From TikTok users preaching magnesium supplements as a cure for restless sleep, to couples trying out the Scandinavian sleep method, we’re living in a time where emphasis on sleep quality couldn’t be greater. Therefore, it should come to no surprise that some people are going to great lengths to achieve their most optimal sleep position. In pursuit of a good night’s sleep, would you consider sleeping zero-gravity?
The zero-gravity sleep position, which can be achieved with the help of a specialized bed, entails sleeping with your head and legs elevated, and your knees resting at an angle, says Dr. Mara Vucich, a spine specialist at the Mercy Spine Center. Proponents of zero-gravity beds tout a few possible benefits – from improved spinal alignment to enhanced blood flow – but is there weight behind these claims?
What is the zero-gravity position?
The zero-gravity position originates from a series of posture standards developed by NASA for astronauts. In weightless environments such as spaceflight, the body assumes a “neutral body posture” when relaxed. Research now shows there’s no universal neutral body posture in zero-gravity environments, but there are certain commonalities between the postures, including maintaining a neutral spine, with a slight bend in the knees and arms.
From a visual standpoint, the zero-gravity sleep position looks similar to how you’d lay back on a reclining chair. Zero-gravity beds offer head and neck adjustability, allowing you to easily move between lying down and sitting up, and customize the angles at which you are resting, says Kerri Brady, an occupational therapist with Stamford Health.
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Is the zero-gravity sleep position good for you?
It’s possible that sleeping in a zero-gravity position offers the following benefits:
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It prioritizes spinal alignment. Laying in a reclined, zero-gravity position allows for your weight to be evenly distributed across the mattress, helping to relieve pressure placed on your spine, says Vucich. “Anyone with back pain certainly could try this positioning and may find less pain,” though it isn’t a guarantee, she says.
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It may help increase blood flow. When your legs are elevated, gravity pushes blood back toward your heart, which could help enhance blood flow in the body, per Healthline.
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It could reduce swelling. The elevation aspect of sleeping in a zero-gravity position could be beneficial to someone who experiences significant swelling in their legs, adds Brady. Elevating the legs above the heart is key for fluid drainage and swelling reduction.
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It may help alleviate acid reflux. If you’re someone who frequently experiences acid reflux, sleeping on an incline of 6 to 8 inches may help alleviate symptoms, according to Harvard Health.
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It open the airways. Sleeping at an incline may also offer some degree of respiratory support, notes Brady. The adjustability of the zero-gravity bed allows for your head to stay elevated while sleeping, which could help open the airways, and potentially reduce snoring, she says.
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Is a zero-gravity bed a good idea?
Ultimately, this comes down to your individual sleep preferences. But one thing’s for certain: A zero-gravity bed probably isn’t something you should purchase on a whim, underscore Brady and Vucich. They can be quite expensive, though there’s a significant price variation between brands.
If you’re a side sleeper, or someone who tosses and turns a lot at night, a zero-gravity bed might not be for you. The very nature of the zero-gravity sleep position is that you’re meant to lie flat on your back. If you’re sleeping on a zero-gravity bed on your side, poor alignment could put unnecessary pressure on your spine, says Vucich. If you live with chronic conditions, it’s also worth checking with a healthcare provider to make sure you don’t have any contraindications for sleeping in a zero-gravity bed, adds Brady.
Overall, sleeping in a zero-gravity bed might offer potential benefits for spinal alignment, circulation, acid reflux and breathing. But it’s definitely not the be-all, end-all for achieving a well-rested sleep.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is a zero gravity bed a good idea?
