Until recently, modern science was unaware of the waste removal system for the brain and central nervous system called glymphatic system. This is because it is a very small system that is located in the area of the body for which we know the least about.
The glymphatic system removes toxins and proteins from the brain and distributes the glucose, lipids, and amino acids, all of which are necessary for proper functioning of the brain. The improper functioning of this system can cause Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease, ALS, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. So, in order to preserve both physical and mental health, it is crucial that your glymphatic system works properly.
Sleeping and the Glymphatic System
The glymphatic system is only active when we sleep, which makes the sleeping position very important for the proper functioning of the system. According to a rat study conducted by Stony Brook University and published in The Journal of Neuroscience, the sleeping positions of the rats had a major impact in how much fluid was moved in and out of the brain. The rats who were sleeping with their heads raised had the least amount of fluid movement while those who slept on their sides had fantastic fluid movement. This means that the best way to ensure that your glymphatic system is working properly is by sleeping on your side and without a pillow
To get rid of the pillow may be very difficult for some of us, but knowing the benefits, it is worth the effort. We invite you to watch the video presented below, where David Wolfe talks about the importance of sleeping without a pillow.
Source: http://www.davidwolfe.com/brain-inflammatory-lymph-fluid-sleep/