The Health Benefits of Elevated Sleep: Is an Adjustable Bed Right for You?

Wed Aug 27 2025

Getting a good night’s sleep means more than just buying a high-quality mattress. Sleeping in the right position is also a major factor in the quality of sleep people can get. Elevating your head or legs while you sleep has been proven to provide significant benefits for both physical and mental health. Because of this, adjustable beds, once found mostly in hospitals or high-end resorts, have now become increasingly popular for home use.

So, is an adjustable bed base right for you? In this blog, we explore the health benefits of elevated sleep, what to consider when choosing an adjustable base, and how it can transform your rest and recovery.

What Is Elevated Sleep?

Elevated sleep refers to sleeping with part of your body raised at an angle rather than lying flat. This is typically your head, upper torso, or legs. Adjustable bed bases allow you to customize this position to your comfort level using a remote or app-controlled system.

By elevating your sleep posture, you can support the body’s natural curves, reduce pressure on specific areas, and relieve certain health conditions. This is one reason why adjustable beds have surged in popularity—not just for older adults, but for people of all ages.

Health Benefits of Sleeping in an Elevated Position

There are real health perks associated with sleeping in an elevated position with an adjustable bed base. The most common sleep and health benefits include:

Reduced Snoring and Sleep Apnea Symptoms

When you lie flat while sleeping, gravity can cause your tongue and soft tissues to fall back into your throat, obstructing airflow. A slight elevation of the head can open airways, which can significantly reduce snoring and help alleviate obstructive sleep apnea symptoms. This means better oxygen intake during sleep to boost optimal healthy rest.

Improved Circulation and Heart Health

Elevating your legs while sleeping promotes better blood flow, especially for those who sit or stand for long hours during the day. Improved circulation can help reduce swelling in the feet and legs and can support vascular health overall.

An elevated leg position can also be helpful for those recovering from injury or surgery, helping prevent blood clots and supporting cardiovascular health.

Helps With Swelling and Edema

For people with swollen legs, feet, or ankles due to pregnancy, medical conditions, or prolonged standing, elevating the legs above the heart can significantly reduce fluid retention and discomfort thanks to the enhanced blood flow from sleeping in an elevated position at the feet.

Supports Healthy Digestion

While not commonly discussed, elevated sleep may also help improve digestion. Sleeping on a slight incline supports the natural downward movement of food and waste, which can ease symptoms of indigestion or bloating.

Manages Acid Reflux and Heartburn

If you suffer from GERD or acid reflux, lying flat after a meal can worsen symptoms. Sleeping with your upper body raised helps keep stomach acid from moving up into the esophagus. Even a modest incline of 6-8 inches can offer noticeable relief.

Elevating the head of the bed is widely recommended when managing issues like GERD and ensuring internal organs and systems flow naturally and healthily while you sleep.

Helps Alleviate Back and Neck Pain

An adjustable base lets you sleep in a zero-gravity position where both your head and legs are slightly elevated, which reduces pressure on your spine and improves alignment. This position mimics the natural curvature of the spine and can relieve chronic back and neck pain.

A common remedy for mitigating back pain is adjusting the position of which you sleep, which can be easily done with an adjustable bed base shaped in a way that best suits the shape of your body.

Eases Symptoms of Arthritis and Joint Stiffness

Arthritis sufferers often find it painful to get comfortable in a flat bed. The ability to adjust your sleep position at the touch of a button allows for pressure relief on joints, reduces stiffness, and can help you wake up feeling more mobile.

Better Sleep Quality Overall

When your body is supported and pressure points are relieved, you’re less likely to toss, turn, or wake up due to discomfort. Better comfort leads to deeper sleep which contributes to better overall health.

Is an Adjustable Bed Right for You?

Here are some key questions to help you decide:

Do you struggle with snoring or mild sleep apnea?
Do you suffer from frequent acid reflux or GERD?
Do you experience back pain, arthritis, or joint stiffness?
Are you recovering from surgery or dealing with leg swelling?
Do you enjoy reading or watching TV in bed?
Do you want personalized sleep comfort for you and your partner?

If you answer yes to any of these, an adjustable bed base may be an important investment to help enhance your sleep quality and overall health.

Adjustable Bed Features to Consider

Not all adjustable beds are created equal. When choosing one, consider these popular features commonly found in today’s adjustable bed bases:

Wireless Remote Control
Zero Gravity Presets
Head & Foot Massage Functions
USB Charging Ports
Under-Bed Lighting
Split King Options for Couples
App-Controlled Adjustment

Also, when considering that the health benefits of adjustable base beds are the main driver in decision-making to invest in one, you’ll want bed bases being offered by some of the best brands in the mattress and base beds industry, including Beautyrest, Purple, and Tempur-Pedic.

These well-known brands offer top-of-the-line adjustable base bed options that are a great place to start when looking for the right adjustable base bed for you.

Misconceptions About Adjustable Beds

As mentioned before, adjustable bed bases are becoming increasingly popular for the general sleep health benefits they offer. However, some may still have a few misconceptions about adjustable bed bases, including:

They're Only for Seniors

More young adults and athletes are choosing adjustable beds for recovery, comfort, and tech features. The health benefits being offered by elevated sleep positions offer people of all ages ongoing, long-term health considerations as opposed to only addressing health issues commonly found later in life.

They’re Uncomfortable

Today’s adjustable bases pair with a wide variety of supportive and plush mattresses and offer a totally personalized and customizable approach to sleep positions. With the previously mentioned features many adjustable base beds have nowadays, brands and manufacturers are using comfort as a selling point for these products as opposed to a negative side effect.

They Don’t Look Good

Modern bases are sleek and low-profile. Many models fit within existing bed frames for a stylish look you can apply to a wide range of home designs and aesthetics.

Elevate Your Sleep with Mattress Direct

Elevated sleep can offer life-changing health benefits. At Mattress Direct, we strive to help customers improve their sleep health through better products and smarter sleep solutions.

We offer a full selection of adjustable bases and compatible mattresses to help you sleep deeper, wake happier, and feel better night after night. Contact us today or visit your local Mattress Direct showroom today in Louisiana or Mississippi.

FAQs: Adjustable Beds and Elevated Sleep

Are adjustable beds good for back pain?

Yes, the zero-gravity sleeping position reduces spinal pressure and promotes better alignment for those with chronic or persistent back pain.

Can I use any mattress on an adjustable base?

No, only flexible or specifically designed mattresses (like memory foam, latex, or hybrid) work well.

Do adjustable beds require special frames?

Most modern adjustable bases fit inside traditional bed frames or come with removable legs to adjust height and fit.

Is an adjustable bed worth the cost?

If you struggle with sleep issues, chronic pain, or snoring, the investment pays off in better health and long-term comfort.