How to Set an Adjustable Bed to Zero Gravity

Experiencing zero gravity isn’t exclusive to astronauts in space—NASA discovered how you can also experience weightlessness at home through what may be one of the most beneficial and comfortable sleeping positions: the zero-gravity position.

Of course, you’re not actually floating or gravity-less when you sleep in a zero-gravity position, but your body feels weightless, similar to if you were floating in space. When in this position, your digestive system works more effectively, you can breathe easier, and you can have better sleep overall.

Some adjustable bed frames, especially newer and more luxurious models, have a Zero-G (zero gravity) setting built-in, but older and simpler models lack this preset. Regardless, you can still manually set an adjustable bed frame to zero gravity without much difficulty.

Our article shares how you can get the most out of your adjustable bed frame by setting it to the zero gravity position.

1. Consider NASA’s Zero Gravity Calculations

According to NASA’s exact calculations to achieve zero gravity on your adjustable bed, there should be a 128-degree angle (give or take 7 degrees depending on your body type) between your torso and thighs. Then, between your hamstrings and calves, there should be a 133-degree angle, give or take 8 degrees.

2. Set Your Adjustable Bed Frame’s Torso Incline

As per NASA’s recommendations, focus on the angle of your legs and head in relation to your torso when adjusting the incline. Raise the upper body inline by 30 degrees If your adjustable base frame doesn’t show the exact angle the bed is at, use a protractor to be precise.

3. Set Your Adjustable Bed Frame’s Leg Incline

Once your torso is inclined, raise the adjustable legs by 30 degrees so your knees are slightly bent and above your heart. When you’ve set up the proper elevated position, your torso should be at approximately a 128-degree angle in relation to your thighs and your hamstrings and calves should be bent at roughly a 133-degree angle.

4. Save the Position as a Preset

If your bed frame’s remote control has a save or programmable preset option, save this position as a favorite once you have found the right angles. This way, you don’t have to fiddle with your bed and a protractor every night to experience zero gravity.

What is a Zero Gravity Sleeping Position?

While gravity keeps us grounded to the Earth, it also eventually wears the body down and strains the muscles and joints. And when lying in bed, gravity causes pressure points and leads to pain.

When in zero gravity, the body doesn’t feel the effects of Earth’s gravitational pull (as strongly). NASA discovered the zero gravity sleeping position while exploring ways to reduce the pressure and pain intensity on astronauts’ bodies during takeoff and breaking through the atmosphere into space.

You can achieve a zero-gravity sleep position on an adjustable bed base. The zero gravity sleeping position mimics astronauts’ bodies when they are launching into space. It evenly distributes body weight and neutrally aligns the entire body, helping minimize tension and pressure.

In the zero-gravity sleeping position, both the thighs and torso are elevated and aligned. The knees are bent and aligned with the chest, with the head raised slightly above the heart. Once in the position, the body will form a “V” shape.

Benefits of a Zero Gravity Sleeping Position

Sleeping in zero gravity isn’t just a fun experiment—the many health benefits of sleeping in a zero-gravity position include better breathing, less snoring, and reduced back and neck pain.

Easier Breathing and Reduced Snoring

Snoring and sleep apnea are disruptive, uncomfortable, and noisy if you share a bed or bedroom. The main cause for both conditions is an obstruction in your airways, whether it be from pressure on the trachea or your tongue relaxing in the back of your throat.

Lifting your head and torso relieves the pressure on your lungs and trachea, prevents your jaw and tongue from collapsing in your throat, and leaves your airways open.

Not only does breathing easier reduce snoring and sleep apnea, but it can also reduce the symptoms of asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions. And when you breathe better and take in more oxygen, your body functions more effectively and clears out toxins from the blood and muscles.

Minimizes Neck and Back Pain

Although sleeping on a flat surface isn’t necessarily bad for your health, lying in a zero-gravity position does more for minimizing pain than lying flat does. Your spine is naturally curved in an “S” shape, and for some, lying completely flat places unnecessary pressure on the lower back and neck, especially if your mattress is overly firm or soft.

When in a zero-gravity sleeping position, your weight is better distributed, as NASA intended, and there’s reduced pressure on your neck and back. With less pressure from an adjustable bed for back pain, the position minimizes your neck and lower back pain and reduces stiffness upon waking up.

Fewer Heartburn and Acid Reflux Episodes

When lying flat, gravity can raise the food and bile from in your stomach to your esophagus, causing a painful burning sensation and making it difficult to sleep. Acid reflux, GERD, and heartburn are particularly an issue if you’ve eaten close to bedtime.

By raising your torso, gravity keeps stomach acid and food in your stomach, reducing the possibility of you experiencing the symptoms of heartburn or acid reflux, in turn helping you sleep.

Better Digestion

Lying flat on your back can hinder your body’s ability to digest food effectively. However, lying at an inclined angle can improve your body’s digestion with the help of gravity. With your stomach settled, there’s less opportunity for sleep disruptions, helping you sleep soundly.

A healthy digestive system can improve your energy levels, weight management, immune system, among other benefits.

Relieves Swelling

Individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, or those who are overweight or pregnant can experience swelling in their legs and feet. Swollen legs and feet can also be the result of deep vein thrombosis or varicose veins. By elevating your legs, you promote better blood circulation, in turn reducing fluid build-up and swelling.

Improves Heart Health

Sleeping in a zero-gravity position reduces the pressure on all your muscles, including your heart. With reduced pressure on your heart, it can work more effectively, thus improving your blood flow. Better blood flow is especially valuable for individuals managing heart conditions, but it’s also helpful if you’re merely looking to boost your heart health.

Enhances Relaxation

Your bed isn’t just for sleeping. When reading, watching TV, or merely relaxing, lying in zero gravity improves your comfort since you won’t need pillows to prop you up. Zero gravity is similar to sitting or sleeping in a recliner, only more comfortable, perfect for older individuals who want to relax on an adjustable bed for seniors.

FAQs

Is a zero gravity bed comfortable?

Yes! With less pressure on your body, healthy spinal alignment, and reduced symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux, and sleep apnea, you can relax better and sleep peacefully. Lying in zero gravity is similar to lying on a reclining chair, only better.

Can you sleep on your side in a zero-gravity position?

Side sleepers can use an adjustable foundation to elevate solely their upper body, but the zero gravity sleeping position is optimized for back sleeping.

Side sleeping in zero gravity would cause your body to curve unnaturally, likely causing immense pain in your torso and spine and leading to stiffness. You also wouldn’t achieve the expected benefits of zero-gravity while side sleeping, so we don’t recommend side sleeping in zero gravity.

Are adjustable beds worth it?

Yes, adjustable beds offer lots of sleep benefits, relieve pain, and minimize the symptoms of health conditions. Using an adjustable bed can help you find a comfortable sleeping position, like zero gravity, as well.

The main downside to adjustable beds is they can be quite costly, running from $400 to over $3000 depending on the features and the frame’s quality. Considering they’re only an accessory to your mattress, they may not be worth it for the cost, but otherwise, they’re highly beneficial for your sleep health.

Do adjustable bed frames ruin mattresses?

So long as you use a mattress that works with an adjustable bed, your adjustable base won’t ruin the mattress.

The best mattresses for adjustable bed frames are highly flexible ones, namely memory foam or latex mattresses. Some hybrid mattresses are adjustable bed compatible but double-check with their manufacturers before doing so. Innerspring mattresses are thick and bulky, so they typically aren’t compatible with adjustable beds.

Keep in mind your mattress’s thickness as well. Your mattress should be no thicker than 14 inches when on an adjustable bed.

Do you need special sheets for an adjustable bed frame?

While you don’t need to use special bed sheet fabrics or technologies, it’s best to use deep or extra-deep pocket fitted sheets with sheet suspenders or clips. You might also use an oversized flat sheet on your adjustable bed frame. This way, your sheets stay on your mattress when you adjust the incline without popping off.

Set an Adjustable Bed to Zero Gravity For Optimal Comfort

Sleeping in a zero-gravity position can do wonders for your health and sleep, from relieving pain to improving digestion and heart health. While having a zero gravity preset on your adjustable bed helps you quickly achieve comfort, you can receive the same benefits by manually adjusting your bed frame.