#128 - Sleep Position

#128 - Sleep Position

March 16, 2026 · 22 min

About this episode

Matt discusses the impact of sleep position on health based on Maiken Nedergaard's research.

Matt reviews Danish neuroscientist Maiken Nedergaard's 2013 discovery: during sleep, glial cells shrink, allowing cerebrospinal fluid to flush brain toxins like beta-amyloid and tau protein. This "private sanitation system" is significantly more efficient with side sleeping, especially compared to front or back sleeping, suggesting an evolutionary preference. Our host reveals the broad impact that sleep position has on health, from reducing sleep apnea and acid reflux to affecting rotator cuf...

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