Bipolar Disorder Treatments

Posted on November 12, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes intense shifts in mood, energy levels, and behavior. These shifts can last for hours, days, weeks, or months and can interrupt a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

Many people with bipolar disorder experience both manic/hypomanic episodes, where they feel extremely energetic, happy, excited, or overactive, and depressive episodes, where they feel sad, irritable, or empty. These changing mood states don’t always follow a set pattern, and depression doesn’t always follow manic phases. A person may also experience the same mood state several times, with periods of a state of mental tranquility and stability that’s free of mood disturbances, called euthymia, in between, or before experiencing the opposite mood.

Mood changes in bipolar disorder can happen over weeks, months, and sometimes years. An important aspect of mood changes is that they are a departure from a person’s regular self and are sustained for a long time. It can be several days or weeks in the case of a manic episode and several weeks or months in the case of a depressive episode.

The severity of depressive and manic phases can differ from person to person and in the same person at different times. Some people with bipolar disorder will have episodes of mania or hypomania many times throughout their lives, while others may rarely experience them. Signs and symptoms of a manic episode include:

Excessive happiness, hopefulness, and excitement

Sudden and severe changes in mood, such as going from joyful to angry and hostile

Restlessness

Rapid speech and racing thoughts

Increased energy and less need for sleep

Increased impulsivity and poor judgment

Making grand and unattainable plans

Reckless and risk-taking behavior, such as drug and alcohol misuse

Psychosis, such as experiencing hallucinations and delusions (in the most severe manic episodes)

Most of the time, people experiencing a manic episode are unaware of the negative consequences of their actions. If a person is having an intense manic episode, especially if they’re experiencing hallucinations and delusions, they may need to be hospitalized to protect themselves and others from harm. With bipolar disorder, suicide is an ever-present danger, with some people becoming suicidal in manic episodes, not just in depressive ones.

Some people with bipolar disorder can have milder manic-like symptoms called hypomania. When experiencing hypomania, they may feel great and feel like they can get a lot done. They may feel like nothing is wrong during an episode; however, family and friends may notice their mood swings and activity level changes and think they’re unusual for them.

After a hypomanic episode, a person might experience severe depression. The symptoms of depressive episodes in bipolar disorder are the same as those of major depression, including:

Overwhelming sadness

Low energy and fatigue

Lack of motivation

Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

Loss of enjoyment of things that were once pleasurable for you

Difficulty concentrating and making decisions

Uncontrollable crying

Irritability

Increased need for sleep

Insomnia or hypersomnia

A change in appetite that causes weight loss or gain

Thoughts of death or suicide

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms. Treatment for bipolar disorder is guided by a mental healthcare team consisting of a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or psychiatric nurse.

Depending on your needs, treatment for bipolar disorder may include:

Talk therapy that includes:

- Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy

- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

- Psychoeducation

- Family-focused therapy

Medicines, such as mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, antidepressants, an antidepressant-antipsychotic combination, or anti-anxiety medicines

Intensive outpatient programs or a program involving a partial stay in a hospital

Treatment for alcohol or drug misuse

An extended hospital stay

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or crisis, call 911. Call, text, or chat 988 to speak to a trained crisis counselor who offers support 24/7/365. For ongoing mental health support or assistance from a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

How Energy Drinks Can Increase Blood Pressure

Posted on November 6, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

We have all been at the point where we need a “pick-me-up” during the day. Whether it is to start the day in the morning on the way to work or school, or an energy boost in the middle of the day. When this happens, we may reach for a coffee or an energy drink.

Although energy drinks can give us an energy and productivity boost when we need them, unfortunately, drinking energy drinks daily can significantly raise our blood pressure due to their high caffeine and stimulant content.

Caffeine can temporarily increase blood pressure by blocking a chemical that relaxes blood vessels called adenosine. When this occurs, blood vessels constrict instead of dilating. This triggers the nervous system to release stress hormones such as adrenaline, causing the heart to beat faster and blood pressure to rise.

Energy drinks typically increase systolic blood pressure by 5 to 15mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 5 to 10 mmHg within an hour of consumption. This rise in blood pressure is usually temporary for healthy adults.

The effects of drinking energy drinks every day may be more dangerous for people with existing hypertension or other cardiovascular problems.

Caffeine levels in energy drinks can vary between 80 and 350 milligrams (mg) per serving, depending on the brand and size. A standard 8-ounce cup of coffee contains about 100 mg of caffeine. That means one energy drink could contain the same amount of caffeine as an espresso or more than three cups of coffee.

Energy drinks can also have synthetic caffeine that may be absorbed more quickly than natural caffeine from coffee. What’s more, they can typically contain more than just caffeine. Energy drinks may contain additional stimulants, such as taurine, guarana, and ginseng, that can amplify caffeine’s effects on the cardiovascular system. The combination of these stimulants and high sugar content can contribute to elevated blood pressure. Stimulants like guarana and taurine can further amplify cardiovascular stress by increasing heart rate, enhancing the effects of caffeine, and overstimulating the nervous system.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to how many energy drinks are safe to drink in one day because energy drinks can vary in caffeine and stimulant content. Furthermore, there is no universally safe amount to consume daily due to their potential health risks.

However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends a maximum of 400 milligrams of caffeine per day for healthy adults, which is approximately the equivalent of four small cups of coffee. It is important to know that one or two energy drinks can surpass that limit, especially when combined with other caffeinated beverages throughout the day.

Energy drinks may cause heart palpitations, arrhythmias, and increased heart rate, especially when consumed in excess or with alcohol and other stimulants. These arrhythmias can lead to complications like stroke, even in younger adults.

It is important to know that you should avoid energy drinks if you have high blood pressure, take heart-related medications, or have any underlying heart conditions.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of high blood pressure, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.

Wellness Wednesday: Taking Screen Breaks

Posted on November 4, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

We all use some type of screen every day in today’s digital age. Whether for professional or personal use, we often use screens more than we should.

The impact of excessive screen time on mental and physical health cannot be overlooked.

Staring at a screen for long periods of time can lead to continuous and intense focus, resulting in mental fatigue and other significant mental health challenges, such as increased feelings of anxiety and depression.

Excessive screen time affects your physical health as it pertains to your weight, cardiovascular fitness, and metabolic health due to time spent being sedentary.

Additionally, staring at screens for too long can cause digital eye strain, which is now one of the most common complaints in optometry offices. Symptoms of digital eye strain include:

Dry eyes

Blurred vision

Headaches

Difficulty focusing at a distance

Taking regular breaks from screens offers a chance to reset, reduce stress levels, and encourage a healthier mental state. It can also result in better sleep quality, as reducing screen time before bedtime helps the brain unwind and enables more restful sleep.

Here are some ways you can incorporate screen time breaks into your daily routine:

Follow the 20-20-20 rule, which consists of every 20 minutes, looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your focusing muscles a brief rest and reduces the cumulative strain

Engage in physical activity during screen breaks to enhance both mental and physical health

Schedule specific break times during the day to step away from your device

Set a screen curfew by using apps or tools that remind you to take breaks or limit screen time

Create screen-free zones

Replace your screen with a book, board game, coloring book, a sport, or time outside

Mindfulness can also play a key role in managing screen time effectively. By becoming more aware of screen habits, you can recognize when to step away from your screens and engage in alternative, enriching activities.

When Is a Fever an Emergency?

Posted on October 28, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

A fever is a temporary rise in body temperature. A fever by itself is not an illness, but a symptom of a range of medical conditions and part of an overall response by the body’s immune system, usually caused by an infection. Fevers can also be a side effect of some medications.

Fevers are broadly categorized as low-grade, moderate-grade, high-grade, and hyperpyrexia.

Low-grade fever is an oral temperature of 99.1°F to 100.4°F (37.3°C to 38°C) in adults. Symptoms of a low-grade fever include:

Headache

Feeling hot

Achy eyes

Loss of appetite

Thirst

Moderate fever is an oral temperature of 100.6°F to 102.2°F (38.1°C to 39°C) in adults. Symptoms of a moderate-grade fever are like those of a low-grade fever, but also include:

Muscle and body aches

Fatigue

Sweating

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Nausea

High-grade fever is an oral temperature of 102.4°F to 105.8°F (39.1°C to 41°C) in adults. Symptoms of a high-grade fever are like those of a low-grade and moderate-grade fever, but also include:

Increased heart rate

Chills and shivering

Upset stomach

Extreme weakness

Vomiting

Decreased urination

Hyperpyrexia is an extremely high fever of over 106.7°F (41.5°C).

Symptoms of hyperpyrexia include:

Hallucinations

Extreme confusion

Rapid but weak heartbeat

Loss of consciousness

Shallow, rapid breathing

Dilated pupils

Seizures

Hot, dry, red skin

Inability to urinate

Fevers, such as low-grade fevers, don’t always require a hospital visit, as they often improve with medication and home care. However, moderate- or high-grade fever can be dangerous, especially if accompanied by other symptoms. If your fever reaches 105°F (40.5°C), seek medical attention immediately.

Adults should seek care from their healthcare provider if:

They have a fever of 104°F (40°C) or higher

They are over 65 years of age or immunocompromised, and their fever is higher than 101°F (38.3°C)

They have swelling or severe pain anywhere in their body

They have a stiff neck

They have trouble breathing

For infants and young children, it is smart to be cautious and seek medical care if their symptoms are concerning, regardless of the temperature reading on the thermometer. You should take your child to receive medical care if:

Your child is three to 12 months and has a fever of 102.2°F (39°C)

Your child is younger than three months and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

Your child is older than 12 months and has a fever above 104°F (40°C)

Your child is under the age of two and has a fever that has lasted longer than 24 hours

Your child is over the age of two and has a fever that has lasted longer than three days

Your child’s symptoms are getting worse

Your child still appears to be sick after taking fever-reducing medication

A child who has not had immunizations or did not get timely immunizations with a temperature of 100.4°F or above

There are several ways to reduce a fever, such as over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, resting and drinking plenty of fluids, and taking a lukewarm bath.

If you or your child is experiencing moderate- or high-grade fever symptoms, you can schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

Fall Allergies

Posted on October 2, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Fall has arrived, and with it, the fall allergy season. Nearly 25% of adults in the U.S. experience seasonal allergies throughout the year. Seasonal allergies typically peak during April, May, and June, however, they can also be severe during September through December.

Fall weather can affect allergies because of warm, dry, and windy days, exacerbating symptoms due to ragweed pollen being widely dispersed. Symptoms you may experience include sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, a runny nose, and post-nasal drainage.

Ragweed pollen and mold spores are the most common allergens in the fall. The ragweed plant can grow wild anywhere but is most prevalent in the eastern and Midwest regions of the U.S. Ragweed pollen typically begins to peak in late August through late September and can last until the first frost. Its lifespan is usually limited to one season, but it can produce up to one billion grains of pollen, which is a lot for one season. Mold spores are also seen during this time of year, especially as the leaves begin to decompose. Early signs of leaves beginning to decompose and possibly being infected with mold are if they start to turn black or white.

If you have an underlying dust mite allergy, it is important to note that you may experience worsening allergy symptoms during the fall due to spending more time indoors.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) suggests these five tips to help you get ahead of fall allergy season:

Avoid allergy triggers by keeping an eye on daily pollen counts, staying indoors as much as possible during high pollen count days, and avoiding going out in the morning when ragweed pollen is at its highest during the fall
Change your clothing and remove your shoes as soon as you come in from outdoors, so you don’t track pollen into your home
Start taking allergy medication before your symptoms begin
Consider immunotherapy if you have severe or chronic allergies
Visit an allergist if your allergy symptoms become severe

You can receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for seasonal allergies at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001

Burn Treatment Myths De-Bunked

Posted on August 19, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Getting a burn on any part of your body can be painful, especially based on its severity. When we get a burn, we may try to use homeopathic remedies as treatment. However, some of these homeopathic burn treatment options are either not recommended or have little to no research on whether they help or improve the healing process.

Here are some burn treatment myths and the facts to help you treat your burn wounds properly and avoid using potentially harmful remedies:

Myth #1: Using cold water to stop the burning process

A burn injury can damage your skin and disrupt or impair your body’s natural ability to regulate its temperature. This is why, after getting a burn, such as a sunburn, you may get cold more easily despite your skin feeling hot to the touch. Those who experience more severe burns are not only unable to regulate their body temperature but are at an increased risk of developing hypothermia.

Instead, use slightly warm or tepid water to rinse the affected area for 15-20 minutes before washing the burn with a gentle soap. Hot water should be avoided entirely because it can cause pain or make the burn worse.

Myth #2: Using ice to numb the burned area, cool it down, or reduce the swelling

Ice is not an effective way to treat a burn and shouldn’t be used, as it can irritate the burn and cause more damage to the wound bed. Ice also stops blood flow via vasoconstriction, which can worsen the injury.

Instead, run a towel under tepid water and wring it out so it isn’t soaking wet. Place the damp towel on the burn for ten-minute intervals to reduce swelling and pain. Be sure not to do this too often, as keeping the burn moist may promote the onset of infection.

Myth #3: Using butter and cooking oils to heal burns

Butter and cooking oils should not be used to treat burns. They can make the burn worse by trapping heat, keeping the area hot, and creating an environment that is conducive to bacterial infection.

Instead, use burn creams and antibiotic ointments to create a barrier between the wound bed and the outside environment to help prevent infection. Apply these creams and ointments directly to the affected area, then cover or wrap it with a dry, sterile bandage. Change the bandage often, as a dirty bandage promotes infection.

Myth #4: Using toothpaste to relieve pain from burns

Toothpaste often contains mint ingredients or flavoring, and this cooling sensation mimics the effects of lidocaine found in topical pain-relieving gels and creams. It isn’t recommended to put lidocaine or mint products such as toothpaste on burns, especially second- or third-degree burns, as it will make the wound painful, uncomfortable, and irritated. Additionally, toothpaste is not sanitary enough to put on any open wound and may increase the risk of infection.

Instead, use aloe vera, as it is the most natural treatment for minor burns because of its healing capabilities. Aloe vera reduces inflammation, promotes circulation, reduces bacterial colonization, and helps heal the affected area faster.

Myth #5: Using milk, flour, or egg whites to treat burns

When you eat a very spicy meal and your tongue is burning, you can drink milk to cool the burning sensation. However, putting milk on a burn may encourage infection of the wound bed, as it comes with the risk of certain harmful pathogens, such as Brucella, E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella. Raw flour, like milk, is associated with the harmful pathogens Salmonella and E. coli. It also comes with the risk of infection, as it can dirty the wound, making it harder to clean and disinfect. Additionally, no evidence that applying eggs to a burn helps heal the wound. Using eggs to treat a burn carries the risk of salmonella poisoning, bacterial infection, and allergic reaction.

Instead, use cool water to clean the wound, and apply aloe vera, burn creams, or antibiotic ointments to help the wound heal.

Myth # 6: Using rubbing or drinking alcohol to sterilize a burn wound, and popping blisters

It may seem like a good idea to use rubbing or even drinking alcohol to sterilize a burn wound. However, they should not be used as an antibacterial solution, as they can irritate the burn, cause pain, and kill beneficial bacteria. Alcohol is also highly flammable and can catch fire if you are still near the source of the burn. Popping blisters can increase the risk of developing an infection. Blisters are not like pimples. The fluid buildup in the blister is the immune system’s attempt to protect you from further damage and infection.

Instead, use cool water to flush the wound and an antiseptic for burns to sterilize it. Also, avoid popping blisters. A healthcare provider who specializes in burns may pop the blisters for other clinical care.

If you are suffering from a burn injury and need treatment, you can schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

Wellness Wednesday Tip: Healthy Eating

Posted on August 12, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Eating healthy can be difficult, especially when you don’t have the time, and there is the convenience of fast-food restaurants and processed foods.

Most people in the United States need to eat more nutrient-dense foods and limit highly processed foods, added sugars, added sodium, and refined carbohydrates.

Healthy eating emphasizes protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, whole grains, and limiting added sugars.

The best way to practice healthy eating is to aim for having a variety of colors on your plate. Fruits and vegetables such as oranges, tomatoes, dark leafy greens, and fresh herbs are full of vitamins, fiber, and minerals.

Too much added sugars in your diet, such as cane sugar, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, maple syrup, and honey, can contribute to weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Sugary beverages are common sources of added sugar.

To limit added sugars, you can:

Drink water with berries or slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber instead

Read nutrition labels and choose foods with no or lower amounts of added sugars

Limit sugary snacks and snack on fruit or vegetable slices instead

Add fruit to your whole grain cereal or yogurt for sweetness

Avoid adding flavored syrups to your coffee

Eating too much sodium can raise your risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. More than 70% of the sodium Americans consume comes from packaged or prepared foods. While sodium has several forms, 90% of the sodium we consume is from salt.

To cut back on sodium, you can:

Read the nutrition facts label to find foods that are low in sodium or lower-sodium options

Buy unprocessed foods, such as fresh or frozen vegetables, to prepare at home

Avoid highly processed foods, such as breads, pizza, and deli meats that are high in sodium

Fiber helps maintain our digestive health and helps us feel fuller longer. Fiber also helps control our blood sugar and lowers our cholesterol levels. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds are good sources of fiber.

To increase your fiber intake, you can:

Start your day with a whole-grain cereal, such as oatmeal

Add fresh fruit with a meal or as a dessert

Slice raw vegetables for quick snacks

Top your whole-grain cereal with berries, pumpkin seeds, or almonds

Add a half-cup of beans or lentils to a salad to add texture and flavor

Protein is also an important part of healthy eating. Including protein-rich foods in your diet is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.

Protein options include:

Eggs

Poultry

Seafood

Red meat

Beans

Peas

Lentils

Legumes

Nuts

Seeds

Soy products such as tofu

Good nutrition is about choosing healthy foods and beverages on a consistent basis. Eating healthy, whole, nutrient-dense foods can support longevity and vitality, and lower your risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and obesity.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Registered Dietitians assist patients with growing their knowledge about nutrition, wellness, and healthy eating. To make an appointment, please call 718-657-7093.

Dehydration Kidney Stones

Posted on August 5, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Drinking water is essential for our health and wellbeing. Not drinking enough water can lead to health complications such as dehydration, which contributes to the formation of kidney stones. Kidney stones are solid masses or clusters of crystals that form from substances such as minerals, acids, and salts in the kidneys. These stones can be as small as a grain of sand, or in rare cases, larger than a golf ball.

Stones occur when there is little liquid and too many of the minerals, acids, and other substances such as calcium, sodium, oxalate, and uric acid in the urine, causing them to stick together and form crystals or stones. Kidney stones can form over months or years.

According to research done by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), dehydration is an important risk factor for kidney stones because the body doesn’t have enough water to dilute minerals and salts in the urine. The research further stated that a person should drink enough water to have about two liters of urine output daily to prevent kidney stones and pay attention to the color of their urine to know if the goal is achieved or not. Dark colored urine is a sign of dehydration.

The most common symptom of kidney stones is pain in the lower back, belly, or side, which might feel like it extends from the groin to the side. This pain can be dull, or it can be sharp and severe and comes in waves. Other symptoms of kidney stones include:

Bloody urine

Pain when urinating

The inability to urinate

Feeling the urge to urinate a lot

Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

Nausea and vomiting

Fever or chills

Drinking water plays a very important role in preventing kidney stones because it helps dilute the urine and reduces the concentration of minerals and salts that can form stones. Drinking enough water throughout the day causes the kidneys to produce more urine, which helps flush out substances such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid before they can combine and form crystals.

A healthcare provider can diagnose kidney stones by performing urine, imaging, and blood tests.

To treat a small kidney stone, a healthcare provider will have the person monitor their symptoms until it passes in their urine. They may also prescribe medications to keep them comfortable and help the stone pass on its own. Larger kidney stones need treatment depending on their size, location, whether they are causing infections or symptoms, and other factors.

Medications to treat kidney stones help relax the ureter to help pass the stone more easily, help manage any nausea and vomiting, and help manage pain.

Procedures to remove large kidney stones include:

Shockwave lithotripsy

Ureteroscopy

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Laparoscopic surgery

It is recommended to drink up to three liters of water daily and throughout the day to help prevent kidney stones from returning. Other ways to prevent kidney stones from returning include:

Drinking water, but drinks like tea and coffee also count

Adding fresh lemon juice to your water

Avoiding eating too much salt

Avoiding fizzy drinks

If you are experiencing symptoms of kidney stones and would like more information about receiving treatment from a urologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. To make an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

Wellness Wednesday Tip

Posted on July 22, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Our daily lives can be bombarded with constant bad news, tragedy, negativity, stress, worry, and anxiety. These factors can affect our mood and cause our nervous systems to overload, causing us to lose sleep, which can then lead to cardiovascular issues, weakened immune function, metabolic problems, and mental health conditions.

Mindfulness and meditation are overlapping techniques proven to ease stress, improve sleep, and enhance concentration.

Practicing mindfulness can be as simple as walking through a park, admiring nature, or using mental health apps to help anchor you in the present. Engaging in these activities can help calm anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and increase positive feelings.

Meditation combines body and mind by focusing on sensations, such as breathing, images, or a repeated word or phrase. One exercise that works similarly well for adults and younger people is box breathing. Box breathing is a form of yogic deep breathing that uses the concept of a box with four sides, represented here by breathing while you slowly count to four, four times. Four counts of breathing in, four counts of holding your breath, four counts of exhaling, and four more counts of holding after your exhale. This rhythmic pattern of breathing helps regulate the nervous system, suppressing anxiety and stress, lowering the heart rate and blood pressure, and boosting focus.

If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed and need the assistance and support of a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575 to schedule an appointment.

ABC Method for Better Sleep and Better Brain Health

Posted on July 17, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

We all have nights when we can’t get a good night’s sleep. We toss and turn all night, waking up exhausted because of poor sleep quality.

If you are experiencing poor sleep quality, the ABC method or ABCs of respiratory therapy can help you sleep properly and efficiently. The ABC method stands for:

Airway

Breathing

Circulation

This method helps regulate a variety of things, primarily oxygenation, which helps your body recover and stay functioning. Finding the right sleep position is essential to the ABC method.

According to Dr. John Saito, a representative for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), everyone has their own idea of what a good sleep position is, whether it is on the left or right side, the back, or stomach, but it all depends on the context.

If a person is sleeping on their back and has a good support pillow that keeps their spine and neck in a neutral position, it allows their airway to remain open and unobstructed, and they can breathe easily. However, if a person has sleep apnea, sleeping on their back can be harmful to health, as their throat muscles become too relaxed and block the body’s upper airway.

The ABC method can also work with babies, as most doctors recommend putting them on their backs to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which is an unexplained death that usually occurs during sleep.

Dr. Saito suggests that sleeping on your side can offer several benefits. Sleeping on your right side may be better for blood flow, as well as lower pressure on your heart, due to the flexible compartment located between your lungs called the mediastinum, which helps hold your heart in place.

Sleeping on your left side can also provide some benefits, as it may be better for clearing the waste product in the brain. This is known as the glymphatic system, which is the brain’s specialized waste clearance network that clears any harmful metabolic byproducts while we sleep, including proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Lastly, Dr. Saito points out the difference between sleeping in a fetal or curled position and spreading out. Sleeping on either side of your body, with your spine straight, helps keep it aligned, while curling up on your side helps to ease lower back pain. However, being too curled up can compress your diaphragm and chest, which restricts breathing.

Having trouble sleeping because you can’t find a comfortable sleeping position can cause you to move a lot throughout the night as you try to reposition yourself. This can disrupt your sleep and affect the quality of your sleep. Here are ways to practice sleeping in better positions to help you get a restful night’s sleep:

If you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your knees to help better align your head, neck, and hips. This neutral posture can make breathing easier and result in deeper and more restorative sleep

If you sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees

If you sleep on your stomach, place a thin pillow under your hips

Additionally, choosing a mattress that adheres to the natural curve of your spine is an essential part of getting a good night’s sleep.

There isn’t just one best position to sleep in. A lot of factors go into how your sleep position affects your quality of sleep. Whether you suffer from sleep apnea, back pain, are a chronic snorer, or are pregnant, the major goal is to find a comfortable and unobtrusive sleeping position that allows you to get a good night’s sleep. Choose whichever sleep position that makes you the most comfortable, as it will give you the best and most rest.

Our New York Sleep Clinic staff consists of board-certified sleep specialists and respiratory therapists who are highly skilled in evaluating and treating sleep disorders. Our compassionate staff will ensure your stay is pleasant and helpful to your health. For additional information or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-5916.