Sleeping Flat: The Ultimate Health Risk

Sleeping on a flat surface is not ideal for your body. Although humans are designed to sleep horizontally, a flat surface does not conform to the natural C-shaped lordotic curve of our spine. Elevating the legs at the knee joint and raising and inclining the back of the bed allows the mattress to curve to the natural contours of the body, leading to fewer interruptions during the night and a longer, deeper sleep. This custom curvature also reduces pressure on the spine and can alleviate stomach issues. Sleeping in a flat position can also cause neck and back pain, especially for side sleepers.

Elevating your body and feet while sleeping can lead to longer, deeper sleep

Ultramatic discovered that placing a pressure-relieving mattress on top of an adjustable base allowed one to curve the mattress to the natural contours of the body. This custom curvature was achieved by elevating the leg portion of the bed at the knee joint and by raising and inclining the back of the bed. This sleeping position led to fewer interruptions during the night and a longer, deeper sleep.

Adjustable beds can also reduce cervical, thoracic and lumbar back pain. Using an adjustable bed to raise the leg portion of the bed can shift your body weight lower, reducing pressure on your lower spine and lower-back muscles. The weight shifts to the buttocks, which are designed to bear our body mass.

Adjustable sleep systems are also great for people with hypertension, high blood pressure, or cardiac issues, as they can improve circulation. By elevating your head and feet above the level of your heart – often called the zero-gravity position – your blood can flow more easily back to the heart, putting less pressure on the organ.

Other benefits of sleeping in an elevated and inclined position include being able to breathe easier. Many people snore less, as elevating your back puts less pressure on your lungs and opens up airways. There’s relief for those with obstructive sleep apnea as well. Sleep apnea is a common and serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops for 10 seconds or more during sleep. The American Sleep Apnea Association says, "Sleeping on your back with your body elevated from the waist up may help keep your airway from collapsing and, in turn, improve your condition."

Sleeping flat can cause cervical, thoracic and lumbar back pain

Sleeping on a flat surface can be detrimental to your health, especially when it comes to your spine and back. Sleeping flat can cause cervical, thoracic and lumbar back pain. This is due to the flat surface not conforming to the natural C-shaped lordotic curve of our spine.

When sleeping, it is important to strive to keep your spine as neutral as possible, including your head position. Your legs should be elongated but not overly straight, with a natural bend in the knee. A neutral spine keeps your muscles long and loose, reducing the risk of soreness and tightness.

If you sleep on your back, you can achieve this neutral spine position by supporting your head with a good pillow and placing a pillow or bolster under your knees to relieve strain on the lower back muscles. Some people also benefit from keeping their feet slightly raised.

If you sleep on your side, you can achieve a neutral spine by elongating your legs. You can reduce your risk of neck pain by choosing a pillow that supports your neck and keeps it straight. If you can, try to alternate the side on which you sleep.

The fetal position is the most popular sleep position, but it can lead to stiffness and soreness, especially as you get older. If you sleep in this position, focus on loosening your body and untucking your chin. Don't curl your wrists and use a pillow between your legs if you have hip pain.

Sleeping on your stomach is the worst position for your health, especially your spine. It can lead to neck pain and soreness in the shoulders and upper back. If you are a devoted stomach sleeper, try to keep your head straight to relieve pressure on your neck. A firm pillow under the abdomen can also help to keep the spine straight.

Adjustable beds improve circulation for people with hypertension, high blood pressure or cardiac issues

Adjustable Beds: A Circulation Solution for Cardiac Issues

Adjustable beds are a highly beneficial investment for individuals with hypertension, high blood pressure, or cardiac issues. These beds are designed to improve circulation and alleviate the symptoms associated with poor blood flow, providing a healthier and more comfortable sleeping experience.

How Adjustable Beds Improve Circulation

The circulatory system is responsible for delivering nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. Poor circulation occurs when the system cannot effectively pump blood to all parts of the body, resulting in reduced blood, oxygen, and nutrient delivery to certain areas. Adjustable beds aid in improving circulation by allowing for the elevation of the head and feet, which helps target problem areas and enhance blood flow back to the heart.

Benefits of Adjustable Beds for Cardiac Issues

The "Zero Gravity" position offered by adjustable beds is particularly advantageous for those with cardiac issues. This position elevates the legs and head above the stomach and heart, promoting proper blood circulation and reducing swelling and body aches. Additionally, the adjustable nature of these beds makes it easier for individuals with mobility issues to get in and out of bed, enhancing their overall comfort and independence.

Impact on Overall Health

Poor circulation can have a detrimental effect on daily activities, causing symptoms such as sore muscles, numbness, swelling, and fatigue. By improving circulation, adjustable beds can alleviate these symptoms and support overall cardiovascular health. This is especially important for those with hypertension or high blood pressure, as it helps regulate blood flow and reduces the strain on the heart.

A Customizable Solution

Adjustable beds offer a wide range of customizable positions to suit individual needs. The "Legs Elevated" position, for example, helps reduce leg swelling and improves overall circulation by encouraging blood flow towards the heart. The ability to adjust positions also makes these beds ideal for those who enjoy reading or watching TV in bed, providing both comfort and health benefits.

In conclusion, adjustable beds offer a multitude of advantages for individuals with hypertension, high blood pressure, or cardiac issues. By improving circulation and alleviating symptoms of poor blood flow, these beds promote a healthier lifestyle and enhance the overall quality of life for their users.

Sleeping flat can cause or worsen sleep apnea and snoring

Sleeping on a flat surface can cause or worsen sleep apnea and snoring. Sleep apnea is a common disorder that causes the airways to collapse or become blocked while you sleep. It can cause you to stop breathing for 10 to 30 seconds at a time, numerous times throughout the night. This can result in fragmented sleep and daytime sleepiness, making it a serious sleep disorder.

Snoring is a sound caused by the vibration of tissues in your mouth, nose, and throat. When you sleep, the muscles supporting these tissues relax, and air moving through to the lungs causes the tissues to vibrate, producing the sound of snoring. If your airway becomes narrowed, the speed of airflow over these tissues increases, which can cause more vibration and louder snoring.

When you sleep on a flat surface, your airway can become partially blocked, leading to snoring and possibly sleep apnea. Sleeping on your back is a known cause of snoring and can also worsen sleep apnea. Elevating your head and feet above the level of your heart, often called the zero-gravity position, can improve circulation and make it easier to breathe. This position can also reduce pressure on your lungs and open up airways, leading to less snoring and relief for those with sleep apnea.

Additionally, sleeping on a flat surface can cause or worsen acid reflux, indigestion, and GERD. By raising the back of your bed and adjusting the position of your chest and neck, you can alleviate these issues and promote better gut health.

Stomach issues can be alleviated by sleeping on an adjustable bed

Sleeping on a flat surface can put pressure on the windpipe and restrict airflow, causing snoring, asthma, and congestion. However, an adjustable bed can alleviate these issues by raising the upper half of the body and keeping the airways open. This position can also help with acid reflux, heartburn, and stomach issues.

Adjustable beds can be customised to suit your body's needs, which can help to reduce pain and improve sleep quality. For example, raising the leg portion of the bed at the knee joint can reduce pressure on the lower spine and back muscles, shifting weight to the buttocks. This can be particularly beneficial for people suffering from sciatica, arthritis, herniated disks, or scoliosis.

Adjustable beds can also improve circulation, which is beneficial for people with hypertension, high blood pressure, or cardiac issues. By elevating the head and feet above the level of the heart, blood can flow more easily back to the organ, reducing pressure. This is known as the zero-gravity or neutral position, which can also help to distribute body weight evenly and relieve joint pain.

Additionally, adjustable beds can be useful for people who suffer from restless leg syndrome or edema, as raising the legs can help to reduce swelling and improve circulation. They can also be beneficial for nursing mothers, providing a comfortable reclined position with back support.

Frequently asked questions