Benefits of Lifestyle Adjustable Beds
It wasn’t that long ago that adjustable beds were labelled for the elderly, and mainly used in hospitals. Growing awareness of both lifestyle and health benefits of adjustable beds has increased their popularity and acceptance with all age groups.
Let’s examine the benefits of adjustable beds so that you can make an informed decision regarding whether you might need or want one, and if you do, the features you’ll want to consider.
Lifestyle Benefits
Great for reading in bedGreat for working/playing on your laptop or tablet in bed
Great for watching TV in bed
Great way to enjoy breakfast in bed
Great for nursing mothers
Health and Other Benefits
Asthma reliefElevating the upper body benefits those with asthma, sleep apnea, and breathing difficulties by opening airways. This reduces pressure on the lungs, making it easier to breathe. Coupled with increased circulation, it also helps to reduce the build-up of fluid on the lungs.
Acid Reflux and Heartburn Relief
Sleeping with your upper body slightly elevated can provide acid reflux and heartburn relief, by keeping stomach acid or food from entering your esophagus.
Reduced Snoring
Laying flat when you sleep can restrict oxygen pathways, which can cause you to snore. Raising the head of your mattress by a few degrees opens airways, thereby reducing snoring. Some adjustable beds even come with a “snore feature” that only lifts the upper edge of the bed by a few degrees.
Moderate Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Evidence suggests that adjustable beds can help moderate sleep apnea symptoms by decreasing snoring. It is however important to note that while adjustable beds may relieve the symptoms of sleep apnea, they cannot cure the condition.
Sinus congestion can be relieved by elevating your body while sleeping.
Improved Heart Health
Gravity can take its toll on your body. The Zero Gravity feature found in many adjustable beds takes pressure off the heart, allowing for better blood flow throughout the body.
Decreased Lower Back Pain
The Zero Gravity position and/or the lumbar support position on select adjustable beds can take pressure off the lower back, aiding in lower back pain relief.
Arthritis, Sciatica and Fibromyalgia Pain Relief
Getting a good night’s sleep can be extremely difficult for those suffering from joint pain, arthritis, sciatica, or fibromyalgia. Adjusting your mattress can often take pressure off joint pressure points like shoulders, ribs, elbows, hips and knees providing relief that allows you to sleep. Adjustable beds also improve circulation, which helps relieve symptoms of arthritis by decreasing the inflammation of joints. And those suffering from arthritis can get stiffness relief by way of massages.
Reduced Swelling and Edema Pain
Those with excess weight, diabetes, high blood pressure or suffering from swollen feet, can reduce swelling in the lower body by elevating their legs above heart level.
Reduced Insomnia
By offering alternative sleep positions, those suffering from insomnia often find a sleep position that allows them to sleep faster without tossing and turning. And improved blood circulation and oxygen levels can help them fall and stay asleep.
Restless Leg Syndrome Relief
Sleep deprivation is the number one problem for those suffering from restless leg syndrome. By elevating their legs those with this RLS often reduce or eliminate pain and discomfort, improving the odds of getting a deep sleep.
General Ache and Pain Relief
Raising or lowering parts of your body takes pressure off areas experiencing pain, providing relief to aches and pains.
Therapeutic Massage Benefits
As an added benefit after a stressful day, turn on the massage feature found in some adjustable beds and pamper yourself. Although it’s not the same as visiting a massage therapist, getting a pulse or vibration massage can relax tense muscles in your neck, shoulders and back, taking your mind off the stresses of the day.
Night Light Guidance
If your adjustable bed has an under-bed light feature, and you don’t want to wake a sleeping partner by turning on a bright light when you go to the washroom, simply turn on your under-bed light as a safe guiding nightlight.
Easier Bed Entry and Exit
Raising the head section of an adjustable bed can greatly assist those that have difficulty with getting in and out of bed.
Other Features Available on Some Adjustable Beds
Memory Settings - For your favorite positions.Adjustable height legs - For the preferred height.
USB Ports - To charge your favorite devices.
Bluetooth compatibility - Control unit with your smart phone or tablet. Free apps are often available
Head Tilt - Improves comfort for reading, working or watching TV without the need for extra pillows.
Lumbar Support - Provides extra support for the lower back
