I wrote an article last year on the subject of adjustable beds and because of the feedback I received from it I decided to add some more on the subject. I apologise in advance for anything that I have repeated.

Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to sleep. It is essential for our existence; it is the state of natural rest to re-energise the body. Wikipedia defines sleep as “a naturally recurring state characterised by reduced or absent consciousness, relatively suspended sensory activity, and inactivity of nearly all voluntary muscles.” During sleep the body regains much needed strength, and relieves the tiredness brought about by daily activities. It is a heightened anabolic state, accentuating the growth and rejuvenation of the immune, nervous, skeletal and muscular systems. It is observed in all mammals, all birds, and many reptiles, amphibians, and fish. The human body needs a minimum of six hours of sound rest per night, with some medical professionals recommending at least eight hours. Sleep, or lack of it, affects us physically and mentally.

A third of a person’s life is spent sleeping in bed. If you think flat beds are better, you should consider that they do not offer any support to your body during sleep.

The human body is not flat but curved in so many areas and that is the reason why we feel uncomfortable when we sleep in a flat bed. Adjustable beds allow you to find a position that soothes your body, thus permitting you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. You will wake up feeling refreshed, energised, and ready to tackle the day. Electric beds not only allow you to sleep better, but they allow you to function well during your waking hours. You can regulate the angle of incline of the head so that the neck is in the correct position relative to your whole body, giving you more comfort through the night. They can elevate your feet as well giving you greater comfort for everything from watching TV to recovering from major surgery.

Adjustable beds benefit many back conditions and below are examples how an inclined position in an adjustable bed can sometimes help the patient feel more comfortable:

Degenerative spondylolisthesis – For some people with degenerative spondylolisthesis, sleeping in a reclining position with support under the knees can reduce some of the pain discomfort in the lower back, making it easier to sleep through the night.

Osteoarthritis – Individuals with osteoarthritis in the spine, or facet joint arthritis, often wake up feeling quite stiff and sore in the morning. Sleeping on an adjustable bed may possibly provide better support and therefore decrease the irritation by minimizing joint compression.

Spinal stenosis – People with spinal stenosis most often feel more comfortable when bending forward instead of standing up straight. Likewise, sleeping on a flat mattress can sometimes be less comfortable for people with this condition than sleeping in the reclining position, such as that afforded by an adjustable bed.

By sleeping on a mattress that is comfortably supportive and erases pressure points, you will sleep better, ease lower back pain, and therefore wake feeling refreshed and clear-headed. The days of counting sheep and waking up foggy will be a thing of the past when you indulge yourself with a top quality mattress and/or bed.

It makes sense to consider all your options when purchasing a new mattress or bed, as it is a decision that affects many aspects of your life. If an adjustable bed can help you to achieve better quality sleep, as well as improve your overall health and well-being as a result, why not give it a whirl?