Good sleeping habits for the lungs

Getting enough sleep, keeping your head elevated, and lying on your left side are sleeping positions that help your lungs function well.

Air quality, temperature changes, and extreme weather conditions affect the lungs and respiratory system. In addition, sleeping positions also affect the health of this organ.

Get enough sleep

Not getting enough sleep makes the body tired and the spirit decline. For the respiratory system, staying up all night can easily cause respiratory infections such as colds and flu. In people with chronic lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lack of sleep makes the symptoms worse.

During sleep, the immune system produces anti-infective substances such as antibodies and cytokines, which help fight off foreign pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. Lack of sleep hinders the functioning of the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infection and, if infected, taking longer to recover.

To sleep well, each person should minimize substances that can cause allergies in the bedroom such as artificial scents, animal hair, dust. Washing bed sheets 1-2 times a week helps remove dust mites and irritants. Families should limit the use of high-speed fans. If using air conditioning, the bedroom temperature should be adjusted higher than normal because cold air is a factor that causes difficulty breathing in people with asthma and COPD.

Sleep on your side

Obstructive sleep apnea can disrupt the balance of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood, leading to high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems. In some cases, it can lead to dizziness, high blood pressure, and confusion.

Sleeping on your left side with a pillow under your head and between your legs is good for your lungs. In this position, gravity helps blood circulation. This is the best position for people who snore due to sleep apnea.

Sleeping on your left side with a pillow under your head is good for your lungs. Photo: Freepik

Long-term side sleeping can cause shoulder or neck pain. Use pillows and mattresses designed for side sleeping to help align the spine. Sleeping with a pillow between your legs can help relieve back pain for people new to this position.

Raise your head while sleeping

Using a high pillow prevents the tongue from sliding down the throat, allowing air to flow straight down to the lungs. Using a pillow under the knees helps align the spine and reduce pain. Lying on your back with your head elevated and a pillow under your knees is suitable for people with sleep apnea.

In addition to maintaining good sleep habits, everyone should live a healthy life and eat well to protect lung health. Maintain a healthy weight, eat nutritious foods rich in antioxidants to reduce inflammation. Get vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia to prevent lung infections and respiratory diseases.

Avoid smoking, secondhand smoke, and environmental irritants. Improve indoor air quality by using an air filter.

Le Nguyen (According to Healthline , Sleep Foundation )

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