Adjustable beds can provide excellent sleep quality and comfort. The more advanced models can even offer other advantages like improving blood flow and relieving stress over the spine. To enjoy the health benefits of these devices, you’ll only need to set them up in a zero-gravity position. But, how do you do that?
The ideal zero-gravity setup is around a 128-degree angle between thighs and torso. You can give or take 7 degrees, depending on your preference. The essential part of this position is to keep your head and legs raised throughout the night.
In today’s guide, we’ll take a closer look at how to get the zero-gravity position on adjustable beds. You’ll also learn more about the benefits of this position and how to use it to improve your health and sleep.
What Is the Zero-Gravity Position On an Adjustable Bed?
Scientists at NASA created the zero-gravity position. They were looking for a way to reduce pressure on astronauts when fast atmospheric and gravitational changes occur. That way, they wouldn’t suffer pain when departing or returning from missions.
Zero-gravity on an adjustable bed provides the most health benefits. The basic idea is to raise the knee line and head over the heart. Your body will end up in a slight V-position. It places the spine in a neutral stance so that stress won’t accumulate over the vertebrae.
There’s less pressure over joints and muscles in a zero-gravity position, increasing blood flow and oxygenation. No other sleep technology can match this position’s comfort and sleep quality.
Tip: You can increase the comfort and benefits by using a memory foam mattress and pillows. Add a high-quality set of sheets, and you’ll obtain the best sleep experience possible.
Benefits of the Zero-Gravity Position
Adjustable beds can improve the quality of your sleep by increasing comfort. However, the zero-gravity position offers other benefits for your body and overall health. That’s why it is a common way to reduce symptoms of sleep disorders.
Here are some of the main benefits of using zero-gravity on an adjustable bed.
It Improves Breathing
One of America’s most common sleep disorders is loud and severe snoring. In the United States, around 45% of adults occasionally snore, while 25% of them snore every night. This problem can reduce the quality of your sleep and will create other complications in your life, especially if you sleep with your partner or spouse.
Zero-gravity helps improve your overall breathing by opening your airways. It places your head in a position that unblocks your nasal passages and throat, making it easier to breathe while you sleep. With better breathing, there’s less snoring.
Reducing severe snoring is not the only benefit of better breathing when sleeping. Studies show a relation between the position you sleep in and the possibility of developing sleep apnea. Around 3-7% of men and 2-5% of women in America have this dangerous condition that decreases the quality of your rest.
So, with a zero-gravity position, you’ll be improving your sleep quality while reducing the symptoms of sleep disorders related to impaired breathing.
It Promotes Better Circulation and Oxygenation
Proper blood flow is one of the essential aspects of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, sleeping on a flat surface can severely reduce your circulation. A poor blood flow will cause organs to stop working correctly.
Another benefit of using a zero-gravity position on your adjustable bed is its effect on your heart. There’s less pressure on joints and muscles, which creates better conditions for the heart to distribute blood and oxygen throughout the body without obstructions.
Here are the health benefits of better circulation:
- Strengthens your immune system
- Increases overall energy throughout the day
- Allows better rest and reduces the strain over your heart
- Reduces the risk of cardiovascular problems
Note: If you think you suffer from high or low blood pressure, you should contact your physician immediately.
It Reduces Swelling
Sleeping at a 180-degree angle every night can produce swelling in the ankles, feet, and legs. It happens because of excess fluid trapped in your blood vessels, produced by the constant pressure on muscles and joints. That’s why getting an adjustable bed can help you with this particular problem.
The zero-gravity position in your bed reduces the stress and pressure on your muscles and joints. There’s better blood flow with less pressure, and the chances of swelling are decreased considerably.
Here are some of the consequences of leg swelling:
- Cardiovascular health issues like clots and strokes
- Constant and acute pain in your legs, ankles, and feet
- Difficulty when walking right after waking up
- Skin ulcers in people with mobility problems
- Itchy skin and stretch marks in your lower body
It Can Improve Digestion
A zero-gravity position also has a positive effect on your digestive system. The way it places your body allows food to pass through the stomach without obstacles. It also prevents acid reflux and heartburns because gravity won’t let gastric juices come up.
The benefits of digestion not only prevent acid reflux but also decrease the strain on your entire digestive system. When your body needs to work more to complete a process, it uses more energy. The more energy it uses to complete that process, the less energy you’ll have to do other things.
So, helping your digestive system will ultimately help you save energy. That way, you can focus on other important things like work, study, or spending time with your loved ones. It also helps your body feel more rested after a night’s sleep.
It Helps Reduce Back and Neck Pain
The main reason people buy an adjustable bed is because of chronic back and neck pain. Statistics show that around 70% of adults in the United States suffer from back pain at least once during the day.
According to experts, the position you sleep in has a lot to do with your back problems. In most cases, neck and back pain are produced by bad posture when sleeping or sitting. Back pain can interfere with activities and should be treated with a specialist.
However, using the zero-gravity position of your adjustable bed is an excellent short-term solution for this problem. It relieves pressure on the spine and provides a sleep position that won’t deteriorate your joints and muscles.
It Can Be An Excellent Ally During Pregnancy
Sleeping is a challenging task filled with discomfort and pain for pregnant women. It is even recommended not to do it on your back because it puts pressure on your spine and organs. That’s why having an adjustable bed in a zero-gravity position can be helpful, especially during the last trimester.
This position relieves pressure on the spine and increases blood flow, which is why experts recommend not sleeping on your back. Once you’ve reduced the pressure, you’ll sleep in the position you prefer. However, before trying this option, you should consult with your obstetrician.
Overall, an adjustable bed will help you feel comfortable whenever you try to rest. Increasing comfort is one of the best ways to help you sleep during pregnancy.
How to Get Zero-Gravity Position On an Adjustable Bed (Step-by-Step)
The best way to reach a zero-gravity position in your adjustable bed is to follow NASA’s guidelines and calculations. It provides the ideal setup to enjoy all the health benefits and comfort of this position.
Here’s what you need to do:
- 1The ideal position is with your legs and head raised. There should be a 128-degree angle between the torso and thighs. It is also essential to reach a 133-degree angle between your calves and hamstrings.
- 2Set up your adjustable bed to provide inclination for your torso. Raise your upper body by 30 degrees.
- 3Now, it is time to raise the lower part of the bed by 30 degrees. It should position you at the ideal angle for zero-gravity.
- 4You should save this position as a preset in your remote. The process is different in every model, but it should be easy if your adjustable bed has a user-friendly design.
Best Videos Showing How to Get Zero-Gravity On an Adjustable Bed
Most adjustable beds will have the zero-gravity position as pre-setup. Still, it should not be tricky if yours doesn’t have a preset. Most of these devices provide an easy-to-use interface and remote.
This video helps you understand the many possibilities of your adjustable bed. It also delves into the features and interface so that you can use it without any problem:
If you are having trouble setting up your new adjustable bed, you can check this helpful guide on how to set one up:
Conclusion
In conclusion, reaching the zero-gravity position in your adjustable bed is not as challenging as it may sound. You only need to raise the upper and lower part of the bed 30 degrees, keeping your torso and thighs at a 128-degrees angle. That’s the ideal zero-gravity position angle provided by NASA.
Overall, using an adjustable bed provides many benefits, especially if you use it in a zero-gravity position. It will improve the quality of your sleep, increase your blood flow, reduce swelling, and help you with different sleep disorders.
Sources:
Trends in diagnosis of painful neck and back conditions, 2002 to 2011
Why Blood Circulation is Vital to Your Health?
Why Do People Snore? Answers for Better Health
7 Benefits of Sleeping in Zero Gravity Position
Best Sleep Position During Pregnancy
Swelling: The Body’s Reaction to Injury
Zero Gravity Bed Position Explained: What You NEED to Know
Zero G: How Does NASA Create Zero Gravity?
What You Should Know About Swelling in Your Legs
Is Your Sleep Position Causing You Back Pain?
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