Good sleeping habits for the lungs.

Getting enough sleep, using a high pillow, and sleeping on your left side are all sleeping positions that help your lungs function properly.

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

Get enough sleep.

Insufficient sleep leads to fatigue and decreased mental well-being. For the respiratory system, staying up all night easily causes respiratory infections such as colds and flu. In people with pre-existing chronic lung conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lack of sleep can worsen symptoms.

While sleeping, the immune system produces anti-infective substances such as antibodies and cytokines, which help fight off external pathogens like bacteria and viruses. Lack of sleep hinders the immune system's function, making the body more susceptible to illness and, if infected, taking longer to recover.

To sleep well, everyone should minimize allergens in the bedroom such as artificial fragrances, animal dander, and dust. Washing bed linens once or twice 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 set higher than usual because cold air can cause breathing difficulties for people with asthma or COPD.

Sleep on your side

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

Sleeping on your left side, with a pillow under your head and between your legs, is good for lung function. In this position, the effect of 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. (Image: Freepik)

Sleeping on your side for extended periods can cause shoulder or neck pain. It's recommended to use pillows and mattresses designed for side sleeping to support spinal alignment. Placing a pillow between your legs while sleeping can help reduce back pain for those new to this sleeping position.

Raise your head while sleeping.

Elevating the head with a pillow prevents the tongue from sliding down the throat, directing airflow straight to the lungs. Placing a pillow under the knees helps align the spine and reduce pain and stiffness. Lying on your back with your head elevated and a pillow under your knees is suitable for people with sleep apnea.

Besides maintaining good sleep habits, everyone should live a healthy lifestyle and eat a balanced diet to protect their lung health. Maintain a healthy weight, eat nutritious foods rich in antioxidants to reduce inflammation. Get flu and pneumonia vaccines to prevent lung infections and respiratory diseases.

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

Le Nguyen (According to Healthline , Sleep Foundation )

Readers can post questions about respiratory illnesses here for doctors to answer.

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