World Sleep Day is an annual global awareness event hosted by the World Sleep Society that is celebrated on the Friday before the Spring Vernal Equinox to recognize the importance of sleep and address common sleep-related issues. This year's theme (March 19th) is "Sleep Is Essential for Health," an apt reminder of just how integral quality sleep is to our overall well-being.
Unfortunately, insomnia and other sleep-related difficulties are far too common in society today, with an estimated 10-30% of adults suffering from chronic insomnia. To make matters worse, fatigue, irritability, depression, and anxiety can result from a lack of proper restorative sleep. As such, World Sleep Day is a great opportunity to reflect on the importance of quality sleep and how we can improve our sleeping habits and environment.
To mark this year's celebration, we will explore one of the options available to combat sleeplessness and help restore healthy sleeping habits: Adjustable beds. Not only do they provide unparalleled levels of comfort, but they also come with numerous health benefits, such as improved circulation, better sleeping posture, and reduced snoring.
In this article, we will explore how adjustable beds can help reduce the causes of chronic insomnia and offer additional advantages - so read on as we delve into all things adjustable beds!
The Benefits of an Adjustable Bed Base
The key benefits of an adjustable bed base include the following:
Back Pain Relief
Did you know that around the world, nearly a quarter of all adults are experiencing chronic low-back pain? That's a huge chunk of the population, and it's no wonder many of us struggle with getting a good night's sleep.
Nearly 65 million Americans reported having an episode of back pain. Even more concerning, 16 million adults, that is 8 percent of all adults, live with persistent or chronic back pain.
The bad news is that this unbearable pain can make everyday work difficult and leave no time for restful sleep. We often end up relying on medications and other treatments just to capture a few hours of sleep, but it's essential to address the root cause of our back pain if we want lasting relief.
What Causes Back Pain While Sleeping?
Poor posture, inadequate spinal support when lying down, and sleeping in positions that put pressure on the spine and joints can all contribute to back pain while sleeping. Lying flat on your back can take away the natural curve of your spine, resulting in strain and discomfort.
If the back doesn't get adequate support, it can put pressure on sensitive parts like the sciatic nerve, leading to pain.
How Does an Adjustable Bed Reduce Back Pain?
An adjustable bed helps reduce back pain by allowing you to find a good sleeping posture that better matches your body's natural contouring, thus distributing weight more evenly on your back and alleviating any pressure on the sciatic nerve and joints.
Additionally, adjustable beds can help people feel more comfortable in positions that are otherwise uncomfortable or difficult on a regular bed, such as sleeping on their backs.
What Sleeping Position Reduces Back Pains on an Adjustable Bed
Lower back pain: elevating your feet may be the answer. Lifting them slightly (an inch or two) will help to relieve any built-up pressure in the lumbar region. It allows this region to fully relax and decompress overnight, leading to a noticeable decrease in those pesky back aches.
Upper back, shoulder, and neck pain: Elevating your head and torso at an angle of 30 to 45 degrees with support under the knees can provide a great amount of comfort and reduce associated pain. This creates a supportive platform for your spine to be in a neutral position so your upper body (shoulder and neck muscles) can relax. Moreover, the added elevation eliminates the need for multiple pillows and provides further restful ease.
Overall Pain Relief: When it's hard to pinpoint which area is causing the greatest amount of discomfort, try the zero gravity position. This position involves elevating the feet/knees (35°) and upper torso (15°) slightly above the position of the heart and stomach. This helps to distribute weight evenly across your body and relieve any unnecessary pressure on the spine, which can help reduce pain in the lower back, upper back, and neck.
Many adjustable bed frames come pre-programmed with a zero-gravity position, so all it takes is a press of a button to achieve this sleeping position. This is helpful if you need to constantly change positions during the night, as you can quickly switch between them without stressing over finding the right angles.
No More Snoring
According to John Hopkins Medicine, 45 percent of adults occasionally snore, while 25 percent snore regularly - causing interrupted sleeping patterns not just for those around them but for themselves as well. Though everyone occasionally snores, it can indicate an underlying medical issue when it becomes a frequent occurrence.
The picture is even more serious when you consider that long-term snorers face an increased risk of heart attack and other health complications like strokes.
What Causes Snoring
The primary cause of snoring is narrowed or obstructed airways due to the relaxation or obstruction of muscles and tissues in the throat. This can be caused by congested nasal passages due to allergies, sinus problems, or a deviated septum.
Furthermore, drinking alcohol just before bedtime and a sudden gain in weight can lead to more instances of snoring.
Finally, bad sleeping posture can worsen the issue; if you tend to curl up in certain positions, it can put pressure on your throat muscles/airways, creating obstruction and sound.
How Does an Adjustable Bed Reduce Snoring
An adjustable bed can reduce snoring by keeping your head elevated while sleeping, which helps promote better airflow and prevents the accumulation of mucus in your throat and nasal passages. This position also supports drainage and keeps your sinuses clear, helping reduce snoring due to congestion.
Pillows may be helpful, but a good adjustable bed is a more reliable way to maintain the perfect angle for comfortable breathing throughout the night.
What Sleeping Position Alleviates Snoring on an Adjustable Bed
Try elevating your head and upper body a few inches above the rest of your body. The ideal angle for elevation is usually between 10 and 20 degrees; some users may even adjust to a slightly higher angle depending on their preferences. Research has also shown that larger inclination angles can be more effective in reducing snoring.
Many adjustable beds come with an anti-snore preset button which can be used to easily adjust the bed accordingly; however, if there is no dedicated button available, you can use one of the memory presets to save your preferred position.
Lessens Acid Reflux
Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night with a burning sensation in your chest? Chances are you may have experienced acid reflux/Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD is where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing an intense burning sensation and discomfort. Surprisingly, about 20% of Americans are estimated to suffer from this condition.
Suffering from GERD can be incredibly uncomfortable and can even interrupt your sleep and prevent you from feeling well-rested throughout your day.
What Causes Acid Reflux
Acid reflux can be caused by a variety of factors, such as certain health conditions, e.g., hiatal hernia), pregnancy, smoking, drinking certain beverages (like alcohol or coffee), medications (such as aspirin), eating large meals late at night and eating certain foods that act as triggers (beans, fried foods).
Additionally, sleeping in a flat position may worsen symptoms due to gravity pushing the stomach acid/content back into your throat. Eating before bed may also contribute to nighttime symptoms if someone already suffers from GERD.
How Does an Adjustable Bed Reduce Acid Reflux
With an adjustable bed, you can easily customize your sleeping posture to ensure the stomach contents don't find their way back up into your esophagus.
By elevating your head and body, you can allow gravity to do its thing and prevent stomach acid from creeping up into your throat, causing that uncomfortable burning feeling.
What Sleeping Position is to be Adopted to Lessen Acid Reflux
The best sleeping position to lessen acid reflux is to elevate the head and torso to about a 45-degree angle (6-8 inches) or get into the zero gravity position. Raising your head while sleeping can help keep stomach acid in place, giving you better digestion and a better night's sleep.
Reduced Leg Swelling
Leg swelling is a condition that occurs when fluid builds up in the lower limbs, such as the feet, ankles, and legs. The buildup is formed due to gravity pushing fluid to our lower extremities during our day-to-day activities.
Numerous factors, such as an injury, extended sitting or standing, pregnancy, and specific diseases or medical conditions, can also exacerbate this buildup.
Leg swelling can significantly impact our overall health as it can lead to discomfort and pain that can interfere with restful sleep.
When leg swelling occurs, it is recommended to keep the legs elevated at least an inch or more above the level of the heart during sleep. This will help reduce discomfort, improve blood flow, and encourage the fluids to drain from the legs.
An adjustable bed makes this easier by providing an easy way to elevate your legs without having to worry about stacking pillows or slipping off manually arranged supports. The adjustable base also allows you to find the perfect elevation for your needs with just the press of a button. You might also want to try the "zero gravity" setting on your adjustable bed.
Other lifestyle modifications that are beneficial when dealing with leg swelling include avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting in one position, exercising regularly, and wearing loose-fitting clothing that doesn't restrict healthy blood flow.
Better Sleep for Insomniacs
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide and can have devastating impacts on overall health and quality of life. The National Sleep Foundation estimates that 10-30 percent of American adults suffer from chronic insomnia.
Insomnia often has a variety of underlying causes, such as pain, anxiety, restlessness, poor sleep positions, and environmental factors, such as noise or light levels. All these factors make it difficult for individuals to achieve the ideal sleeping position necessary for restful sleep.
An adjustable bed frame may be able to help those who have insomnia by providing customizable comfort options designed to help them find their ideal sleeping position quickly and easily, allowing them to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer throughout the night.
Many adjustable bed frames come with extra features beyond positioning adjustments which can make nighttime routines more comfortable. Massage features built into some models can help soothe tense muscles and promote feelings of relaxation before bedtime.
Additionally, some models come equipped with USB ports allowing users to charge devices without having to leave their bed or use extension cords while they sleep - eliminating added distractions, movements and creating a more restful environment.
Improves Digestion
For those looking to improve their digestion, adjustable beds can be a great option. Elevating the head and upper body can help to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn, and other digestive issues. Lying flat can exacerbate these symptoms, so finding the right angle to alleviate discomfort can be a game-changer. With an adjustable bed, you can find the perfect angle to improve your digestive health and alleviate discomfort. Better digestion means less discomfort and a more restful night's sleep, leading to an overall improvement in your quality of life.
Furthermore, sleeping on your left side helps to facilitate waste movement through the digestive tract, which helps us have regular bowel movements and can reduce bloating and other symptoms related to indigestion, e.g., GERD.
Convenient Lifestyle Features
Whether you're trying to relax or get a little work done in bed, it can be challenging to find the perfect pile of pillows to gain an upright position.
An adjustable bed frame, however, can turn your bed into a virtually customizable recliner. Rather than trying to prop up several pillows just right, you can easily adjust your bed into the perfect posture for any activity, whether that's snuggling down with the newest novel, catching up on the latest show, or even getting some work done from bed.
Plus, depending on what type of bed you go for, there are plenty of additional features such as massage settings, USB ports (for easy charging of electronics) as well as under-bed lighting systems (so no more tripping over things at night), all of which will make your whole experience just that little bit more relaxing.
Conclusion: The Benefits of an Adjustable Bed Base
We spend roughly one-third of our lives asleep, so why not make it as comfortable—and beneficial—as possible? World Sleep Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by treating yourself to an adjustable bed base? While this might seem like a pricey endeavor, the health benefits you'll reap—and the comfort and luxury you'll enjoy—will leave you wondering why you didn't make this purchase sooner.
Flexispot offers an array of adjustable bed frames that ensures safe and worry-free operation. The motors have been tested rigorously to guarantee this, as they can endure more than 10,000 adjustments. Operating noise is also kept at less than 55 decibels to ensure peace and quiet throughout the night.
The frames are made with construction-grade carbon steel to ensure durability and stability during operation. Even better - if things go wrong, Flexispot comes with a 10-year warranty.
Additionally, the adjustable bed frames have features such as zero gravity position, memory position to store your favorite positions, retainer bar & sidebars to prevent mattress slips offs, and side pockets for storing remotes and other small electronics. Also included, is an under-bed light, which provides aesthetics while also helping you move around safely in the dark if need be.
With all these benefits, there's no doubt that Flexispot's adjustable beds deliver ultimate convenience and comfort - and why settle for anything less?
