Dementia: problem, risks, effects, and management

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I had met my classmate around 4 months back and informed her also about my mom's death. But in a recent email, she wrote to me that I had met her a couple of years back. She also enquired about my mom. Seeing her email, the first thought that came to my mind was: is she suffering from early dementia. I hope not. Maybe, she just forgot about the time that I had met her a few months back. Maybe because it was a hurried and surprise visit.  Nonetheless, dementia is on the rise. It affects people after 60 years of age. The increased life expectancy means that one will see more of such cases in the near future.  India has around 10 million dementia cases out of the world total of 57 million. This is a huge percentage. It affects not only an individual but the whole family. There is this individual who is physically okay but mentally absent. The person needs custodial care and it could turn out to be expensive. It is also emotionally disturbing to see your loved one in that state of...
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Sleep positions and their relation to sleep quality

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 We sleep in different sleep positions and change it in one night. Sometimes we sleep supine (on back), sometimes on the side, and sometimes on the belly (prone position). But most of us get sleep when after lying down we take up a particular position. Thus, some are tummy sleepers, some side sleepers, and some back sleepers. Every position has some points associated with it. And a particular position might have to be avoided in certain health issues. A quick recap of all these positions.

1. Tummy sleeper

Many enjoy this sleep pose and do not get sleep until they go into this position. It gives sleep but can cause neck strains and low back aches. Some say that restlessness might be one result of it though I have not seen it when I strike this pose at nighttime. If you prefer this position for most part of sleeping, then use soft pillow or none at all so that the neck straining is reduced. In this position, some people keep their hands above the pillow on the side while others prefer to put it below the pillow and sleep (freefall). 

Sleeping prone (Source: Everyday Health

2. Back sleepers

This is also a position used by many for sleeping. It also could lead to low back pains. But it might also help some with back pain provided the mattress is good.  It increases snoring and breathing difficulties in those with upper airway obstructions. Sleep apnea frequency and severity might increase. In this position, some may keep their hands on the side (starfish position) while others may keep them on the side (like a soldier). There are some who like to keep their hands on the chest. There are some beliefs that when you place your hands on the chest and sleep,you may get terrible dreams and might get up with a bad dream. 

Back sleeper (Source: John Hopkins Medicine)

3. Side sleepers

In this your head is on one side and your body also on one side. Your knees may be slightly flexed and pushed upward (fetal position). One or both hands may be kept in different positions such as below the head, below the ears, below the pillow or between the knees. It is a good position for those with snoring problems or sleep apnea. Most people especially sleep in this curled-up position. 

Side sleeper (Source: Medical News Today)

4. Spooning Or cuddling

Some prefer to sleep in side position but cuddling another person who may be a sibling, parent, or partner. This is good because it releases oxytocin in the body that reduces stress. But one would wake up more often. Spooning word is typically applied for sexual partners. Some prefer to sleep cuddling a soft toy such as a teddy bear or dog or rabbit or any such stuffed animal or for that matter a pillow. This is supposed to hasten sleep and make a person warm and sensitive. Some also like to rest their legs on the lower part of the body of the person sleeping next to them. 

Also read on Veganism and its health benefits

Sleeping positions are an individual choice but can vary as per the health issues. Besides, darkening the room, silencing the room, cuddling, bringing room temperature to a comfort level, proper nightwear, proper mattress all this also affects sleep and should be looked into.


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