Sleeping at an angle?
Sleeping at an angle???
What defines a "normal" sleeping position? There are actually no two right opinions what a "normal" sleeping position should look like. Is lying flat or horizontal the best sleeping position? More and more sleep experts have doubts whether this is really the best and healthiest way to sleep. I will share with you some of the studies I have researched.
Facts against a horizontal sleeping position?
The first question we should ask ourselves is why in the world is the (supposedly) most natural sleeping position, namely lying horizontal on our bed damaging to our health? Over many generations, people have slept on the floor. Let's go deeper into some of the answers I found: In a straight, flat position, the force of gravity acting on the body is reduced, researchers speak of an almost zero-gravity field, in which the heart no longer has to pump against the usual pressure to deliver blood to our brain.
The result: our blood reaches the brain with increased pressure. According to research, it is this increased pressure that can trigger various disorders such as migraines or other chronic headaches, reflux, blood pressure and cardiovascular and sleep disorders.
This result is confirmed with studies done from space research, which found very similar symptoms in astronauts during weightlessness. The blood pressure increased due to reduced counter pressure.
Benefits of an inclined sleeping position
A slightly inclined sleeping position - an increase of 3.5 - 5.5 percent is enough to have a positive effect on the blood pressure. This means that a slightly lowered position of the body, in which the head is positioned above the heart, has a positive effect on intracranial pressure. If the head is placed above the heart, it has to pump against gravity as usual to transport blood to the heart. The blood pressure is reduced accordingly to the heart.
Who should sleep at an angle?
This sleeping position has no disadvantages and is recommended for everyone. Especially people suffering from ailments such as:
- Heartburn
- Acid Reflux
- Nocturnal urge to urinate
- Prostate discomfort
- Migraines or other headaches
- High or low blood pressure
- Cardiovascular complaints
- Sleep apnea or general problems with restless sleep
- Clogged nasal passages
- Vegetative imbalance
How do you sleep at an angle?
There are different ways you can achieve that. It is important that you incline the entire sleeping area, not just elevate the upper body (this often leads to back problems and / or tension in the neck area).
The easiest way to do this is by supporting the front legs of the bed with blocks, which need to be secured. It can also be achieved by using a several wedges under to box spring. Here at Quagga, we are in the design stages of creating a bed that will accommodate a 3-5 percent incline. It is important not to make the bed too steep and you will need some time to adjust to this position. The first couple of nights can feel awkward until you get used to it.
