2025 16:30 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
HIGH QUALITY: Four colors are a group, including blue, pink, white, and green. ABS plastic shell, not easy to break and long use time; LCD large screen display, the numbers are clearer ；Plastic buttons, not easy to get dirty, have a strong touch. Saf... read more
Kitchen Timers with big buttons, large digital display, loud buzzer and clean bright look(Battery Not Included) Clear and Loud alarm, you will easily be able to hear this alarm in another room, and the alarm will stop auto after 30seconds when you in...
2 Pack Digital Kitchen Timer for Cooking Big Digits Loud Alarm Magnetic Backing Stand Cooking Timers for Baking White #1
2 Pack Digital Kitchen Timer for Cooking Big Digits Loud Alarm Magnetic Backing Stand Cooking Timers for Baking White #2
2 Pack Digital Kitchen Timer for Cooking Big Digits Loud Alarm Magnetic Backing Stand Cooking Timers for Baking White #3
2 Pack Digital Kitchen Timer for Cooking Big Digits Loud Alarm Magnetic Backing Stand Cooking Timers for Baking White #4
2 Pack Digital Kitchen Timer for Cooking Big Digits Loud Alarm Magnetic Backing Stand Cooking Timers for Baking White #5

2 Pack Digital Kitchen Timer for Cooking Big Digits Loud Alarm Magnetic Backing Stand Cooking Timers for Baking White

Available for Amazon Prime 10% Off $7.39 ($3.70 / Count) $6.64 ($3.32 / Count) (as of June 1, 2025 16:29 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Kitchen Timers with big buttons, large digital display, loud buzzer and clean bright look(Battery Not Included) Clear and Loud alarm, you will easily be able to hear this alarm in another room, and the alarm will stop auto after 30seconds when you in... read more
Count down + count up, 99 minutes,cute,classroom must haves ，Suitable for cooking，teacher，shower，gym ，workout，eggkindergarten classroom Easy to use，easy to read,Suitable for children and the elderly Low energy consumption，Don't need to shut down, the...
Easy to USE, Digital Timer Kitchen Timer, Magnetic Timer,Tanmalan(Black,1 Pack) #1
Easy to USE, Digital Timer Kitchen Timer, Magnetic Timer,Tanmalan(Black,1 Pack) #2

Easy to USE, Digital Timer Kitchen Timer, Magnetic Timer,Tanmalan(Black,1 Pack)

Available for Amazon Prime $4.99 (as of June 1, 2025 16:10 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Count down + count up, 99 minutes,cute,classroom must haves ，Suitable for cooking，teacher，shower，gym ，workout，eggkindergarten classroom Easy to use，easy to read,Suitable for children and the elderly Low energy consumption，Don't need to shut down, the... read more
✓ VERSATILE & CUSTOMIZABLE: This 2-pack of our classic 3 prong digital timer allows you to easily set up to 8 on/off programs for each timer’s two grounded outlets. Outlets are controlled simultaneously, and settings can be as short as one minute. ✓ ...
BN-LINK 7 Day Heavy Duty Digital Programmable Timer, FD60 U6, 115V, 60Hz, Dual Outlet, for Lamp Light Fan Security UL Listed(2 Pack) #1
BN-LINK 7 Day Heavy Duty Digital Programmable Timer, FD60 U6, 115V, 60Hz, Dual Outlet, for Lamp Light Fan Security UL Listed(2 Pack) #2
BN-LINK 7 Day Heavy Duty Digital Programmable Timer, FD60 U6, 115V, 60Hz, Dual Outlet, for Lamp Light Fan Security UL Listed(2 Pack) #3
BN-LINK 7 Day Heavy Duty Digital Programmable Timer, FD60 U6, 115V, 60Hz, Dual Outlet, for Lamp Light Fan Security UL Listed(2 Pack) #4
BN-LINK 7 Day Heavy Duty Digital Programmable Timer, FD60 U6, 115V, 60Hz, Dual Outlet, for Lamp Light Fan Security UL Listed(2 Pack) #5

BN-LINK 7 Day Heavy Duty Digital Programmable Timer, FD60 U6, 115V, 60Hz, Dual Outlet, for Lamp Light Fan Security UL Listed(2 Pack)

Available for Amazon Prime 15% Off $22.99 ($11.50 / Count) $19.54 ($9.77 / Count) (as of June 1, 2025 16:18 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
✓ VERSATILE & CUSTOMIZABLE: This 2-pack of our classic 3 prong digital timer allows you to easily set up to 8 on/off programs for each timer’s two grounded outlets. Outlets are controlled simultaneously, and settings can be as short as one minute. ✓ ... read more

Discover more from Don't Get Sick!

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.