You’ve probably heard of the term zero gravity or zero gravity sleep position since it’s gained fame over the last few years. The Zero G concept has become so popular that it can be found everywhere in the home and office furnishing. From the design of beds, recliners, office chairs, and even lawn chairs, the zero gravity position has become a ‘must-have’ feature of ergonomic living.
Zero gravity is the state of weightlessness. In space, there is no gravitational force applied to the body. This leads to a sensation of weightlessness and movement without impediments. Conceptually applied in furniture making, the zero gravity sleep position lessens the impact of pressure on muscles, joints, and the spine. While absolute zero gravity is only available out in space, you might be happy to know that a zero-gravity sleep position is only a new bed away.
Topics Explored
- What is the Zero Gravity Position? »
- Benefits of the Zero Gravity Position »
- How to Start Sleeping in the Zero Gravity Position? »
- Frequently Asked Questions »
What is the Zero Gravity Position?
The sedentary lifestyle weakens the core supporting muscles, puts too much pressure on the spine, and leads to back and neck pain. Every day you unnoticeably put your spine out of alignment, lower the circulation, and increase the risk of an injury. Some of us come to a point where even a great mattress isn’t reducing the back pain.
A zero gravity position is a measured set of angles established by NASA’s Man-Systems Integration Standards that put the spine in a pressure-free, neutral position. The exact angles are 128°(+/- 7°) between the torso and the thigh; and 133° (+/-8°) between the hamstring and calf. Simply put, when you lay on a bed at a 120° angle, that’s considered a neutral, zero gravity position.
Benefits of the Zero Gravity Sleep Position
Sleeping in a zero gravity position will help you achieve more profound and more restful sleep while keeping your spine aligned and pressure-free. Your whole body will experience full rest, and you won’t be woken up by throbbing shoulder, neck, or back pain. The zero gravity sleep position benefits go beyond back pain elimination.
1. Improved Breathing
Lying on a flat surface may cause breathing discomfort and, in most cases, severe snoring. Snoring is not just an unpleasant sound. It means your body is struggling to breathe when you’re asleep. A slightly elevated head opens up the nasal passages and helps your breathing to continue effortlessly.
An inappropriate sleep position puts an unnecessary exertion on your lungs at the time when your organs are supposed to be at rest. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, you know how breathing when lying flat is cumbersome. When you lie on a horizontal surface, blood rushes to your nose and head, adding to any preexisting inflammation and causing difficulty breathing.
2. Pain Relief
The zero gravity sleep position’s biggest perk is full-body pain relief. Daily use of a zero gravity bed allows for spinal decompression, tension relief, and better blood circulation. Not only your lower back is free of stress and tension, but your muscles are at ease too. Less strain on your nerves leads to decreased lower back pain and fuller relaxation while you sleep. This sleep position greatly benefits those suffering with chronic sciatica.
Raising your legs is a known method for reducing swelling and alleviating pain, and with the zero gravity sleep position, you’ll get reduced leg swelling while you sleep. This is especially important for people suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes.
3. GERD Relief
If you’ve ever experienced acid reflux in bed, you know how hard it can be to go to sleep. You can be stacking up pillows each night to raise your head so acid won’t go up to your throat. Doing that each night is tiresome and doesn’t provide enough comfort and support.
You might eliminate acid reflux for the price of a stiff neck. People with GERD need to sleep with an elevated upper body, so a zero gravity sleep position is ideal. A high positioned upper body doesn’t allow for stomach acid to go back up and reach the esophagus, easing heartburn pain.
4. Improved Cardiovascular Health
Proper blood circulation is essential in keeping your heart healthy. The heart works non stop to pump blood through our bodies, so it’s important to do anything we can to make this process run smoothly. A troublesome blood circulation causes pressure on your heart, leading to an increased risk of a heart attack and stroke.
A zero gravity sleep position helps your blood circulation and puts less strain on your heart. Your legs are raised above your heart level with this neutral position, which is one of the most critical parts for optimal blood circulation.
How to Sleep in the Zero Gravity Position
To achieve a zero gravity sleep position, you need to elevate your legs and upper body. You must raise your feet and head above your heart and stomach level, putting your body at an approximately 120° angle. A zero gravity position can be achieved with a proper mattress, pillows or a zero gravity bed.
Use Wedge Pillows
One of the fastest ways to achieve a zero gravity sleep position is with wedge pillows. It’s a set of a back wedge pillow that is positioned under your back to elevate your upper body and a knee elevation pillow goes under your legs. Wedge pillows are a good starting point in introducing zero gravity sleep position. They are a great cost-effective way to try out the zero gravity position without breaking the bank. But they also come with some imperfections.
Pillows are not fixated so they can move and put your body out of position. They often need to be put on a preexisting base that will support the weight. Make sure to opt for a neck support pillow and a footrest for maximum comfort.
Try using a Zero Gravity Reclining Chair
Almost everyone has seen an adult drifting off while sitting in a recliner. The neutral position recliners offer is the reason behind it. Recliners are not only a great retirement gift, but an excellent piece of furniture that allows for zero gravity sleeping and resting. Recliners are the best zero gravity chair for back pain. They aren’t limited to sleeping – every day sitting is comfortable too.
Great recliners come with a zero gravity setting and can be used as a sleep recliner and a chair. Many users claim to sleep better in them than in bed. Sleep recliners can be powered making getting in and out of a zero gravity position effortless even for the elderly.
Invest in a Zero Gravity Bed
If you have already adopted the zero gravity sleep position or you suffer from serious back pain, consider investing in a zero gravity bed. A zero gravity adjustable base bed allows you to tilt head and leg rests until you reach the most comfortable position.
A good zero gravity bed comes with independently moving components, an electrically powered bed frame with zero gravity mode preset. Getting into a neutral sleep position can be done with the press of a button. It’s the most comfortable way of sleeping in a zero gravity position and it gets closest to sleeping in a regular bed. But have in mind that it may require extra space in your bedroom.
FAQ: Zero Gravity Sleep Position
Is It Safe To Sleep In The Zero Gravity Position?
Not only is it safe, but it’s highly recommended to sleep in a zero gravity position. Keeping your body in this neutral position comes with heaps of health benefits. Zero gravity sleeping comes with diminished lower back pain, better circulation, and breathing. It might be hard to get used to this position initially, but don’t give up, take your time. It’s an enriching experience for your overall health.
Can You Sleep On Your Side In The Zero Gravity Position?
If you’re an avid side sleeper, it might be disappointing to hear, but there is no way to sleep on the side in the zero gravity position. The spine has to be at a 120° angle, which is impossible if you switch to your side. If you find it uncomfortable at the beginning, don’t worry. This is a neutral and weightless position, and once you feel the benefits, you won’t go back to regular sleeping.