15 Ways an Adjustable Bed Can Help Your Health

What is an electric adjustable bed?

Unlike a traditional bed, an adjustable bed allows you to customise the alignment of your bed, raising and lowering the position of your mattress as you wish. Using a motor, and at the touch of a button, electric adjustable beds help to elevate, bend and sometimes massage you for ultimate relaxation. They’re great for lifting you into a semi-contoured position. This supports your entire body when sleeping, allowing for longer, deeper and more restorative sleep.

Who could benefit from an adjustable bed?

Adjustable beds are particularly beneficial for the elderly and those experiencing chronic pain, respiratory issues, or circulation problems, as they can provide substantial relief by allowing users to sleep in the optimal position. This is because an adjustable bed makes it easier to get in and out of bed, as well as relieve pain and pressure when resting.

It’s not just for those with ailments, people who enjoy spending time in bed reading, relaxing or watching TV can create a more ergonomic space that doesn’t require constant pillow adjustments too.

Health conditions that could benefit from an adjustable bed

Arthritis

Arthritis causes pain and inflammation in the joints. There are two main types of arthritis; osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is when the smooth cartilage that lines the joints starts to roughen which causes ligaments and tendons to work harder. This causes swelling, pain, difficulty moving and the formation of osteophytes. It’s most common in the hands, spine, knee, hips and feet.

Rheumatoid arthritis is when the body’s immune system targets your joints causing pain and swelling. It makes joints change shape and cartilage break down.

The adjustable beds are electrically operated, meaning all the pressure on your joints is taken away when you’re getting in and out of bed because you can bring the head of the bed up and down at the click of a button. You can also get the bed into a semi-contoured position, where your back and legs are slightly raised alleviating pain in all your major joints. Click here to read more about how our products can help with Osteoarthritis.

Back problems

Back pain is a common ailment that affects as many as 80% of all people. Thankfully, this pain normally improves within a few weeks or months. Pain can range in location from the lower back to the spine, hips or neck. If it lingers it can cause significant aches and may be caused by a sprain, strain, slipped disc or sciatica. The problem with back pain is that it’s very hard to diagnose the cause of the pain.

Whatever the cause might be, the shallow contoured position of an adjustable bed provides great support, as though your back is being hugged. You can raise the head of the adjustable bed too to make it easier to get in and out without straining your back.

Circulation problems

Poor circulation is a problem that affects many of us. The most common symptoms include swelling in your feet and ankles and cold hands and feet. This can cause pain, numbness, pins and needles and difficulty moving.

If you tend to wake up with swollen ankles, keeping your feet elevated overnight using an adjustable bed will make a huge difference to your comfort. This position helps pump the blood back to your heart, promoting better blood flow and reducing painful swelling.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is an umbrella term for a range of conditions that affect the heart including coronary artery disease, heart valves or rhythm problems, narrowed or blocked veins that can cause heart attacks, chest pain (angina) or strokes. These diseases can cause symptoms ranging from chest pain, shortness of breath, numbness, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, swelling and fatigue.

Sleeping with your legs raised in an adjustable bed will improve circulation and encourage the blood to flow back to the heart, reducing any swelling and pressure surrounding it.

COPD

If you suffer from a respiratory condition like asthma or COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), lying down can make symptoms, like breathlessness, wheezing and a persistent cough, worse. It can be difficult to get to sleep with COPD and you’re more likely to wake up in the middle of the night feeling congested. There are no known ways to cure COPD, however there are ways this symptom can be managed.

Lying flat can make the symptoms of COPD worse. Sleeping with the head of an adjustable bed slightly raised will help open up airways, reducing pressure on the lungs, making these conditions easier to cope with.

Hip replacement

A hip replacement is a common surgical procedure to replace a damaged hip with an artificial one. Damaged hips cause reduced mobility issues and pain even while resting. Hips can be damaged due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, a hip fracture, septic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis or bone dysplasia (related to unusual bone growth).

An adjustable bed can be highly beneficial after a hip replacement by allowing you to customise positions for comfort and pain relief, such as elevating your legs to reduce swelling or reclining to minimise pressure on the hip. It also makes getting in and out of bed easier and supports optimal sleeping positions to aid healing.

Knee replacement

This is a common surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged, worn or diseased knee with an artificial joint. Knee joints can be damaged through osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, haemophilia, gout, unusual bone growth, death of bones due to blood supply problems, knee injury, knee deformity with pain and loss of cartilage.

Sleeping with your legs raised in an adjustable bed is a great aid for a knee replacement. This is because it relieves joint pain allowing the knee to heal quicker. An adjustable bed also helps with mobility, making it easier to get in and out of bed without straining the knee.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the spinal cord and brain, causing a wide range of symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation, paralysis, muscle spasm, tremors, reduction in circulation or balance.

For individuals with multiple sclerosis an adjustable bed offers tailored support to manage symptoms like muscle stiffness, pain, and fatigue. Sleeping in the shallow semi-contoured position will help relax the body and increase circulation by having your legs raised. The additional add-on of the massage feature can also help with muscle spasms.

Oedema

Oedema is the swelling of the ankles, feet or legs. It is caused by a build-up of fluid due to standing or sitting in the same position for too long, eating too much salty food, being overweight, pregnancy, taking blood-pressure medicines, contraceptive pills, antidepressants or steroids, injury, insect bite, problems with your kidneys, liver or heart, a blood clot or an infection.

An adjustable bed can be highly effective for managing oedema by allowing the legs to be elevated above heart level, which helps reduce fluid buildup and swelling. The add-on massage feature can also help to reduce the circumference of the swelling.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the condition that causes your bone density to decrease over time, making them fragile and more likely to break. It’s often diagnosed when a sudden impact or fall causes a break or fracture.

Support from the shallow semi-contoured position reduces your pressure points, allowing bones to heal quicker. A memory foam mattress will mould itself to your body shape, making it less likely that your bones will break.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years. The brain damage affects the motor system and produces symptoms like involuntary shaking or tremors, slow movement and inflexible muscles. As the disease progresses it becomes increasingly difficult to carry out day-to-day activities.

Because Parkinson’s affects mobility and coordination, an adjustable bed is a good option when looking to manage symptoms. Firstly, the ability to raise the head and feet helps improve circulation throughout the body, easing stiffness and pain in muscles and joints when sleeping. Additionally, those with Parkinson's are more likely to be disturbed throughout their sleep. Being able to adapt to the position of an adjustable bed can help individuals to find a more comfortable sleeping position. Using an adjustable bed can also make getting in and out of bed easier, addressing common mobility challenges.

Sciatica

Sciatica is when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your hips to your feet, is irritated. Therefore, it can cause pain in your bottom, the back of your legs, feet and toes. You may feel pain, tingling, numbness or weakness. It can be caused by a prolapsed or slipped disc, spinal stenosis or Spondylolisthesis. It usually gets better between 4 to 6 weeks but it can last longer.

Because sciatica is often triggered by pressure on the nerves, being able to sleep in an adjustable bed can make this pain more manageable. Elevating the legs slightly can help to reduce strain on the lower back and hips, promoting spinal alignment and relieving nerve compression. Raising the upper body can also ease pain by reducing pressure on the lumbar region.

Stroke

A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. It can result in the inability to move or feel on one side of the body, trouble understanding, trouble speaking and/or loss of vision.

Because strokes affect people in different ways, an adjustable bed can support recovery by improving circulation, reducing the risk of pressure sores, and enhancing comfort. Elevating the head can help prevent aspiration and aid breathing while raising the legs can reduce swelling and improve blood flow. Adjustable height and positioning also allow individuals to find comfortable positions to watch TV, eat food, etc., promoting independence through stroke recovery.

Swelling

Swelling is a common condition in the elderly, those with mobility challenges or disabilities. Medically known as oedema, swelling is a result of poor circulation, which causes fluid to accumulate in parts of the body, such as the legs. This creates a puffy appearance and in some cases, shiny, stretched or red skin. Swelling often comes with irritation, including the sensation of excessive heat in the affected area and itchiness.

Adjustable beds are a great option for those suffering from swelling. Sleeping with legs elevated at heart level can help to increase circulation throughout the body whilst draining excess fluid. This helps to reduce the buildup of inflammation and can result in a more comfortable night’s sleep.

Trouble getting up

Trouble getting up, whether from a chair, bed, or floor, can be caused by a variety of factors, such as muscle weakness, joint pain, stiffness, or balance issues. Losing independence in this way can be frustrating. Not being able to get in and out of your bed, for example, is not only physically demanding but also mentally challenging. A lack of mobility can lead to discomfort whilst increasing the likelihood of a slip or fall.

Adjustable beds help people get in and out of bed by allowing them to change their resting position to suit their needs. Raising the head of the bed creates an upright position, reducing the effort required to sit up and swing the legs over the side. This can make the process smoother and less straining for individuals with mobility challenges. Additionally, some adjustable beds come with height adjustments or grab rails, which further enhances safety and convenience when moving.

Gaining Independence with Mobility Aids

Getting into bed at the end of a long day should be something you look forward to, not something to worry about. But as we get older, using our bed can become more difficult or painful.

If you worry about getting out of bed safely, an adjustable bed could be exactly what you need. With simple controls, adjustable beds make it possible to gently ease yourself into an upright position and provide a bit of extra stability - all without the assistance of another person.

Additionally, finding a position you’re comfortable lying down in can greatly improve the amount of restorative sleep you receive each night. As Sleep Expert Dr. Nerina explains:

 ‘An adjustable bed supports the joints in the back, hips and knees to ease tensions and aches and pains, helping you to feel more refreshed in the morning.’

Let Oak Tree Mobility help you find the perfect adjustable bed

Enjoy a sleep like never before with an Oak Tree adjustable bed. Built to your body’s unique shape, they’re sized to fit you perfectly, ensuring the utmost comfort. With a range of styles from classic to contemporary and customisable options, including; fabric material and colour, heat and massage function and additional support aids, our adjustable beds not only help you achieve better sleep but look great in your home too.

To find out more about our range of adjustable beds, as well as our new award-winning Mammoth Medical Grade Foam Mattress, the only mattress on the market scientifically proven to provide better sleep, please request our FREE brochure.