How to Set an Adjustable Bed to Zero Gravity

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You’re probably familiar with the term “zero-gravity”—this is often used to describe the weightless, floating feeling that can be achieved only in space. However, you don’t have to be an astronaut to find a zero-gravity sleep position. Many high-quality adjustable foundations now offer a preset Zero-G setting or allow you to create one for yourself.

This sleep position was created to alleviate the constant gravitational pull on the body and to reduce pressure on the joints and muscles. A weightless sleep position can also reduce pain, increase deep sleep, and improve overall health. This article will outline why zero gravity sleep is beneficial and how you can find it with an adjustable bed frame.

What is the Definition of Zero Gravity?

In a zero-gravity position, the body doesn’t feel that gravitational force of the Earth—hence the term “zero gravity.” We need gravity to remain firmly planted to the Earth, but in general, gravity is not our friend. The force of the Earth’s pull eventually ages the body and puts a strain on muscles and joints. To find a short reprieve from everyday wear and tear on the body, we can sleep in a zero-gravity position.

What Is a Zero Gravity Sleep Position?

A zero gravity position mimics the weightless support and pressure-free sensation of floating in space so the body can repair and rebuild during sleep.

This position distributes weight evenly and keeps the spine neutral to release tension buildup in the body. When the stress on muscles and joints is released, the body can fully relax—resulting in deeper, more restful sleep.

Additionally, zero gravity sleeping gives a slight lift to the upper and lower body. With the head lifted, airways can open and breathing becomes more comfortable. Raised legs can also improve blood circulation and heart health.

What Type of Bed Provides a Zero Gravity Position?

The zero gravity position was designed by NASA to alleviate the pressure astronauts feel on their spine when the shuttle flies into space. The amount of force they experience is extreme, and as a result, they need a special kind of surface to prevent pressure and pain when they reach weightlessness.

An adjustable bed works similarly. When you choose the Zero-Gravity setting on an adjustable foundation, the frame raises the legs and head to the perfect angle to prevent back pressure and help increase circulation.

When you’re in zero gravity mode, your thighs and torso are perfectly aligned and your bent knees are level with your heart.

This position is said to improve the body’s natural ability to rest because you’re experiencing an equal distribution of gravity across your entire body.

How to Create a Zero Gravity Position With an Adjustable Base

The zero-gravity setting on an adjustable bed varies from brand to brand. Some come with a specific setting on the remote, usually labeled “ZG.”

If you don’t have this setting, don’t worry—you can still achieve a zero-gravity position.

To set up this position, you will want to pay attention to the angle of your legs and head in relation to your torso. The upper body should be lifted to a 120-degree angle from the thighs. This adjustment will reduce pressure on the neck, back, and shoulders. Your knees should be bent and lifted to the level of your heart. The head should then be raised slightly above your heart.

Benefits of Zero Gravity Positions

Why would someone want to sleep in this position? It sounds like a lot of work, especially if your adjustable base doesn’t come with a preset option. However, the few extra steps it takes to achieve a zero-gravity position are well worth the time and effort. Below, we outline the health benefits you can expect with this sleep position.

Less Snoring and Easier Breathing

Snoring can be a constant sleep disruption for both you and your spouse. Although we may snore for several different reasons, it is usually the result of obstructive breathing. When the airways are obstructed due to pressure on the trachea or the position of the tongue, it becomes difficult for air to pass through.

By lifting the head to a 30 to 45-degree angle, the airways open up—allowing air and saliva to flow more naturally. This position keeps the tongue in a neutral place and also alleviates pressure on the throat, resulting in less snoring and deeper sleep.

When breathing becomes easier during sleep, you will naturally take in more oxygen. An increase in oxygen will help clear out and flush toxins and bacteria from our blood and muscle tissue.

Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Acid reflux can be another sleep disruption. When you lie down flat, you no longer have gravity to keep food and bile down in your stomach. The result: the fluid starts creeping up your esophagus, causing a painful burning sensation.

Keeping your head raised above the rest of your body will help keep the stomach acid down—resulting in fewer sleep disruptions.

Less Insomnia and Deeper Sleeper

Insomnia is a sleep condition affecting millions of people. The reasons for insomnia may vary, but it is typically caused by stress and emotional trauma that keeps the mind active and alert—making it impossible to sleep. When we are anxious, the brain is often plagued with “what if” questions that make it difficult to relax.

A zero gravity sleep position is not a cure for insomnia, but it can help create a sleep position that promotes deep relaxation. With zero pressure on the joints and muscles and a safe spinal posture, the body will relax more fully. When the body is relaxed, the mind will follow suit, and you will drift off to sleep.

Circulation

Raising the legs during sleep can also improve blood circulation. This slight lift allows blood to flow more efficiently, which can reduce swelling, promote healing, and help prevent blood clots. Since blood flows more freely to the heart in this position, zero gravity sleeping is often recommended to those with heart problems, high blood pressure, or diabetes.

Digestion

When lying flat on your back, it can be difficult for the body to digest food, which can cause insomnia and nighttime waking. However, when the upper body is lifted, your digestive system can function properly. Healthy digestion will allow you to fall asleep quickly and sleep more soundly. Plus, proper digestion can promote weight loss, improve your mood, and give you more energy.

Neck and Back Pain

When we sleep on a flat mattress, there are gaps between the body and the bed. What ends up happening is excess pressure on the back and neck because those areas become suspended in the air. Even if the gap is a few centimeters, it matters.

zero gravity helps distribute your weight evenly to keep your spine in proper alignment and support your pressure points. When you have more support and less pressure, you end up with more pain relief and less stiffness when you wake up.

Best Adjustable Beds For Zero Gravity Sleep

Although there are many adjustable beds on the market, we recommend an Amerisleep adjustable base. Amerisleep offers two adjustable foundations—each with a zero-gravity preset that makes it easy for you to find the perfect weightless position.

Amerisleep Adjustable Bed

The Amerisleep Adjustable Bed comes with head and leg articulation, plus a host of other advanced features, including a wireless, backlit remote, under-bed lighting, and programmable positions. The best thing about this base is it comes at an affordable price that will fit nicely into any budget.

You can easily adjust the upper and lower portion of the bed using the wireless remote. Even better? This base is Bluetooth-compatible, so it can be controlled by your smartphone, too.

In addition to the Zero-G preset, this base’s wireless remote also lets you save other sleeping positions for later. Just adjust to your favorite angle to watch TV or relax in bed, program the position with the remote, and next time you hop into bed, you can adjust back with the click of a button. This prevents you from having to try and find that perfect position each and every time you climb in bed.

This adjustable bed has an ultra-quiet motor that won’t disrupt your spouse’s sleep if you change positions during the night. Plus, it comes in a split king size option that allows couples to find the perfect setting for their side of the bed.

Amerisleep’s Adjustable Bed has a zero-clearance design, meaning it can be placed on any flat surface (including platform beds or the floor) and work just fine. It also pairs well with virtually all bed frames, as it comes with removable 3-in-1 legs. If you don’t have a bed frame at home or don’t wish to place your adjustable bed directly on the floor, you can put these removable legs on the base and use it as a stand-alone foundation.

Amerisleep’s Adjustable Bed is a final sale item, but it comes with a 10-year warranty to ensure it supports you throughout many years of use. Plus, if you bundle this base with any of their mattresses, they’ll discount your purchase up to 30%.

Amerisleep Adjustable Bed+

Amerisleep’s Adjustable Bed+ offers a few more technical features to make getting great sleep even easier. The Amerisleep’s Adjustable Bed+ does not have a Zero-G preset, but it comes with a programmable remote that allows you to adjust to the zero-gravity position and save it for easy adjustments later. What it does have, is an anti-snore preset, WallHugger® technology, a rolling wave massage, and under-bed lighting.

The Adjustable Bed+ allows you to raise the upper body, but it also comes with a unique pillow tilting feature. Pillow tilting adjusts the angle of the upper portion of the bed to make it easy for you to sit up in bed and still support your head and neck. Pillow tilting allows you to read or watch TV in bed without straining the neck.

Since many adjustable beds move away from the wall when in a fully upright position, it can become challenging to reach your nightstand or bedside lamp. Amerisleep solves this problem by including WallHugger® technology. This technology ensures the bed stays fitted to the wall, even when raised. Now, you no longer have to strain to reach your bedside table while the bed is lifted. An advanced Velcro system, called MicroHook™ technology, also keeps the mattress securely attached to the base as the bed lifts. MicroHook™ ensures the mattress doesn’t slide or shift on the frame.

Stress is one of the leading causes of insomnia. To help you relax before bed, Amerisleep has included a dual full-body massage with three speeds. With this gentling rolling massage, you are sure to drift off to sleep in no time. If you wake during the night, the convenient under-bed lighting will illuminate a path around the bed. With under-bed lighting, you don’t have to worry about stubbing your toe or stepping on anything as you move around the room.

Like the Adjustable Bed, the Bed+ has programmable sleep positions, too.

When purchasing the Adjustable Bed+, you can pair it with one of Amerisleep’s advanced memory foam or hybrid mattresses. With this bundle, you will save 20 percent on the cost of the frame and $200 on the cost of the mattress. Plus, this bundle includes Amerisleep’s White Glove delivery service. You can also rest easy knowing Amerisleep backs their Bed+ with a 25-year warranty.

Saving on an Adjustable Bed

One of the best times of the year to buy an adjustable bed is during the year’s big mattress sales:

• Presidents Day Mattress Sales
• Memorial Day Mattress Sales
• 4th of July Mattress Sales
• Labor Day Mattress Sales
• Columbus Day Mattress Sales
• Black Friday Mattress Sales
• Cyber Monday Mattress Sales

SEE ALSO: Best Time to Buy a Mattress

Frequently Asked Questions

Is zero gravity a good way to sleep?

If you have any health issues such as acid reflux, sleep apnea, inflammation, blood circulation issues, and heart disease, you’ll benefit from zero gravity. This position will help alleviate the symptoms of these health concerns while providing you with a good night’s sleep. Even if you don’t have a health condition, you might find that the zero gravity position improves your sleep quality.

Can you sleep on your side with zero gravity?

The position is for people who sleep on their backs. The zero gravity sleeping position closely mimics how astronauts sit when they’re taking off into space. While you could sleep on your side, you may not have the feeling of weightlessness, and you won’t reap all the benefits.

Is it better to sleep with your head elevated?

For a lot of people, they must sleep with their upper body elevated. Those with acid reflux or severe snoring should keep their head raised above their torso. Gravity helps prevent snoring and many symptoms of acid reflux.

Can you put any mattress on an adjustable bed?

No, some types of mattresses flex better with an adjustable bed’s movements than others.

A foam mattress is an excellent choice since it can bend with the base without damaging its support. Hybrid mattresses usually work as well, although you might want to double-check with the company before you place it on an adjustable base. Innerspring mattresses, air beds, and other beds typically feel uncomfortable or unsupportive when paired with an adjustable base.

You also want to consider thickness. A good mattress for an adjustable base should be 10 to 14 inches thick.

How much does an adjustable bed frame cost?

Most quality adjustable frames cost more than $1,000, and many are over $2,000 or $3,000. How much you can expect to pay depends on what features you’re looking for. A frame with more slots for programmable presets and extra features such as build-in massagers is going to cost more than a basic model with a zero-gravity preset.

Final Thoughts

By now, you understand what the zero-gravity sleep position is and how it can help you sleep better and feel more rejuvenated each morning. A Zero-Gravity preset on your adjustable base can make achieving this position quick and easy. But, if your adjustable base doesn’t have this setting, you can follow our guidelines above to create your own.

This position is excellent for people who want to make the most out of their adjustable bed. Rest well, and enjoy the many health benefits!