A good night’s rest is restorative and helps the body recover from the previous day’s activities. If you’re sleeping on a flat surface, that recovery process may not be as effective, especially if you have other health conditions. Today, the CDC estimates 1 in 3 Americans Verified Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) The United States’ health protection agency that defends against dangers to health and safety. View source are not getting enough sleep, and one potential side effect of sleep loss is reduced time in rejuvenating deep sleep.
“Our brains are as active during sleep as during wake, but in a different way,” says Dr. Nayantara Santhi. “Deep sleep plays an important role in memory consolidation.”
Sleep In Luxury
Sleeping on an incline can solve this problem, particularly with an adjustable bed. Many benefits are tied to elevated sleeping, including reduced acid reflux, improved heart health, and better circulation, which can improve restless leg syndrome symptoms.
In our article, we review how sleeping on an incline can alleviate the symptoms disorders and medical problems that affect sleep. We also recommend our two adjustable beds—the Amerisleep Adjustable Bed Base and the Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is an intense burning sensation in the chest when you lie down. A circular muscle, called the esophageal sphincter, prevents stomach acid from spilling out. If the sphincter is weak, stomach acid can spill out, damaging the esophagus.
Acid reflux worsens when you lie flat, especially after a large meal. Resting on an adjustable bed can help reduce these symptoms and prevent further damage.
Mouth Breathing
Mouth breathing can occur due to an obstructed airway, nasal congestion, or a sleep habit. You may think that you’re still getting plenty of oxygen by breathing through your mouth, but the truth is, you aren’t. Mouth breathing reduces oxygen absorption capacity in the lungs, shortening your breath. It can also dry out your gums and increase the chance of plaque or gum disease and cavities.
An adjustable bed inclined in an upright position makes it easier to breathe through your nose, minimizing shortness of breath. Nose breathing produces nitric oxide gas, which increases the lung’s oxygen absorption capacity.
Respiratory Disorders
Lying on a flat surface can worsen respiratory disorders, including sleep apnea and snoring. These conditions are typically caused by gravity, but elevating your body can reduce symptoms and improve sleep.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder caused by the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapsing from gravity, or the tongue falling back, obstructing the airways. This obstruction can cause several pauses in breathing, each lasting up to ten seconds. As a reaction, the brain signals the body to wake up, forcing air back into the lungs.
These disruptions are so small, you probably won’t remember them, but you’ll feel it the next day. Even after a full night’s rest, you may still feel tired and irritable.
It may not seem that bad, but sleep apnea, if left untreated, can lead to more serious medical conditions, like heart disease and diabetes. Sleeping in a more upright position opens up your airways and prevents obstruction. If you already have sleep apnea, elevation from an adjustable base can also reduce existing symptoms.
Snoring
Snoring is slightly different from sleep apnea. While airways are not entirely blocked, they are restricted. During sleep, gravity can narrow airways. Vibrations from air passing through air channels create a sound we refer to as snoring.
Snoring is not as severe as sleep apnea, but snoring can lead to sleep apnea if not treated. Sleeping on an adjustable bed base or a wedge pillow also opens up airways for better oxygen intake.
Post-Nasal Drip
Our bodies produce a quarter of mucus a day. Post-nasal drip is the result of mucus dripping down the back of the throat, causing a person to wake up coughing as a way to clear the obstruction. Lying flat increases post-nasal drip, but elevating the upper body stops this sensation from happening.
Blood Circulation
With an adjustable bed, you can position the base in a zero-gravity position so the head and legs are elevated. This position enables more blood flow to your heart. The heart pumps harder so blood can reach areas further from the heart like the legs. Sleeping in a zero-gravity position also allows veins to contract more effectively. This can also help those with varicose veins by helping blood flow evenly throughout the body.
Adjustable beds are an excellent choice for those with heart conditions, including heart disease. More blood can reach the heart, so there’s less restriction from plaque and better blood flow in the veins.
Brain Detoxification
Researchers have found that during sleep, the brain detoxifies itself. This process improves when the body is elevated, even as little as 5 degrees. One study by the National Institute of Health Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source found that the glymphatic system functions better when a person is inclined during sleep.
The glymphatic system acts as a natural plumbing structure, removing toxins from cerebrospinal fluid, a substance that surrounds and nourishes the brain. Sleeping in an inclined position will reduce sleep disturbances, promoting better sleep.
Nervous System Problems
For those with nervous system problems, including multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or cerebral palsy, an adjustable bed can alleviate symptoms. Sleeping in a zero-gravity position reduces pressure off the nerves. Otherwise, more pressure can aggravate sensitive nerves, especially if the muscles around the area are inflamed.
Try an Amerisleep Adjustable Bed for Better Sleep
If you experience any of the previously mentioned medical conditions, you may want to consider one of our adjustable beds. We offer two excellent models—the Adjustable Bed Base and the Adjustable Bed+. Both adjustable beds offer exceptional comfort for better sleep.
Amerisleep Adjustable Bed Base
The Amerisleep Adjustable Bed Base is an excellent way to improve your sleep. You can raise your head or lift your feet with the tap of a button. You can also enjoy the weightlessness of a zero-gravity position for full-body comfort.
Our Adjustable Bed Base has an ultra-quiet motor, so when you adjust the bed to find what’s comfortable for you, you won’t hear any loud mechanical noise. The base is controlled through a wireless remote—our programmable remote control allows you to create preset settings, so you spend more time sleeping and less time finding that perfect position.
We offer a 10-year warranty with the Adjustable Bed Base, covering defective mechanical and electrical parts. If you experience any problems, simply give us a call.
Prices of the Amerisleep Adjustable Base
| Adjustable Base Size | Price |
|---|---|
| Twin XL | $840 |
| Queen | $1050 |
| King | $1680 |
| Split King | $1680 |
| California Split King | $1680 |
Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+
The Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+ has all the bells and whistles of our Adjustable Bed Base, but it also includes a few luxury features. Our Adjustable Bed+ is something you may love if you’re looking to optimize your comfort.
You’ll love the sleek, modern appearance that includes a non-skid surface and a discreet retainer bar. These features keep the mattress in place as the bed rises, staying close to the wall with wall glide technology.
Not only is the bed controlled by a wireless remote but it offers smart home capabilities. You can speak commands using Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home. If you don’t have either of these but want to go beyond what the remote offers., you can simply download an app onto your smartphone.
To soothe tense muscles after a long day, our Adjustable Bed+ includes a full-body massage feature. With the push of a button, you can enjoy the rolling wave motion of a relaxing massage, helping you unwind and fall into a deeper sleep.
The bed comes in five sizes and can be set at 9 inches tall, 12 inches tall, and 15 inches tall.
Our Adjustable Bed+ comes with a 10-year warranty and free in-home setup.
Prices of the Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+
| Adjustable Bed+ Size | Price |
|---|---|
| Twin XL | $1260 |
| Queen | $1400 |
| King | $2100 |
| California King | $2100 |
| Split-King | $2100 |
FAQs
Is sleeping on an incline bad for your back?
Sleeping on an incline is better for you back, particularly if you experience back pain. Lying on a flat surface may not reduce as much pressure or give you relief in specific areas, but sleeping on an adjustable bed can help. An adjustable bed allows you to position the bed according to your needs, reduce painful pressure, and ensure you sleep better.
Is it good to elevate your legs while sleeping?
Elevating your legs can improve your sleep quality. When your legs are slightly elevated, more blood can flow to those areas. It can also reduce pressure in your lower back. If you have Restless Legs Syndrome, elevating your legs can reduce symptoms—less pressure in the legs can calm sensitive nerves, reducing the uncomfortable sensation.
What is the healthiest sleeping position?
Side sleeping is the healthiest sleeping position. Lying on your side opens up your airways so you can breathe better. This position can also reduce symptoms of sleep apnea, like snoring. Side sleeping may also reduce acid reflux and improve heart health.
What’s the worst sleeping position?
Stomach sleeping is the worst sleeping position. Sleeping on the stomach places intense pressure on the spine, leading to back pain and neck strain. Despite the risks, some people find stomach sleeping the most comfortable position. To ease spinal pressure, place a thin pillow under your hips. This slightly elevates the hips and reduces spinal pressure.
Is it okay to sleep without a pillow?
For stomach sleepers, sleeping without a pillow can actually be more comfortable. There’s less chance of neck pain from arching the spine if the pillow is too high. Plus, without a pillow under the head, you may feel less pressure on the spine.
Conclusion
Sleeping on an adjustable bed not only improves sleep quality for more restorative rest, but it can also alleviate symptoms of some medical conditions, including sleep apnea and acid reflux. Elevating the upper and lower body can also promote sleep by reducing pressure points, opening airways, and improving circulation. An inclined bed, like our adjustable base, can increase comfort levels and help you get a good night’s sleep.
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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