3 Ways Adjustable Beds Can Help With Arthritis

How can adjustable beds help with arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition characterised by inflammation and stiffness in the joints, often caused by wear and tear, a breakdown of cartilage or an attack on the body’s immune system. Arthritis can lead to pain and discomfort which can significantly reduce mobility and impact daily tasks and your overall quality of life. As many as 80% of people living with arthritis experience trouble sleeping each night, making it challenging to find relief during periods of rest. The importance of a good night’s sleep cannot be understated, particularly for those suffering from arthritis. Adequate rest can make pain more manageable, reduce inflammation, and improve the immune system. These are all important requirements for people with arthritis to lead a happy, healthier life.

Adjustable beds can support you to get a better night’s sleep by offering additional support, helping to alleviate pressure while you sleep. Today we answer your question; how can adjustable beds help with arthritis? Adjustable beds offer a personalised sleep experience by allowing users to easily elevate or recline the head and foot of the bed, ensuring that every part of their body is properly supported. A traditional static bed creates gaps between the body and mattress surface, which can lead to discomfort and pressure on joints. However, adjustable beds for arthritis can conform to the shape of your body and provide added support for your joints, particularly in the knees and back. This reduces muscle strain and helps to prevent morning aches and pains.

Let’s explore 3 ways adjustable beds can help with arthritis in more detail.

Electric adjustable beds allow for easier position changes

Operating an adjustable bed for arthritis and understanding how to use one is incredibly easy. Electric adjustable beds allow for easier position changes with a simple remote control. At the press of a button, you can increase and decrease the height of different sections of the bed, elevating your head, body or legs. This makes it easier to get in and out of bed safely. Additionally, by adjusting the bed to fit your comfort level, you can alleviate pressure on joints, reduce pain, and get deeper and more restorative sleep.

Adjustable beds increase circulation and blood flow

Poor circulation is a bigger risk for those living with arthritis. It occurs when blood flow is reduced and blood vessels become damaged or diseased. This can lead to oedema, a fluid-swelling condition that mostly affects the arms and legs, exacerbating symptoms of arthritis, and can lead to increased joint stiffness. 

Adjustable beds increase circulation and blood flow by elevating parts of the body, such as your legs, above heart level. This can assist in circulating blood from the body's lower extremities back to the heart, reducing swelling and preventing conditions like varicose veins from developing. Raising the legs above the heart also helps to reduce pressure on veins, lessening the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Another way adjustable beds increase circulation and blood flow is by supporting the position of your head and neck. The ability to lie back in your adjustable bed alleviates your heart’s workload and makes it easier to breathe more comfortably. This ensures more areas of the body receive oxygen-rich blood, which in turn helps to reduce arthritic pain and inflammation.

Adjustable beds distribute your weight evenly

When sleeping flat, traditional beds create pressure points around the joints, particularly on the hips, knees and shoulders as your body firmly presses into the mattress underneath. This makes sleeping with arthritis all the more difficult as you over-compensate your sleep position in an effort to reduce unwanted pain. This can lead to further complications and you’ll find it creates more problems for your arthritis as time passes.

Adjustable beds distribute your weight evenly by ensuring maximum comfort and more restful sleep by spreading pressure evenly throughout your body in what is known as the zero gravity position. This is designed to stimulate a feeling of weightlessness, similar to what astronauts experience in space, and it is particularly beneficial in alleviating neck and back pain. This position also helps to promote relaxation and enhances blood and oxygen circulation around the body.

Unlike a traditional static bed, adjustable beds distribute your weight evenly. This can be done through the semi-contour position, where the legs and back are raised. This position reduces pressure on the lumbar region, whilst supporting your knees and neck, creating the perfect sleeping position.

Signs an adjustable bed is right for you

Struggling to sleep, waking up frequently throughout the night and not feeling refreshed when you wake up are just some of the signs an adjustable bed is right for you.

If you’re one of the millions of people in the UK with arthritis, It's important to consider how an adjustable bed for arthritis is an investment in your personal health. Adjustable beds significantly help promote better sleep quality, reduce swelling and ease pressure and pain surrounding the joints. Adjustable beds, like ours at Oak Tree Mobility, are designed with you in mind and are sized to fit you perfectly, with 7 styles to choose from and with more than 30 fabric options, our beds blend ergonomic factors with quality aesthetics. This ensures your bed not only aids your mobility and helps you to get better restorative sleep as someone with arthritis, but also looks good in your home too.

Summary

In conclusion, if you're struggling with arthritis and finding it difficult to get a good night's sleep, an adjustable bed for arthritis could benefit your health, sleep and comfort by leaps and bounds. By allowing for easier position changes, improving circulation, and evenly distributing your weight, adjustable beds offer targeted relief that makes managing your arthritis easier. To learn more about the benefits of an adjustable bed for arthritis, request your free brochure today.