While many think that adjustable beds only benefit patients in medical facilities, they can also help people with mobility restrictions and chronic conditions.
Seniors who suffer from chronic pain, joint stiffness, and other conditions can get a great deal of comfort from an adjustable bed. As we age, our bodies undergo dramatic changes – such as lowered oxygen levels, loss of bone density, and decreased muscle strength.
Many age-related conditions can cause chronic pain, mobility issues, and decrease a senior’s quality of life. Here are five ways an adjustable bed base can help.
1. Get Relief from Back Pain
Older people often complain of severe back pain caused by spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, and degenerating lumbar joints. An adjustable bed can elevate the head and feet into a comfortable position to take pressure off the spine and reduce chronic pain.
For those with osteoporosis, adjustable beds can be beneficial because they promote better posture, reducing the pressure on the shoulders and hips.
Furthermore, a senior using an adjustable bed for pain-relieving qualities won’t have to stack additional pillows under their feet, head, hips, or lower back to get the support they need. Using extra pillows to elevate your head can cause backaches and neck pain because they tend to shift out of place during the night.
Because an adjustable bed allows you to recline comfortably in a position that suits your needs, pain from conditions like arthritis and sciatica can be relieved. While adjustable beds can help a great deal if you’re suffering from chronic pain, you should also consult your healthcare provider to get advice on managing your medical conditions.
2. Prevent Acid Reflux
If an older person suffers from acid reflux, they should not lie flat. Lying in a flat position means food can creep up the esophagus, causing pooling acid and more intense heartburn.
If you’ve been diagnosed with acid reflux, you should consider purchasing an adjustable bed to prevent stomach acid from rising into your esophagus. Raising your head by five inches or more can relieve your acid reflux symptoms.
While raising your head will improve your acid reflux, using pillows isn’t optimal. If you tend to toss and turn in your sleep, your pillows could move – making this a temporary solution to your acid reflux. By purchasing an adjustable bed, you can raise the entire mattress and alleviate sleep apnea and heartburn while you sleep.
3. Reduce Snoring
You might snore at night because your windpipe is closed due to the weight on your neck while sleeping. When the windpipe is partially closed, air cannot pass through properly, and you may have difficulty breathing.
Raising yourself into a partially-upright position with an adjustable bed will prevent the weight of your neck from putting pressure on your trachea. Sleeping in a more upright position can alleviate your breathing difficulties so you and your partner can get a good night’s sleep.
4. Improve Blood Circulation
Raising your lower body above your chest can improve your blood circulation and even alleviate some mobility issues. If you suffer from ailments like edema, you may be able to relieve the pressure on your legs by improving your blood circulation.
For the best results, raise your adjustable bed high enough to position your hips above your heart while you sleep. Raising your lower body above your heart can alleviate most conditions caused by poor blood circulation.
5. Maintain Mobility
As we age, mobility plays a huge part in our physical and mental wellbeing. In fact, a 2013 study revealed that mobility limitations are one of the best early indicators of functional decline. Mobility issues can negatively affect daily living, acuity, and mental health.
For seniors, maintaining mobility is critical for independence and overall health. Because an adjustable bed can relieve chronic aches and pains and provide more comfort and ease of movement, they can help the elderly maintain their independence. This becomes particularly important when considering facilities with skilled nursing, where comprehensive care is available for those needing more extensive medical assistance.
Standing and sitting are two basic movements that become increasingly difficult for seniors as they age. An adjustable bed is a solution because it allows you to ease into the bed at a comfortable height and easily move to a sitting position before standing up.
Final Words
For seniors, a good night’s sleep is critical. An adjustable bed can provide all the comfort you need and facilitate better sleep. Adjustable beds can also help with blood circulation, improve breathing problems, and alleviate chronic back or joint pain.
Adjustable bets allow you to find the perfect sleeping position – allowing you to fall asleep faster, stay asleep for longer periods, and wake up feeling refreshed in the morning.
