The Benefits of Adjustable Beds

It is no coincidence that hospitals and other healthcare facilities prefer adjustable beds over standard ones. Adjustable bed frames offer quite a few benefits to both the user and healthcare provider in these settings. But even for healthy individuals at home, adjustable beds can offer benefits that enhance restful sleep and make for an overall better experience. We'll look at some of these benefits as we progress through this article.

Before beginning however, let's define what we mean by "adjustable bed." This is a term that applies to the bed frame itself rather than the mattress. An adjustable bed is one that's built on a frame that can be mechanically articulated at several pivot points. Most adjustable beds articulate at the head and feet sections while the midsection remains stationary. An adjustable bed is NOT the same thing as an adjustable air mattress.

Natural Body Shape

You've probably seen the pictures of what the body's skeletal system looks like within the framework of the rest of the body. As such you've probably also noticed that the spinal column is not perfectly straight. It has a natural curve to it which results in the shoulders and buttocks protruding out at either end at a greater distance than the center of the spinal column. It is this natural curvature which allows us to remain upright at all times without putting too much stress on the hips, pelvis, and legs.

Armed with that knowledge, does it make sense that the spine would straighten out when we lay down at night? In fact it doesn't; it remains naturally curved regardless of the position we take when we're sleeping. Therefore, a bed and mattress that does not accommodate the natural curvature of the spine is one that will be uncomfortable. The adjustable bed takes that curvature into consideration and provides a more comfortable sleep by allowing you to slightly raise your back. Raising your back takes some of the pressure off the center of the spine and the shoulders which makes you more comfortable.

The only difficulty with this is the fact that side sleepers won't be able to sleep with the head of the bed raised. But it is possible that a night or two sleeping on your back, with the head raised, would be so comfortable that you'll have no need to go back to side sleeping.

Better Circulation

Our bodies were designed to be in the upright position more often than not- whether that's standing or sitting is immaterial. Individuals who spend large amounts of time flat on their back can easily develop circulation problems and even blood clots. By using an adjustable bed, you allow the body's natural circulation functions to continue uninterrupted. With better circulation we are less likely to develop circulatory issues.

Health Issues

Despite the fact that adjustable beds can be a great benefit to the healthy, it is most often the sick or injured that make use of them at home. This is especially true in a convalescent situation as it may sometimes be unwise or impossible for the patient to get up from bed.

For the sick, injured, or recovering surgical patient adjustable beds allow for getting in and out of bed much easier than a traditional flat model. By raising the head a patient can then simply swing his legs over the side and be in a standing position with very little effort. Climbing back into bed can be done just as easily. Flat beds, on the other hand, are very difficult to get in and out of even when you're healthy. If you're sick or recovering from surgery, the task is even greater.

Adjustable beds are also of great benefit to caregivers as well. For example, you may need to give a sponge bath to your elderly parent who is bed-ridden. Sponge baths are so much easier in an adjustable bed because it allows you to complete the task without spending an hour bent over in an unnatural position. You also have the bed to help in moving the patient so that you can wash every part of the body more effectively.

There are certainly other benefits to using adjustable bed at home. But the reasons cited here may be enough for you to start looking at this option if you're ready to replace your bed. Do some comparative shopping and you'll find there are plenty of companies that offer this type of sleep system. Once you find an adjustable bed frame you're happy with, you may never return to sleeping flat again.