Key Takeaways
- Zero-Gravity Position: The zero-gravity position involves lying flat on your back and slightly elevating both the head and feet to achieve a 120-degree angle relative to the heart and stomach. Sleeping in this position can bring various benefits such as improved breathing, reduced pain, eased swelling, better heart health, and relief from acid reflux and GERD.
- Adjustable Beds: Adjustable beds, once exclusively found in hospitals, are now available for home use and allow individuals to elevate the head and feet to find the most comfortable sleeping position. They often come with additional features such as wave massagers, under-bed lighting, built-in USB ports, and programmable remotes. These beds promote better sleep and provide numerous health benefits.
- Investing in an Adjustable Bed: While it may involve a higher cost compared to traditional bed frames, the potential health benefits, particularly those associated with the zero-gravity sleep position, can make it a worthwhile purchase. When considering an adjustable bed, it is important to assess its features, warranty coverage, and value for money to ensure that it aligns with individual preferences and requirements.
Many better sleep guides will suggest sleeping in zero-gravity as a way to achieve a deeper, more peaceful rest. While that sounds futuristic and fun, it leaves a lot of people wondering what sleeping in a zero-gravity position even means. Can this be accomplished on any bed? How exactly does sleeping in a zero-gravity position improve your shut-eye?
Don’t worry, we’ve got all of those answers and more to help you have a full understanding of how sleeping in zero-gravity came to be, how sleeping in this position can enhance your sleep, and how it can be accomplished.
Sleep In Luxury
What is the Zero Gravity Position?
The zero-gravity (or Zero-G) position is a neutral body posture initially developed by NASA. It’s defined as being in a state or condition of weightlessness. NASA puts astronauts in this position before take-off to equalize their weight and ease the stress on their bodies as they are launched into space.
So what does the zero-gravity position look like? You can get into this position by laying flat on your back and raising both your head and your feet just slightly above your heart and stomach. This places your body at (approximately) a 120-degree angle—the most relaxed position for your heart and nervous system.
While the zero-gravity position has been used by NASA for decades, modern mattress brands have been working to determine how we can sleep in this position to improve our night’s rest. The answer? Adjustable beds.
What are Adjustable Beds?
Once reserved only for hospital rooms, modern adjustable beds have made their way into bedrooms across the world to promote better sleep. Adjustable beds offer plenty of health benefits, which is why they were used in hospitals for many years. However, mattress brands started manufacturing and selling their own adjustable beds to help you receive the same health and sleep-enhancing benefits they offer, from the comfort of your own home.
As the name suggests, adjustable beds function as an adjustable mattress base that allows you to elevate the angle of your head and feet to find the most comfortable position for sleep—and since head and foot articulation is the key feature of all adjustable beds, any adjustable bed you purchase should allow you to sleep in the zero-gravity position.
Apart from basic head and foot articulation, many adjustable beds are built with fun bells and whistles to fully upgrade your sleep set-up. Some of these features include wave massagers, under-bed lighting, built-in USB ports, and programmable remotes. You can find adjustable beds in a range of prices due to the different features each one has.
Benefits of Zero Gravity
There are plenty of benefits to the zero-gravity sleeping position. Depending on your specific sleep needs, some of these benefits may stand out to you more than the others. However, you can rest assured knowing you’re getting healthy sleep in this position.
Improved Breathing
When you angle your head slightly above your stomach, it keeps your airways open Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source and prevents snoring and the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Both snoring and sleep apnea can impede your shut-eye, preventing you from getting the deep, restful sleep your body needs.
Finding a way to silence snoring and prevent sleep apnea can help you get sounder sleep.
An angled head can also help those with allergies, respiratory conditions, asthma, and even those with just a stuffy nose. Elevating your head reduces pressure on the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
Reduced Pain
Sleeping on a flat bed is by no means considered “unhealthy,” but sleeping in a zero-gravity position puts less pressure on your spine than sleeping flat does. If you have lower back pain (maybe you suffer from sciatica or a herniated disc) or pressure points, sleeping in this position can help you avoid discomfort.
Remember, the whole reason the zero-gravity position was developed was to find a way to reduce pressure on the body. So, if you have chronic aches or sore muscles, sleeping this way may be all you need to wake up pain-free, as doing so evenly distributes your weight and prevents pressure build-up.
Eases Swelling
Those who are overweight, as well as people with diabetes and high blood pressure, can experience swelling in the legs and feet. Lifting the lower body promotes better circulation to ease swelling so you can wake up feeling refreshed.
Better Heart Health
Sleeping with your body at a 120-degree angle eases pressure on the heart, allowing it to pump blood more easily. The result is better blood flow and enhanced heart health.
Alleviate Acid Reflux and GERD
Elevating your head can ease snoring and make breathing easier, but it also can prevent uncomfortable acid reflux and heartburn. Keeping your upper body propped at an angle prevents stomach acid from creeping back up your esophagus and keeps you sleeping peacefully.
Lifestyle Benefits
Sleeping in a zero-gravity position has been compared to sleeping in a recliner (but obviously a lot more comfortable) because it keeps your head lifted. Lounging in a zero-gravity position can make watching TV, reading, or simply relaxing in bed more enjoyable because you don’t have to worry about propping pillows to keep yourself upright.
Benefits of an Adjustable Bed
The medical benefits you receive from an adjustable bed overlap those you receive from sleeping in a zero-gravity position. However, adjustable beds do have a few other perks.
Adjustable beds allow you to find your most comfortable position for sleep (even if it’s not zero-gravity) and they make climbing into and getting out of bed easier (this is especially beneficial for older folks or those with painful conditions).
Many adjustable beds also have built-in features to make life more convenient, such as USB ports and wireless remotes with programmable positions. These bases are also useful for those who share the bed with a partner who snores since many adjustable bases have an anti-snore function, so you can simply elevate your partner’s head without waking them from sleep.
Best Adjustable Beds
Quick Guide: A 30-Second Summary
| Best Zero Gravity Bed Overall | Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+ |
| Best Affordable Zero Gravity Bed | Amerisleep Adjustable Bed Base |
By now, you’re probably thinking an adjustable bed base is a useful purchase to boost your night’s sleep. However, you’re probably also wondering how to navigate the hundreds of adjustable bed frames available to find your best one. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our two recommendations below.
When browsing the sea of adjustable beds out there, you’ll notice they’re usually either very basic or very advanced—and prices can range drastically. So before shopping, ask yourself what exactly is it that you’re looking for in a new bed. Do you want simple pain relief or are you interested in a full-on sleep upgrade?
To make things easy, we make and sell two adjustable bed frames—an entry-level Adjustable Bed and a more luxurious Adjustable Bed+. Even better? We can price our bases more affordably because we sell direct-to-consumer, unlike many other adjustable bed brands. With us, you can enhance your night’s sleep without breaking the bank.
Now, let’s talk about our top-rated adjustable bed frames. Learn more about our best adjustable beds.
Amerisleep Adjustable Bed
Our Amerisleep Adjustable Bed offers basic head and foot articulation, but what we really love about this base is its zero-gravity preset. All you have to do is climb into bed and you can shift into zero-gravity with the click of a button.
In addition to head and foot articulation, this base comes with plenty of features to improve your sleeping experience. First, it comes with a wireless remote with programmable positions.
So let’s say zero-gravity isn’t your favorite position for sitting up on a mattress and reading or you simply prefer to rest at a different angle—you can adjust to your desired position and save it for later. That way, you can find that super comfy position quickly and easily every time you hop into bed.
This base also comes with convenient under-bed lighting. Under-bed lighting makes leaving the bedroom for midnight water or bathroom breaks easier. Just grab the wireless, backlit remote and click the light button; you’ll then see a soft glow below your bed frame lighting a pathway around it.
Arguably the best part about this adjustable base, though, is its zero-clearance design. When adjustable bed shopping, many wonder if the base they’re considering will work with their bed frame at home. With this adjustable frame, you won’t have to second-guess.
Our Adjustable Bed can be set on any flat surface (that includes platform beds and foundations) or even directly on the floor and it’ll work with no problems. Plus, this base also comes with adjustable 3-in-1 legs, so you can use it as a stand-alone base or within an open bed frame, too. The adjustable legs let you set up the bed at different heights.
Our entry-level Adjustable Bed starts at $1200, but it can be combined with any of our hybrid or memory foam mattresses for a $300 discount on your entire purchase. We back each of our bases with warranty coverage, too. Our Adjustable Bed is backed by a 10-year warranty.
Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+
Now to talk about our more luxurious Adjustable Bed+. Our Bed+ contains almost all of the same bells and whistles as our Bed, but its features are a little different and it also contains some technologies absent from our entry-level Bed.
Our Adjustable Bed+ allows you to adjust the angle of your head and feet. It also has a wireless, programmable remote to save your three favorite positions for later. To enter your favorite positions for later convenience, simply hold down the button for a few seconds.
There’s also an Anti-Snore preset. If you snore (or you share the bed with someone who does), just click this button and it’ll lift the head enough to take the pressure off your airways.
Our favorite feature of this base is the full-body massagers—who doesn’t like drifting off to sleep with a massage? Also, the massage feature is fully customizable, so you can play around with its settings to find the intensity most soothing for you.
We also love the bed’s compatibility with smart home technology. You can control its movements with a smartphone app or through commands to Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home.
Our Adjustable Bed+ also comes with built-in USB ports and under-bed lighting, but it also contains wall glide technology for added convenience. Wall glide technology keeps you in the same place as your base adjusts, so you won’t have to worry about adjusting the angle of your head too far from your nightstand or uncomfortably far away from your partner in bed.
Not only can you adjust the bed’s position but you can also adjust the bed’s height. The bed can stand 9 inches, 12 inches, or 15 inches tall.
The Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+ can be paired with any of our top-rated mattresses for additional savings, like the basic adjustable bed model.
Other Helpful Positions
In addition to the zero-gravity position, adjustable beds offer various other helpful sleeping positions that can contribute to improved sleep quality and overall well-being. Some of these positions include:
Lumbar Support Position: Adjusting the bed to provide extra support to the lumbar region can be beneficial for individuals experiencing lower back pain. By slightly elevating the lower portion of the bed, pressure on the lower back can be reduced, providing relief and promoting better spinal alignment.
Leg Elevation Position: Raising the legs while keeping the upper body flat can help improve circulation and reduce swelling in the lower extremities. This position is particularly useful for individuals who experience discomfort due to conditions such as varicose veins, edema, or poor circulation.
Upright Sitting Position: Adjusting the bed to an upright position can be beneficial for activities such as reading, watching television, or working on a laptop while in bed. This position can provide added comfort and support, reducing strain on the neck and back.
Snore Relief or Anti-Snore Position: Some adjustable beds come with a snore relief position, which involves slightly elevating the upper body to alleviate snoring. This position can help open up the airways, reducing the likelihood of snoring and promoting better breathing during sleep.
Customized Sleeping Position: Many modern adjustable beds allow users to create and save customized sleeping positions according to their preferences. This feature enables individuals to find their most comfortable and supportive sleeping position, tailored to their specific needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use a zero gravity bed?
You can adjust your bed to the zero gravity position by either using a preset button or manually adjusting the bed’s angles. Many adjustable bed models include a button on their remote that immediately sets up the head and foot of the mattress in the zero gravity position.
If yours does not, it’s easy enough to set up on your own. You can raise the parts of the bed so that your head and knees are marginally higher than your heart. Some remotes let you save a position or two, making it easy to return to a favorite setup over and over. You can do this with the zero gravity position.
Should I use a pillow with zero gravity?
Sleepers can experiment with whether or not a pillow increases their comfort, but as a general rule, we recommend sleeping with a pillow. Pillows are often necessary to bridge the gap between the neck and mattress surface. Without a pillow, sleepers are likely to wake up with a sore neck.
If you find a regular pillow uncomfortable in the zero gravity position, you might want to try a small neck pillow.
Is it OK to sleep in zero gravity position?
Yes, especially because sleeping in the zero gravity position reduces pressure on the body. The position can also improve breathing and blood flow, along with a range of other benefits. That’s not to say that sleeping on a flat surface is wrong, either. In fact, one of the perks of an adjustable bed is that it’s easy to experiment with angles and determine your ideal sleep preferences.
Can I use my headboard and footboard with a zero gravity bed?
Yes, you can usually attach a headboard to an adjustable frame, along with a footboard. Many adjustable bed models even include headboard brackets for easier attachment. Alternatively, you could try wall-mounting a headboard for the look of a classic bed frame.
How long does it take to get used to a zero gravity bed?
Sleepers commonly find they need at least a few days to days to adapt to an adjustable bed. Some people may even need a full week to get used to a new position. This adjustment period doesn’t mean that a zero gravity bed isn’t right for you, as it’s also common for sleepers to need time to adapt to a new mattress that otherwise perfectly suits their sleeping style.
Ready to Sleep in Zero-G?
The zero-gravity sleep position offers plenty of health benefits. If you’ve never tried it, we suggest giving it a shot—it may just be what you were looking for to achieve better sleep. While you can somewhat achieve this position in a recliner, that method is not conducive for a good night of sleep. Instead, we recommend investing in an adjustable bed to fully reap the benefits of this sleep position.
Adjustable beds are an investment. They’re more costly than box springs or bed foundations, but many people find the extra money spent is well worth it, as it’s really an investment in their health (like a gym membership). When shopping for an adjustable bed, check out its features and compare it with the price to determine if you’re getting a good value, and never discount warranty coverage—it helps you get the most for your money.
Both of our adjustable bed frames are an excellent value, and deciding between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference. We also offer bed packages with both of our bases, bundling both the base and a mattress for even better savings. Of course, you can always rest assured knowing we stand behind our products, too.
About the author
Mitchell Tollsen is a graduate student and a freelance writer who’s contributed to the Early Bird blog for three years. Mitchell’s always been fascinated by the science of sleep and the restorative processes our bodies undergo when at rest. The self-titled “Sleep Expert” is always looking for ways to improve his shut-eye, and throughout the years has implemented numerous lifestyle changes and tried dozens of sleep-promoting gadgets to determine the best ways to truly get better rest.
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