Research has shown that an inclined sleeping position (at a 12-degree angle) can reduce snoring and improve respiratory function in bed. However, the health benefits of sleeping at an angle using an adjustable bed go beyond eliminating nocturnal noisiness.
There are plenty of studies about the benefits of different sleeping positions. Depending on their health issues or desire to prevent certain conditions, people may decide to either adjust or embrace their habitual posture in bed.
Physicians can suggest various inclined sleeping positions for different chronic conditions or to enhance recovery after an acute injury or illness. In general, such angled adjustable bed positions involve raising the head and upper back. However, adjustable beds make it possible to adjust the angle, raise both the head and legs or lower the upper body to achieve different results while sleeping.
Here is a close look at the benefits of inclined sleeping positions and the ideal postures to improve specific health conditions.
Head-of-bed elevation (HOBE) can reduce snoring by aligning the upper respiratory system. However, an inclined position can also have positive effects on more serious breathing-related conditions.
HOBE helped patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a 2017 study. The researchers used adjustable beds to give patients different sleeping angles. Those with a HOBE of 7.5 degrees had the best results. They saw an average of 31.8% reduction in the severity of their OSA symptoms. These benefits came without any additional treatment.
The inclined position also helped with normal chest and lung expansion, reducing shallow breathing in subjects and improving their sleep quality. This can help with other chronic conditions, such as asthma and COPD.
Several studies have linked efficient heart activity and blood circulation with inclined sleeping.
One study found that the heart pumped more blood per beat when the sleeper’s core was at a 30-degree angle and the upper trunk at 60 degrees. An elevated upper trunk provided a lower heart rate and a higher stroke volume (SV). Stroke volume does not have anything to do with the acute health condition when blood is cut off from the brain. Instead, it refers to the volume of blood pumped out during each heartbeat (cardiac contraction). A higher stroke volume means that the cardiac system is operating more efficiently.
Because of these benefits, an inclined sleeping position can help people with heart disease. However, because of the steep angle, you need to ensure you have a high-quality adjustable bed that can provide proper support at up to a 60-degree incline.
A raised head position can also lower blood pressure by reducing the amount of blood trying to get back to the heart. Also, people with an adjustable bed can raise their legs to improve lower body circulation and reduce swelling.
An inclined sleeping position can also help with the drainage of the glymphatic system. This waste reduction mechanism cleans the central nervous system, leading to better nerve function and overall health.
Of course, the nervous system gets controlled by the brain. Because brain function is limited during sleep, the organ shrinks slightly and gets rinsed by cerebrospinal fluid. The waste from this nightly cycle drains into the lymphatic system and then to your digestive system, where it gets excreted.
With at least a 5-degree inclined angle, gravity assists in this drainage process, ensuring all waste gets removed.
When you lie flat on the bed, fluid cannot flow out of your sinus system. This is why you may wake up with a clogged head or blocked nose if you have a cold or allergies. Propping your head up with several pillows could be a solution, but may lead to neck pain. If you move too far upward, your neck and shoulder may push your head back into a totally horizontal position.
However, placing your head and upper body at an incline will assist drainage so that you can avoid a “stuffed-up” nose and sinuses.
Stomach acid is necessary for proper digestion. However, it can cause a burning sensation if it reaches your esophagus and the other upper sections of your digestive tract. Many people experience acid reflux when this digestive substance travels upward out of the stomach when lying down. Inclined sleeping allows gravity to keep the acid in the stomach. The natural downward pull also aids digestion by keeping food moving downward through the stomach.
Ultramatic’s adjustable beds deliver an inclined sleeping position that can address the aforementioned health issues. Because the different adjustable bed benefits require specific sleeping angles, it is important to find a bed that can provide precise positioning and one that you can move safely and quietly.
In addition to inclined positions for heart, lymphatic, and respiratory health, you can find an Ultramatic setup that raises your legs and provides a zero-gravity position that enhances functions and reduces pain and stress throughout your body. For example, you can get a split-queen bed to accommodate the needs of two sleepers. Split-queen adjustable bed benefits include the ability to create two completely different incline angles or sleeping positions.
If you are seeking adjustable beds in Australia, you can find different options to meet your needs with Ultramatic. In addition to quiet operation, you can enjoy the ability to adjust the bed to your exact needs. Also, you can create multiple memory settings so that the bed always returns to the correct position with the touch of a button. Finally, you get peace of mind from our 10-year warranty on mattresses, motors, and electronics.
Visit Ultramatic to find your perfect inclined sleeping option today.
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