Benefits of Zero Gravity Position
Anywhere from 50 to 70 million people in the United States alone are believed to suffer from some sort of sleep disorder, with millions more developing symptoms. Sleep disorders are tied to an increased risk of other health problems like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Excessive daytime sleepiness can disrupt productivity to the extent of costing you your job; it can also be dangerous while you’re doing everyday tasks, including driving.
It’s not just about poor sleep. Even the position of your body while you sleep can affect you in the long run, particularly if you are putting a lot of stress on specific parts of your body. You might tend to sleep on a limb and cut off circulation or sustain a lot of weight—and stress—on a particular spot on your hips over time if you favor a certain sleeping position.
- Last Updated: February 15, 2023
What is the zero-gravity position?
Zero gravity sleep position, also known as the “neutral” sleep position, is where your body is positioned in a way that minimizes pressure on the spine, improves blood flow, and reduces stress on the heart. This position is achieved by elevating the head and foot of the bed so that the body is slightly tilted and the knees are bent.
What are the benefits of a zero-gravity position?
Sleeping in a zero gravity position provides a host of benefits. Let’s take a look!
- Improved blood circulation — Without any pressure limiting blood flow, your blood can move freely and evenly throughout your blood vessels. This prevents you from tossing and turning as you sleep and also facilitates the restorative functions your body takes on while you sleep since every part of your body can receive oxygen and nutrients and have wastes toted away, unhindered.
- Fewer aches and pains — Again, with even blood flow through your body at night and no physical stress directed at any one particular spot, you won’t wake up feeling like you “slept in the wrong position.” You’ll feel better during your days, and be better equipped to handle physical activity with no problems. This relief can help sufferers from arthritis and other rheumatic conditions, where joints are particularly susceptible to the discomfort that can be relieved via adjustments and reductions in pressure. Additionally, positioning your spine evenly in space without pressure on any one spot can help prevent back pain.
- Less acid reflux or heartburn – Again, adjustable beds help you lift the head and keep the pathways in your chest open. In this position, you are less likely to have acid splash up into your esophagus, meaning you won’t experience the burning feeling—or even pain—near your heart.
- More restful sleep — Experiencing fewer physical symptoms and disruptions makes it easier for you to have a full night of sleep so that you can wake up feeling rested, alert, and ready to take on your day. Your mental acuity and ability to concentrate is improved when you get better sleep.
- Reduced stress — Many health conditions are linked to stress, but stress reduction is one of the most difficult factors to adjust in the modern lifestyle. But with fewer aches and pains, less heartburn, and more restful sleep, you may start to feel a reduction in your cortisol levels.
How do I achieve a zero-gravity position while I sleep?
Fortunately, we live in an age where an adjustable bed frame is easily within any consumer’s reach, with options to meet every budget. Zero gravity beds are also available to accommodate your mattress, so you are not locked into any one specific brand, material, or mattress feel.
So as you read through mattress reviews and vet your next mattress purchase, you can start to think about how they can help you achieve the best possible sleeping position—and what sort of an adjustable bed would work best for you.
