strengthens core muscles like the abdominals and thighs, but more importantly pulls blood from your legs and lower body, into your organs, and towards the heart. Its hard to argue when it comes to the opinion of medical experts, but its safe to assume that sleeping with legs elevated is justified from time to time. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that can happen anywhere in the body, but more common in the legs. You may have heard of these twisted veins referred to as spider veins because that is what the mild form of varicose veins is called. Unsurprisingly, many people experience piercing back pain that is associated with the sciatic nerve, the longest and one of the most sensitive nerves in the body. Sitting on your desk at work or standing for a prolonged period rushes your blood to your legs. Relieves Chronic Back Pain Such As Sciatica Or Herniated Discs, is nerve pain from an injury or irritation to the sciatic nerve, which originates in your buttock/gluteal area. If you have numbness or frequent tingling in your feet and legs, then sciatica. Great sleep has a tremendous effect on your daily mood and overall health. That's the reason why diving in your recliner at the end of the day and extending your elevated feet feels so good. You have to lay out a footprint, put together the poles, pound stakes, pitch the tent and rainfly, and secure and tension the guy lines. Sleeping with your lower extremities elevated comes with many benefits and very few downsides. However, another alternative is sleeping in a bed with an adjustable base and adjustable mattress. It's easy to cozy into a sub-zero rated sleeping bag and put on a knit hat. 3. Lets dive into all the pros of sleeping with legs elevated and see whether the good outweighs the bad. There are many benefits of sleeping with your legs elevated. Your sleeping time, the amount of water you drink, the environment you sleep in terms of lighting and noise, among other factors, determine how well your night will be. Cons of side sleeping Puts pressure on your hips, shoulders, and neck, which in turn puts pressure on your spine The side-lying fetal position can cause back and neck pain Cuts off circulation in the arm resting under the body during side sleep because of capillary collapse from weight on the arm for an extended time Stomach sleeping It takes some time to adjust so that you can experience discomfort at the beginning. Therefore, depriving the area of blood can be the most effective method to take. It is true that, in many situations, lives are saved because elevated crosswalks offer an alternative to running across a busy street. Keeping your legs slightly elevated while laying on your back (or even while sitting) helps you keep good posture and can take pressure off the lower back. Nevertheless, people who sleep on the side can find some workarounds that will generally improve the feeling of sleeping with their legs elevated. A well-rested body has a great immune system. It provides a higher level of blood circulation at night. Using a zero gravity position on an adjustable bed can also provide some pain relief. Pros: Sleeping with head raised reduces the collapse of the airway and diminishes the risk of snoring and the associated problem. Most people sleep on their back, which makes sleeping with elevated legs significantly easier. 3. 7.Should You Sleep In A Hospital Bed With Feet Elevated? It's even more essential to sleep with legs and knees raised above your heart level after major surgery. Peripheral edema can be a serious condition because the poor circulation is often the sign of much larger vascular, liver, or kidney issues. Medical specifics aside, we can all agree that reducing inflammation is good! Our bodies are in constant movement, and it is best to give them a break with a night of quality sleep. Allergies. 2. Cons: higher risk of SIDS for infants, not as good for . Additionally, elevating your legs with the use of pillows and other accessories above the level of your heart will also help get rid of unpleasant swelling and make your leg more functional. According to science, this condition can cause extremely swollen knee caps and feet, but oftentimes youll feel the swelling elsewhere too. Utilizing gravity, as well discuss below, saves your heart from working as hard. But, that doesnt mean the end of the world is near. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( Pros of sleeping in a hammock it is believed that the best sleep position is to have the head elevated 10-30 percent while laying on your back. In addition to relieving lower back pain in the short term, this neutral spine position (if used over time) may help get your spine into better alignment when compared to being curled up in a ball on your side sleeping. If this technique does not work and the legs are still swollen, seek immediate medical attention. For instance, your legs must be elevated from 6 to 12 inches above your chest. Medical specifics aside, we can all agree that reducing inflammation is good! Great sleep has a tremendous effect on your daily mood and overall health. Elevating your legs can help with easing your chronic back pain significantly more than just sleeping on your back. Back pain can result from poor sleeping posture where one puts pressure on the lower back. Well, this article is for you! Decreased swollen feet and legs. Benefits include reduced snoring and relief from other sleep apnea symptoms, migraine relief and post-nasal drip prevention, among others. Cold weather camping in a hammock generally requires managing the drafts below and above. In our article, we review how sleeping on an incline can alleviate the symptoms disorders and medical problems that affect sleep. A great posture helps to prevent diseases such as arthritis, discus hernia, among others. Whatever may be the reason, you likely feel like your legs are tired and heavy when going to bed. Leg edema refers to the retention of fluids that gets trapped in our limbs. Pillows are not a long-term solution, especially if you tend to shift and move throughout the night. ); Pregnancy Hormonal changes, weight gain, and fluid retention can cause swelling in the legs during pregnancy. 5. Sleeping with our legs elevated is naturally comfortable. Taking it one step further, adding foods and supplements like turmeric, berries, and avocados can be helpful in keeping inflammation at bay. This is achievable in a hammock. 2. It is important to remember that poor circulation can result from blood being stuck in one area. The health professionals can also recommend sleeping in a specific position to help heal what you are ailing from. While you're sleeping, your body is doing its best to relax and repair muscles, strengthen the immune system, regulate hormones, and circulate blood, among other important functions. Living mile high If you suffer from back pain, swelling from injuries, or just plain struggle to close your eyes, then this article contains all that . But fortunately for you, new products have entered the market that not only elevate your lower body with ease, but also bring many other improvements to your lifestyle. In order to improve sleep quality on a consistent basis like Olsen suggests, some sleepers with specific physical conditions may want to consider alternative sleep positions that give their body a different shape than their current position of choice. Editors notes: Sleeping with your legs elevated can reduce problems with the sciatic nerve. Some may think that it will cause the blood to flow in the opposite direction and reduce in even more poor conditions. A good posture also allows one to sleep better and be energetic during the day. To prevent it, elevate your injury above the level of your heart. The belief of rising your legs up may be contradictory. You can refer to the answers, The following summaries about wife teases in public will help you make more personal choices about more accurate and faster information. Elevating the head while sleeping should be routine for glaucoma treatment and prevention. By raising your legs, your heart gets the much-needed rest from pumping blood against gravity, and your extremities get relief from swelling and tension. Elevating the legs as you sleep helps reduce the retention of fluids as blood flow is increased. Though the condition is considered unsightly by many, the truth is that other leg swelling pains such as edema or DVT are more and more concerning to doctors. While not every letter may be relevant to your injury, the elevation option is available for you to try it out and see how it will help you get better. Swelling can put additional pressure and pain on the injury site. While theyre not a threat to your well-being, theyre far from a pleasant sight. Oppositely, you will have to deal with excruciating pain, especially if youre a back sleeper and have a less comfortable mattress that you sleep on. Place a couple of pillows behind your back so you are propped up at a 45-degree angle. Elevation of the legs during sleep, by means of an adjustable bed or otherwise, could have a positive effect on inflammation too! Baggy eyes and sinus congestion seem to be related to head pressure. Sleeping on the left side is best. It is commended to sleep for eight hours straight to provide the body with enough time to regenerate energy for the next day. Durable sleeping surface supports your pets comfortably and resists rips from claws - Our elevated dog bed with skid-resistant feetprotects your floors from scratches and keeps the bed . Second, it can cause you to snore more loudly, which can disturb your sleep and that of your partner. During the first trimester, a pregnant woman can sleep in any position. Sleeping with elevated legs cannot cure such diseases, but it can reduce or remove the swelling. Once youve adapted to sleeping with your legs elevated, you can consider investing in an adjustable bed. 3. Conversely, some people believe that elevating your swollen legs will result in the blood flowing in the opposite direction hence worsening the condition. You can refer to the answers, The following summaries about wife stripping in public will help you make more personal choices about more accurate and faster information. There are some negative effects of choosing to sleep in a recliner. Youll want to use 2 if not 3 pillows in order to raise your legs to a height above the level of your heart. Sharing their bed with pets can help some people to get a night of sound sleep and may even make less anxious. Sleeping with your legs elevated can soothe muscle tension in your legs and feet by eliminating vein pressure and enhancing the circulation of blood throughout your body. Cons - Aggravates snoring, sleep apnea, and back pain. PROS. You can adjust the elevation until its just right and program it to remember that exact setting. Editors notes: Sleeping with elevated legs may be uncomfortable if you use normal pillows. This position also helps your entire body to relax much quicker. Find the perfect sleep sack for your baby's needs with our expert reviews. People are able to adjust their beds to provide an optimal amount of circulation based on what their needs may be. Pressure on nerves in the arms or hands may lead to problems. Home Blog 9 Benefits Of Sleeping With Your Legs Elevated. on: function(evt, cb) { Raise your lower legs too, and slightly bend your knees to avoid putting strain on your muscles and tendons. An adjustable bed is also a good solution, but you can also put a normal or wedge pillow between your thighs to keep the other, more swollen leg elevated. Pulling deoxygenated blood from the feet, legs, and lower body towards the heart more easily reoxygenates the blood before it is then pushed into back into the body. This method also reduces pressure from the heart to pump blood into your legs. When looking at the pros and cons of sleeping with legs elevated, the benefits outnumber the negatives. But for many, this isnt enough to give you the optimal flow of blood through your bodys lower half. It affects the quality of sleep and the ability to fall asleep. People with large families, tall sleepers, and restless sleepers generally need a king-size bed. Sleeping Organic The simplest, most comfortable way to achieve this position is by using an adjustable bed. You can slide off the chair while . Strengthen the Bond by Co-sleeping With a Toddler. In conclusion, sleeping with elevated legs has more benefits than disadvantages. Diagnosed with sleep apnea and wondering if sleeping in a chair (or with an elevated head) can help. , or any other method) can be just what the doctor ordered, but to be sure youre doing right by your own body, please contact your doctor to discuss any serious health condition. You dont have to be an athlete to accidentally trip over or slip that can result in a severe injury. Thats why many people who suffer chronic inflammation make sure to avoid highly inflammatory foods such as processed meat, refined sugars, alcohol, and artificial trans fats. But some people do it while they are asleep and sometimes through the night. I like the durability of this one and the preppy good looks of this one.. cons: No sides, so cushion styles are more "napping" beds than actual beds. Placing a newborn's legs up in the air while they're sleeping will prevent possible swelling and congestion in the thigh area. And then there is the safety issue. The best pillows to use are those specified for elevating the legs. Though the medical studies are behind the times in supporting these claims and more information is needed, reducing blood pooling in your legs and feet leads to a reduction in pressure and swelling. [4] Use pillows to raise your feet up to the level of your heart. } Pulling deoxygenated blood from the feet, legs, and lower body towards the heart more easily reoxygenates the blood before it is then pushed into back into the body. You can refer to the answers. It's Comfortable One study even identifies the relationship between sleeping with sciatica and sleep posture that it feels more comfortable to sleep on. It is essential to start early to sleep with elevated legs to avoid developing the disease altogether. Being too big, it may not be able to pass through some blood vessels and could end up getting stuck in the lungs where it can cause serious problems that can result fatally. Feel Happier and Healthier. Editor's notes: You should eat potassium-rich nutrients and also try using some sort of diuretic supplements. Unlike some of the other conditions listed on this page, varicose veins are not as significant of a threat to your long-term health. Nevertheless, if its consistently happening, even when its remarkably hot outside, you may have a chronic condition that contributes to poor circulation. Sleeping with legs elevated (by using a Leggett & Platt adjustable bed base, or any other method) can be just what the doctor ordered, but to be sure youre doing right by your own body, please contact your doctor to discuss any serious health condition. This can be done actively while watching television, or more passively while sleeping. For those with sinus congestion, Dr Satish Govindaraj, MD recommends sleeping with your head elevated so that your head is above your heart. 9+ dangers of sleeping with feet elevated most standard, 1.Pros and Cons of Sleeping with Legs Elevated Sleep Advisor, 2.Pros & Cons Of Sleeping With Legs Elevated Terry Cralle, 3.Elevating Legs: Health Benefits, How To, Precautions Healthline, 4.9 Benefits Of Sleeping With Your Legs Elevated Sleeping Organic, 5.7 Reasons You Should Sleep with Legs Elevated Yaasa, 6.Is it better to sleep with your head or feet elevated? Find out if living "the high life" is right for you. There are other recommended factors by the medical specialist that you should consider for quality sleep. Placing a lot of pillows under the swollen legs allows the backflow of blood, promoting sufficient blood circulation in the whole body to reduce the swell. But there are some downsides to having a bed in the loft. Leg pain can result from different factors such as water retention, standing for long hours, among others. be the cause. Better for circulation in pregnant women. 5) Pros and Cons of Sleeping with Legs Elevated 5.1) Releases pressure from leg veins 5.2) Reduces varicose veins 5.3) Relieves back pain 5.4) Improves spine alignment 6) Takeaways Proper sleep position is essential in achieving good sleep as well as spinal health. As you can see, there are so many pros of sleeping with legs elevated and even more so. K&H Pet Products Original Bolster Pet Cot Outdoor Elevated Dog Bed with Removable Bolsters - Chocolate/Black Mesh, Large 30 X 42 X 7 Inches . Comfortable for most people/preferred sleeping position. This can lead to congestion, a sore throat, snoring, and even headaches. If you stand all day for work, sitting down can make your legs feel much better. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. As you age, many chronic problems arise, and more often than not, these problems are associated with the nerves in your body. If a section of the blood clot breaks and finds its way to the lungs, it becomes a life and death situation. Keep your legs elevated for approximately twenty minutes. The RICE method is also known as Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Another alternative is using adjustable blankets. Advertisement The air-filled chambers are enclosed in a zippered cover that looks exactly like a standard mattress. Those suffering from back pain are often advised to sleep on their back and use a small pillow under their knees. Many sleep doctors will recommend a wedge pillow for patients that can't use a CPAP machine. It . We can relax knowing that dogs are on watch and on guard, even when they sleep. Exercise can also lead to mild back pain that, if not paid attention to in its early stages, the results can be fatal. } That can make the whole experience of sleeping with legs elevated inconvenient, causing them to give up. Editors notes: The RICE method is highly effective, especially because itll help your body reduce the strain on the muscle and joints, as well as get rid of edema which refers to fluid retention. Benefits of baby sleeping with legs elevated. The conflict between the two yet strong ideas has left people indecisive on what is right or wrong. Under no circumstances should it be considered medical advice. If you rest well, your body organs are bound to improve in their functionality. Other than helping your body stay warm, wearing socks at night also has extra benefits: Prevent hot flashes: Some women find wearing socks helpful for cooling . Sleeping with legs elevated may help improve blood flow and prevent varicose veins. One of the only cons that we could think of when it comes to sleeping with legs elevated is that it can feel extremely uncomfortable for people who tend to turn around a lot when they sleep. A leg elevation pillow is your best bet for keeping your legs elevated all night. However, the only problem is when you do it the wrong way. You can refer to the answers, The following summaries about wife see through in public will help you make more personal choices about more accurate and faster information. Avoid sleeping on the stomach so that it wont worsen some chronic conditions such as sciatica. by Summer | Oct 10, 2022 | Sleeping FAQ's It is generally advised that you avoid sleeping on your right side. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { This results in muscles being overworked and weakened over time, which can lead to more frequent leg cramping during nights. In both situations, elevating your legs using a wedge pillow will allow you to tackle various health problems from poor blood circulation and water edema swelling to reduced risks of deep vein thrombosis. When someone is bedridden (many times in a hospital bed) for a lengthy period of time, their legs and feet may not get enough movement to stimulate blood flow. In addition, elevating the legs with regular pillows can be uncomfortable. These are all the factors that affect your sleep. The Cons of Sleeping with Elevated Legs It May be Uncomfortable It is human nature to toss and turn on the bed to find the most comfortable position. Its a significant change even for back sleepers. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. As we age, our bones become weaker, and we lose fatty issue. Skin irritation from elevating your legs as you sleep is rare but is a possibility. After tackling all the pros and cons of sleeping with legs elevated, its safe to say that the benefits are definitely in the lead. This is a medical condition where blood clots in the vein legs and its severe, and sometimes leads to death. We reviewed the best ones in the market that wont compromise the potassium values in your body. Sleep for ages has been known to be the cure for most illnesses. In addition, elevating the legs with regular pillows can be uncomfortable. The, uttanpadasana yoga pose (aka legs up the wall). 2.5 Easier on You. People who are prone to feeling cold. Sleeping with elevated legs can help tackle severe and chronic back pain (1) even when the cause is sciatica or a herniated disc. Sleeping properly, in an aligned position is of utmost importance for protecting your sciatic nerve from the effects of your lumbar disk pressing on it. Days tend to flow better if you got the necessary length of slumber the night before! You can enjoy the benefits of sleeping with the legs elevated by using just one pillow first, which will raise them a small amount. Doctors recommend elevating your legs overnight as the best way to tackle them(4). In general, elevating the legs during sleep has several advantages and disadvantages. The inversion shifts our bodys gravity and eases the pressure, the breath slows down, and the whole body relaxes. Sleep Educator | Sleep Consultant | Sleep Wellness, Last Updated on April 27, 2022 by Terry Cralle. One is advised to sleep with elevated legs helps to align your posture reducing the pressure on the lower back. But with the many pros come a few cons, such as less oxygen and thin air, which can be tough on the body. Depending on your sleeping habits, your sleeping position may be contributing to your lower back issues. Build some pillows up and rest your feet and legs on the mini hump you have made. By elevating your legs during the night, gravity pulls the water back and reduces swelling in your feet too(2). 6. This lowers the dangers of blood clots forming, the onset of edema and helps to improve poor blood circulation. Editors notes: You should eat potassium-rich nutrients and also try using some sort of diuretic supplements. Potential Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis, , When you are on your feet a lot, gravity pulls blood into the veins of your legs, and some of the water in the blood enters the tissues of your legs and feet, causing them to swell., As discussed in the sections on better blood circulation and inflammation reduction, elevating your legs while sleeping or incrementally throughout the day helps pull older deoxygenated blood towards the heart where the blood, to some extent, is cleaned and then released back into the bloodstream. callback: cb We want to talk about the benefits of elevating the feet and legs up, in general, to ensure that the swelling comes off your feet and you get a more relieving sleep quality over the night. Use pillows to prop up your legs. But if youre looking for night time relief, using a pillow for elevating legs (or an adjustable base) has a similar effect for circulation of the feet and legs which may be helpful for you! In order to remove water thats in the blood of your leg and foot tissues, you can elevate your legs. Many people with excess fluid in their lower legs enjoy kicking their feet up at night on the couch or while in bed as a way to give their legs a break. 1. })(); Pros and Cons of Sleeping with Legs Elevated, How Should You Sleep with Elevated Legs? Sleeping on an incline is observed as a potential form of treatment for a variety of conditions that include poor circulation, sleep apnea, snoring, acid reflux, multiple sclerosis, spinal injuries, and cerebral palsy. Boosts deep sleep, REM sleep, and quality of sleep; Helps with blood circulation and reduces blood clot risks; Helps back pain; Cons or Dangers Of Sleeping in a Recliner Chair. Resting or sleeping with legs elevated is one way of allowing your body to heal and rejuvenate again. Whether youre employing this sleep position to help with a problem you already have or to prevent future issues, there is no denying its effectiveness. It speeds up recovery from injuries such as swelling. 3 The Cons to Elevated Dog Feeders. The leg pillows that resemble a wedge can be found in the right size and provide a steady incline which helps you prevent additional muscle strain. } Quality time at bedtime especially if you want your toddler to sleep peacefully. It is always too important for one to take caution before something worsens. Elevated sleeping position keeps the upper airway open and enables easier breathing - an effective way to manage some problems related to upper respiratory tract . Staying hydrated, eliminating smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption are three dietary tricks to improving blood circulation. We think elevating your lower body is worthwhile, but the decision is ultimately up to you and your doctor. The days tend to flow better if you get enough sleep the night before! You dont have to worry about your pillow shifting in your sleep and waking up to re-adjust it. However, some health experts are against this form of sleeping. Sleeping on your back can lead to a sore lower back as well. After a long, tedious day, you want to lie down and rest. 1. Sleeping on your side with an elevated leg is not that difficult, but these tips will help you do it correctly: The feet and legs must be higher than the heart. If one has an already existing chronic disease, they are at a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. Legs Raised Too High It is important not to raise your legs too high, just above heart level should be sufficient. To keep your relationship healthy, each partner has . Read More:How To Elevate Your Legs While Sleeping On Your Side (Pros, Cons, Tips & Tricks), Your email address will not be published. Prevention is always better than cure. Generally, keeping a fan on is low risk, so it may be worth trying. Sleeping with your legs elevated can reduce the retention of fluids in your legs because the blood circulation is also improved, as we mentioned above. The process needn't be complicated. listeners: [], And as a result, these markers can be used to measure acute inflammation. A king bed is an oversized bed, and the split king is another variant of the king-size mattress, but it is split in the center. But dont worry, this positional change isnt always as complicated as a back sleeper becoming a side sleeper or vice-versa. foods and supplements like turmeric, berries, and avocados can be helpful in keeping inflammation at bay. It may also place some strain on shoulder and upper back muscles. Tents are a hassle to set up and take down- On average, a tent takes 5-10 minutes to pitch.Well-designed backpacking tents can be set up in around 2 minutes. What are some of the reasons why we sleep with our legs elevated? If edema occurs in the arms and legs, it is called peripheral edema. The reason behind it is the reduction of swelling(5). Prone (face down) Pros: Good for sleep apnoea. You are looking : dangers of sleeping with feet elevated, The following summaries about windmark public beach access will help you make more personal choices about more accurate and faster information. CONS. Required fields are marked *. Its even applied in the practice of yoga. Lets get down to the mechanics. Many patients who already have DVT report that, at the very least, lifting legs up above the heart helps relieve some pain. Although edema can be a simple effect of working on your feet all day, consult with . The cover can come with the same pillow-top style features found in standard mattresses . Edema due to poor circulation can be a symptom of larger vascular, kidney, or liver diseases. [2] Here is a list of the biggest concerns you should be aware of. After weighing the pros and cons of sleeping with legs elevated, lets figure out how you can adopt the correct position. Why you should sleep with socks on. Sleeping on the side is more difficult when it comes to sleeping with your legs elevated. Sleeping with elevated legs as a solution for blood flow problems that can be linked back to ancient yoga teachings. Back Pain ReliefSleeping with elevated legs can help tackle severe and chronic back pain(1) even when the cause is sciatica or a herniated disc. The active way of life has us standing most of the time were awake, so why not help our legs and heart rest better at night? We are of course talking about everyones favorite bedding product; the adjustable base. Then there is the headroom deficiency that you have deal with. Editors notes: You can either elevate your legs using simple or wedge pillows, or some other ergonomic type of a pillow that would make it more comfortable. Its down to basic science your bodys circulatory system doesnt have to fight gravity to ensure good blood flow. Many factors can lead to leg edema, including standing or sitting for long hours in one position, eating salty foods, and, in some cases, during pregnancy. Mutual warmth. However, due to your hard-working nature, you put your legs under a lot of pressure, and they are swollen. Zero Gravity Position. Sleeping on the side also means that you can use a wedge pillow, but only to raise the leg that hurts you, as rising both will result in pressure on your joints that one leg is putting on the other one. Days tend to flow better if you got the necessary length of slumber the night before! If taking pressure off your feet is so good, can you (in theory) sleep with your legs up too? What Are the Cons of Sleeping with Feet Elevated. Faster RecoveryElevating an injured leg is the first piece of advice youll get from your doctor. Sleeping with elevated legs has been proven scientifically to be beneficial to the body. For many folks, a simple solution to their sleep woes is using an adjustable bed or pillow to elevate legs in bed. Keep reading to find out the easiest ways to keep them in place. Sleeping with your feet up can cause the muscles in your calves and feet to become tense, leading to cramping or . Instead of the heart pumping harder to bring the blood back to it, gravity does much of the work. Its essentially the fetal position, but instead of being curled up on your side, youre lying on your back. Editors notes: Use a pillow case or cover made out of cotton or linen, or some other material that wont be harsh on your skin. To make it stable, use some folded blankets to help you fall asleep easier. The downside of sleeping with legs elevated is not much of a concern since this sleep position has been proven effective by sleep experts. When counter-rotating the pelvis, you relieve your lower spine from the painful pressure. Not surprisingly, sleeping on the stomach is one of the worst positions for sciatic pain. 4. Elevating your legs also leaves you in a fixed sleeping position so you wont toss around and risk sleeping on your stomach which can be risky for your health. Though you cant solve sciatic nerve pain by altering your sleep position overnight, you can relive some of the suffering by raising your legs above your upper body when laying on your back. Editors notes: Poor circulation can also happen when theres too much blood being stuck and built up in the affected area. Just as the brain gets extra pressure when lying down, the head and face are pressurized, too. Luckily, elevating your legs in the air using one to two smaller pillows or special ergonomic pillows like wedge pillows will help you set your legs at the appropriate angle. In romantic relationships, both the quality and the quantity of sleep each partner receives has an impact on the harmony the couple experiences. Spinal alignment is one of the most important things to consider when sleeping with your legs elevated. Cellulitis This is a skin infection that can cause redness, swelling, and pain. As the pregnancy advances and back pain is experienced, sleeping on the left side with a pillow between the legs provides the best relief. , the right amount of sleep for adults is between 7 and 9 hours. Some people naturally breathe through their mouths, while others breathe through their nose. If you feel your legs getting numb or a lack of blood flow, simply lower your feet for 20 minutes and prop them right back up. As discussed in the sections on better blood circulation and inflammation reduction, elevating your legs while sleeping or incrementally throughout the day helps pull older deoxygenated blood towards the heart where the blood, to some extent, is cleaned and then released back into the bloodstream. According to the Mayo Clinic, the proper amount of sleep for adults is between 7 and 9 hours. Pounding stakes, in particular, can be a challenge if you're camping on hard ground. Sleeping with elevated legs can be uncomfortable as it restricts one from moving to look for a specific position. This can help eliminate muscular tension and pressure, and also keep the spine aligned. It decreases your risk of swollen feet and legs, typically caused by intense pressure in your body. First of all, you are going to have to get up and down every time you need to get out of bed. While it may seem counterintuitive to think about this process reducing strain on heart muscles, there is definitely science behind the claim. If youre physically active, or work while standing for many hours, theres a possibility that your body will retain the fluids and cause the water to bind to your cells, which usually results in painful or swollen legs. There are also negative reasons that may force some people to sleep with their legs up. or just the head or feet on either side. That said, itll be easier if youll have a wedge pillow but everything works. Have you ever faced the struggle of trying to keep the sheets on your bed? If you want a cheap way to prop up your legs in bed, then a pillow is going to be the most cost effective strategy, however, be warned that it is not as functional as the method well list below. Join our email list to receive the latest updates. Regular pillows wont work as well. You can either elevate your knees or your feet. The Cleveland Clinic states that sciatica can be caused by a herniated disc where it becomes an issue suddenly, or by arthritis when the back and leg pain becomes more intense over time. You may also want to experiment with using your adjustable bed in the zero gravity position. Place pillows underneath your feet and ankles to elevate them. Then againthis is a dog bed we're talking about. . BEST CUSHION TYPE pros: The flat cushion style is arguably the most versatile, and easy to wash, and they tend to be slightly less expensive than more structured beds. The Cleveland Clinic states that sciatica can be caused by a herniated disc where it becomes an issue suddenly, or by arthritis when the back and leg pain becomes more intense over time. Have gotten injured recently or have problems with blood pressure? Studies, as well as many health experts, suggest resting by lying in bed, on your back. It is human nature to toss and turn on the bed to find the most comfortable position. But in the meantime, one free method that may be worth trying is to elevate your lower legs on a few pillows while resting in bed. This method has been recognized as one of the most effective ways to reduce swelling. This can be a clear indication that one may be developing a chronic condition. Sleeping elevated also has its sets of drawbacks that you may . But unlike those medical conditions listed in the sections above, swollen feet and legs (without any underlying problems attached) is something every one of us can experience from time to time, According to Harvard Medical School, When you are on your feet a lot, gravity pulls blood into the veins of your legs, and some of the water in the blood enters the tissues of your legs and feet, causing them to swell.. Vein thrombosis, as well as deep-vein thrombosis (DBT), refer to forming of blood clots in the leg veins and many factors can affect that. Stack as many as necessary to elevate your feet to the level of your heart. Raising the legs excessively high can lead to pins and needles or numbness in the legs and feet. A good sleep sack for babies can keep your little one warm and safe while they sleep. Con if you do not sleep in the hammock correctly you will be uncomfortable and possibly have an aching body and feel unrested in the morning. A: For many people with peripheral neuropathy, evenings and nights bring an increase of symptoms such as tingling, burning, numbness or prickling sensations in the legs and feet. -Easy to move: If you have a multi-dog household or even just want to move your dog's bed around, an elevated bed is super easy to pick up and move. Make it better: To help avoid aches in this face-up position,. It is essential to put all these factors into consideration to ensure quality sleep. However, for that, you will need a properly sized and shaped wedge pillow that you will place under your feet or your knees. If this happens, one is recommended to seek medical attention. Stop Mouth Breathing If your mouth is dry upon waking, it usually means that you are breathing through your mouth while sleeping. Advertisement . But, how to sleep with our legs elevated? 2.3 Reduces Strain. If the elevation is too high, you might end up with numbness in your legs during sleep and when you wake up. Nevertheless, given that there are both advantages and disadvantages of sleeping with legs elevated, we decided to write an article that would give more insight into the key pros and cons of sleeping with legs elevated and whether it poses a certain health risk on your body and mind. The last and most expensive option would be sleeping on an adjustable bed. feet, and around the ankles can be drained back to the body, reversing the swelling. Such a sense of safety is anxiety-reducing, calming, and can be great for your sleep quality. This is why leg veins affected by DVT are a greater risk factor to your overall health. Taking it one step further. Sleeping on your stomach may lead to neck pain. Deep vein thrombosis is relevant to elevated legs during sleep because one of the more common causes of the condition is when legs are stationary for too long. 2.2 Prevents Dog From Pushing The Bowl. However, other factors matter such as the time going to sleep and the general quality of your sleep. 1. Prevents swelling and congestion in the thigh area. But theres still caution to be had, and its good to discuss this way of sleeping with your doctor. It can interfere with your blood circulation. It also helps to relieve pain in the legs by promoting enough circulation of blood. The reason lies in the low blood flow to your lower extremities. If you're finding yourself struggling to stay awake, here are our best tips to help you fight sleep and stay awake! Being elevated can pose a heightened challenge on particularly cold nights. ( University Health Service, 2021) Can Reduce Swollen Feet While the split king is . (function() { According to the Mayo Clinic, the right amount of sleep for adults is between 7 and 9 hours. In a situation where mom is breastfeeding, co-sleeping with a toddler is great to continue and encourage their breastfeeding relationship. } A lot of people toss and turn during the night and cant sleep in the same position. Both Johns Hopkins and many other trusted medical sources suggest keeping legs elevated a few times per day as a possible treatment for varicose leg veins where the swelling is milder to moderate. If youre entering older age, or you suffer from a chronic condition that affects the body absorption in your body, retains the water, and causes your joints, feet, knees, and hips to swell, you may feel difficulty sleeping through the night, as those joints and muscles could likely get painful. Many health experts, as well as research studies throughout the years, show that its necessary to get an adequate amount of sleep every day. It may be harder to breathe with the body's weight pressing down on the lungs and limiting the motion of the rib cage and diaphragm , which sits just below the lungs. First, it can put strain on your back and neck, which can lead to pain and stiffness. People with these problems usually find immediate relief by sleeping elevated 10-30 degrees. Depending on the severeness of your back pain, you might need a higher elevation or a pillow under the knees. 2.1 Reduces Risk of Critters. 4. Sleeping on the floor may increase the risk of fractures or feeling too cold. It also strengthens the bond between the parent and child. The pain can be unbearable, leaving poor sleeping patterns. Some of them include arthritis, scoliosis, discus hernia, and others. Sleeping with your legs elevated can cause leg cramps because it increases the amount of time your legs are in a flexed position. Not to forget, the constant contact of your skin with the elevation aid can lead to irritation. If the patient has swollen legs that can result from various factors such as age or injury, they are recommended to sleep with elevated legs. Although it's not therapy, the health benefits of sleeping with the legs elevated are unavoidable in this condition. The darkness provided by the mask allows for more hours of sleep. You need to elevate your legs above the heart level, and the angle between your thighs and the bed shouldnt be greater than 45 degrees. Adjustable beds by Leggett & Platt, Reverie, and other companies have a wide array of features that customers love; including but not limited to: As a Leggett & Platt retailer, we may be a little bias, but many online reviewers and experts agree that Leggett & Platts S-Cape 2.0 adjustable bed is one of the best adjustable bases out there for not only elevating your legs, but generally as one of the best adjustable beds on the market today. Here are some tips for sleeping with your legs elevated: 1. 5 Living at high altitude has many pros: breathtaking scenery, clean air, stimulating recreational activities and definite health benefits. Your legs need to be at least a few inches higher than your body to achieve the desired effect. That said, the water from your legs can slowly disappear. Cons Of Elevating Your Legs While Sleeping On Your Side 1. -Elevated or raised dog beds are great for outdoor use. There are many ways to reduce the swelling and water retention, such as diuretics, but even diuretics in the long term could be bad because they cause you to lose other elements such as potassium which are essential to the proper functioning of your digestive tract and cardiovascular system. Its possible to have to elevate your legs way too much, and youll feel the consequences right away. It can put strain on your back and neck. Reduce Edema Pain and Swollen Feet Edema is the swelling of a body part due to built-up fluid in body tissue, which commonly affects the arms, legs, and feet. Please refer to the information below. While it may seem counterintuitive to think about this process, strain on heart muscles, there is definitely science behind the claim, Best Ways To Elevate Your Legs While Sleeping, Adjustable Beds for Sleeping With Legs Elevated. The Log Position: Position - Lying on either of the sides while placing the hand on the hip. Place a pillow between your legs while lying on your side. Thats why we wanted to help you make the sleeping time with elevated legs easier and maximize comfortable sleep. 2022 Sleep Underground Contact Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions. 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