Experts are highlighting the numerous advantages of a good night's sleep, with well-known routines such as cutting down on caffeine and limiting screen time before bed.
However, Opera Beds' sleep specialists have identified a 'miracle' sleeping position that can enhance sleep quality and address various health issues simultaneously.
The 'zero-gravity' posture is touted for alleviating symptoms associated with snoring, arthritis, muscle pain, heartburn, and more, also making it easier to fall asleep.
The experts explained: "Zero-gravity is a neutral position that's achieved by laying flat on your back and raising both your head and feet slightly above your heart level, so the spine is neutrally aligned - therefore relieving pressure on your body.
"It was developed by NASA to protect astronauts' bodies from the significant forces they're subjected to during space travel. They found the neutral position to mean the head is raised at a 90-degree angle and the body at around 120 degrees, with knees and elbows slightly bent.
"In sleep, your body works to maintain your physical and mental health, but resting in the wrong position or lying flat could do the opposite - putting more pressure on certain parts of the body and hindering its ability to rejuvenate itself."
Muscle tension, joint pain and sports injuries
It is believed sleeping in the zero-gravity position may help alleviate muscle tension and joint pain and assist with recovery from sports injuries.
The 'zero-gravity' sleeping position can ease the strain on painful joints and connective tissues, making it an ideal choice for those with ongoing aches.
The experts at Opera Beds stated: "The position simulates weightlessness and alleviates pressure, so can help to relieve everyday aches and pains. Often, sleeping in other positions including on your side can result in painful hips and shoulders.
"In zero-gravity, people suffering from chronic pain can find their symptoms are alleviated when the spine is neutrally-aligned.
"Our spines makeup a natural 'S' shape which conventional beds don't conform to, and this sometimes leads to back pain. Sleeping in this position means it can align perfectly with the curve of your spine. This can result in less pressure on the back, and reduces the risk of pressure sores too.
"When it comes to sports injuries, because sleeping with legs raised helps to increase blood flow and circulation it can take the pressure off of the injured area."
Arthritis
For those with arthritis, achy, stiff or swollen joints can make sleeping difficult, as noted by the Arthritis Foundation. This can have a ripple effect, as inadequate sleep can impact crucial rest periods where the body can recover.
Opera Beds explained: "Because zero-gravity can help to alleviate tension in the body, this sleeping position can directly help with arthritis, and the inflammation of the joints.
"Your weight in this position, on an adjustable bed, is distributed evenly unlike on a regular or flatbed, which helps with the pressure that can lead to the uncomfortable symptoms of arthritis. By sleeping in an elevated position you're also helping to relieve swelling around your joints."
Sleep apnoea and snoring
While snoring doesn't cause pain or discomfort, it can be quite distressing for those trying to sleep next to you.
It can disrupt your and your partner's sleep as blocked airways create loud vibrations - or it could indicate a much more serious sleep disorder such as obstructive sleep apnoea. However, the 'zero-gravity' position could help alleviate snoring.
Opera Beds explained: "The zero-gravity position lifts the head section gently to put you in the optimum position that opens the airways and therefore helps to prevent vibration on the throat tissues, which can reduce snoring.
"The head is also elevated to prevent the tongue from falling back into the throat and blocking the airway which again can lead to snoring - providing a more practical and comfortable solution than pillow stacking which can be bad for neck muscles."
Circulation issues, oedema and varicose veins
Multiple conditions can cause poor circulation, which is a build-up of fluid in the body that causes the tissue to become swollen.
Experts have explained that this position can alleviate these symptoms, stating: "The head and knees are aligned and slightly elevated above the level of your heart. This, combined with minimal pressure on the body, allows for better circulation, leading to healthier sleep."
They also credit this position as being highly beneficial for those suffering from varicose veins - swollen and enlarged veins found on the legs and feet that can cause muscle cramps, swollen feet and an uncomfortable 'burning' sensation in the legs.
"Sleeping with the legs elevated helps with varicose veins, as it lets them rest properly without pressure build-up - which promotes healing and relaxation," they added.
Acid reflux, heartburn and digestion problems
Heartburn, acid reflux, and digestion problems can affect everyone at some point in their lives, making sleep difficult. Up to one in every four adults in the UK experiences the burning sensation after eating, a symptom of acid reflux - where gastric acid is regurgitated into the oesophagus.
Even if we haven't eaten for a while, lying down flat can cause this acid to creep upwards, resulting in a sleepless night. Opera Beds stated: "Sleeping with your head raised slightly helps with heartburn and acid reflux and can reduce the symptoms. It ensures gravity can work to prevent stomach acid from leaking up into the oesophagus."
"It can also promote healthy digestion, reducing the risk of heartburn and acid reflux. Sleeping in an elevated position helps the body to process food easier, as sleeping in a flat position can slow down the digestion process and makes it harder."
Pregnancy struggles, including blood pressure disorders
Pregnancy struggles, including blood pressure disorders, can make finding a comfortable sleeping position challenging at any stage, but experts claim that the 'miracle' sleeping position can offer much-needed relief. They suggest that not only does it enhance sleep quality, but it also provides support for swollen feet and legs, as well as easing back strain.
Opera Beds added: "Zero-gravity simulates weightlessness so there's no pressure on the body, and it also helps distribute the weight evenly which can make it more comfortable for pregnant women to sleep at night.
"Adjustable beds also help with leg and foot swelling which can be common in pregnancy by offering leg adjustment. Sleeping with the back-rest raised also helps relieve lower back pain and provide proper postural support."
In addition, they note that several blood pressure disorders, such as pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension, can arise during pregnancy. The experts detail that sleeping in a 'zero-gravity' position with both head and legs elevated above the heart level can lead to improved overall blood pressure.
Nicole Brûlé-Walker, a health and wellbeing strategist and founder of Sequoia Wellbeing, collaborates with clients who require physical support due to injuries or chronic pain.
She explained: "The zero-gravity position is a tremendous tool for promoting health in the circulation and lymphatic system. We spend so much of our lifetime in bed and many people I see aren't great with sleep, often changing positions to get more comfortable, they wake up numerous times in the night."
She added: "In the position, you have no pressure areas so you're less likely to need to change positions, which brings a more continuous sleep state."
On her approach to injury consultation, she noted: "When I'm consulting on an injury basis, I help clients create a similar position using bolsters or cushions to help reduce swelling and inflammation, so healing has a more beneficial environment to occur in."
