What is the zero gravity sleep position? It’s time to snooze like an astronaut

Well, you can.

Sleep specialists at Opera Beds claim the zero-gravity sleeping position, used by astronauts, can improve your overall quality of sleep and health, as well as reduce the likelihood of those issues.

They also claim that it’s the best position to drift off in the first place, which is great if it takes you ages to fall asleep.

The experts said: ‘Zero Gravity is a neutral position that relieves pressure on the body. This is achieved when the head and legs are elevated to just above the heart level and so the spine is neutrally aligned. 

‘Sleeping in Zero Gravity reduces the pressure on your body and can help you drift off to deep rejuvenating sleep.

‘This position is designed for sleeping on your back and allowing the bed to adjust to align your spine to a neutral position.’

Muscle and joint pain

Tension, stress and poor posture are all common causes of muscle pain, and these can occur for many reasons, such as the way we sit in our chair at work.

But the zero gravity position can help to combat this resulting pain.

Opera sleep experts said: ‘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 make up 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

Arthritis causes painful inflammation around the joints, as well as making them achy and stiff.

It can be extremely sore and uncomfortable so it’s no wonder it impacts your sleep, which you need to be able to heal.

Those with arthritis can have trouble sleeping thanks to their achy, stiff or swollen joints, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

‘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,’ said Opera’s experts.

‘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

‘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,’ said the experts.

After all, snoring isn’t fun for the person sleeping next to you and there’s only so much that earplugs can do.

‘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.

‘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.’

Heartburn and acid reflux

Because your head is raised above your heart in the zero gravity position, this can help prevent heartburn and acid reflux, as stomach acid can’t leak easily into the oesophagus.

‘It can also promote healthy digestion,’ said the experts.

‘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.’

Circulation issues, oedema and varicose veins

The experts also said that those suffering with varicose veins could benefit from the zero gravity position.

These are essentially swollen veins in the legs and feet which cause cramping, swelling and a burning sensation.

‘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.

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