Health Benefits of Sleeping on an Adjustable Mattress
Adjustable Beds can actually make you healthier. The medical benefits are not just for hospitals anymore, and adding a memory foam mattress can make your sleep experience that much better. A flat bed causes your body to shift into cramped positions and cause improper posture as you sleep. People with back or joint problems are made worse by sleeping on a flat bed. Sleeping on your side causes problems with breathing and circulation. Adjustable beds allow you to sleep on your back and by inclining your upper body and lower body into a more comfortable position. Many of us find it enjoyable to rest on a recliner and there are reasons why it becomes a place to relax. Today people read in bed, work on their laptops and watch TV in bed. On a flat bed you must arrange many pillows to make yourself comfortable. The pillows move out of position and you end up with a back or neck ache.
More studies are showing that adjustable beds have therapeutic effects on the body. These adjustable sleep systems are designed for maximum comfort and individual customization.
Alleviate Back Pain
Patients with back pain are advised to use adjustable beds. A flat bed may not provide the proper support for the spinal cord, resulting in excess back pain and restless sleep. Inclining the bed at 45 degrees provides relief for the lower back. By raising the foot of the bed relieves even more pressure on the spine, which raises the legs and bends the knees. Patients having low back surgery feel an adjustable bed is far more comfortable than a flat bed. Adjusting the bed up or down redistributes the pressure across your body, which can help alleviate lower back pain. Additionally, you can actually stretch your back from bed, by positioning it upright and slowly lowering it down.
Relief from Acid Reflex and Heartburn
Patients suffering from acidity benefit from having their upper body elevated 6 to 8 inches. This helps the stomach to retain the acids. On a flat bed, acid moves to the esophagus leading to episodes of acid reflex or heartburn. Elevating the head while sleeping helps the stomach retain acids that might otherwise travel up the esophagus and cause heartburn.
Improve Breathing for Maximum Lung Expansion
Patients are able to improve breathing, which delivers more oxygen to the body. This prevents the heart from working harder to deliver oxygen and blood to vital organs. Those suffering from congestion also benefit from the bed being elevated. Keeping sinus and lungs clear, and keeps fluid and mucus at bay. Sleeping in a slightly upright position takes stress off of the lungs, which can help those who suffer from asthma or sleep apnea.
Asthma and Snoring
Elevating the upper body benefits patients with Asthma. On a horizontal mattress it restricts air tubes and increases the difficulty of moving air to vital major organs. The FDA has said that Adjustable Beds aid in the treatment of a number of medical afflictions and illnesses. Snoring is not a problem, except for your partner. Normally adjusting the upper part of the bed to a higher position eliminates or reduces snoring. For some patients the snoring will prevent you from reaching a deep restful sleep, known as REM sleep. Sleeping in a slightly upright position takes stress off of the lungs, which can help those who suffer from asthma or sleep apnea.
Edema Pain Due to Fluid Retention
Patients suffering from swollen feet and legs experience an enormous amount of pain and discomfort. By raising their knees, legs and feet provide maximum relief. Sleeping with your legs elevated helps prevent fluid buildup and reduces pain. Those who have pulmonary edema should sleep with their head and chest elevated. The angle encourages the fluid to travel through the body without gathering in the legs, preventing weight gain and extreme pain.
Insomnia
Many patients suffer from insomnia. The Adjustable Bed offers many positions, so they can find a position that puts them to sleep faster without tossing and turning. Improved circulation of blood flow and improved oxygen levels help to put them to sleep, and stay asleep.
Sciatica and More
Patients experience from occasional pain to extreme pain. Many people prefer to sleep on their side or even their stomachs but the best position for sleep is on your back. Sleeping on our side in a semi-fetal position seems very comfortable. Spinal alignment, breathing, pressure points and blood flow is difficult in this position. Adjustable Beds are able to improve Sciatica, Spondylolisthesis, Spinal Stenosis and other spinal issues.
Arthritis
Patients experiencing pain from arthritis located in upper body or lower body will benefit from the Adjustable Bed. Individuals with Osteoarthritis in the spinal, or facet joint arthritis, often wake up quite stiff and sore in the morning. Sleeping on an Adjustable Bed may provide better support and therefore decrease the irritation by minimizing joint compression. Painful rheumatoid arthritis can be comforted by regular therapeutic massage. Many adjustable beds are equipped with massage functions that provide relief when you need it.
Headaches and Minor Aches and Pains
Many people experience headaches in the morning. Sleeping with your upper body elevated improves the amount of oxygen able to reach your body as well as your brain. Sleeping on your side hinders healthy breathing, which often leads to tension and pain in different parts of the body.
Diet and Digestion
Many of us eat right before going to bed or we wake up and eat something we shouldn’t probably eat. Many studies have tied eating before sleep to weight gain. Lying in a horizontal position hinder our digestive system. Having our upper body elevated improves the ability of our body to digest food properly. By having the Adjustable Bed slightly elevated will improve digestion and reduce weight gain.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Patients may have discomfort in their legs. If and when they are diagnosed with Restless Leg Syndrome their family doctor typically prescribes medication. The medication may help them sleep or mask the pain and discomfort, but doesn’t address the issue. Patients have found, having their legs elevated, seems to lower the discomfort and in some cases, eliminate the pain. Sleep deprivation is the biggest problem with this ailment. The Adjustable Bed will give the patient the best chance for deep sleep.
Tyndall Furniture & Mattress is not qualified to provide medical advice. This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read at Tyndall Furniture & Mattress or Tyndall Pedic.
Life Style Benefits of Sleeping on an Adjustable Mattress
Health benefits aside, adjustable beds are now associated with luxury. While they appear like a standard bed (and can be paired with frames and linens to suit your style), they offer so much more.
Reduce or eliminate snoring:
Your sleeping partner will thank you. Raising the head of the bed seven degrees can eliminate snoring by supporting your spine and respiratory system.
Read, eat, and watch television:
Stacking pillows behind your back is a short-term fix when you want to read or watch television in bed, as they constantly have to be fluffed and readjusted for comfort. An adjustable bed allows you to sit upright and offers more spinal support and comfort than pillows.
Massage:
The benefits of regular massage are countless. It reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and relieves tension headaches and eyestrain among many other advantages. With some adjustable beds, you can gain these benefits with a nightly massage that will also prepare you for a more restful night’s sleep.
Zero Gravity:
You’ll have to try this feature in-store to fully appreciate it, but most adjustable beds now have a “zero-gravity position” that makes it feel as though you’re sleeping on air.
Couples Comfort:
You'll want to stay up late into the night, finishing off your latest mystery novel. Your sleeping partner has an early meeting and needs to get some shut-eye. Some adjustable beds let you both have your way with each side operating independently.