6 Ways Adjustable Beds Can Help With Arthritis

There’s nothing like the feeling of waking up refreshed after a good night’s sleep, ready for another day. This is probably because our body does its best healing work when we’re asleep, while the systems that are busy when we’re awake are taking a rest. With this in mind, it makes sense that we should try and get as much good quality sleep as we can, in order to get the most out of our days.

Unfortunately, for the estimated 10 million people in the UK living with arthritis, this is something they can only dream about, as the pain and discomfort often keeps them tossing and turning throughout the night. However, thanks to new technologies and better understanding of the condition, there are now several products available that can make life much more comfortable for those who have to live with it.

What is arthritis?

The word arthritis comes from the Greek words ‘arthro’, for joint, and ‘itis’, for inflammation – and while there are several forms of the condition, all are characterised by swollen and inflamed joints which in turn causes pain, stiffness and restriction of movement. Although it can occur anywhere it’s most common in the weight-bearing joints of the knees, hips and spine, and the hard-working joints of the hand and wrist. Of all the variations of the disease, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common.

In osteoarthritis, the smooth cartilage around the joints breaks down causing irritation to the tendons and ligaments. In extreme cases the cartilage can wear away completely causing bone to rub against bone, potentially resulting in painful spurs. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an immune response which targets the protective fluid around the joints, leading to eventual breakdown of the cartilage and bone.

Arthritis can develop from any age, although the average age for diagnosis is 40 years and some forms – such as osteoarthritis – are much more common in women than in men. Unfortunately there’s no cure, but it can be managed with lifestyle changes and in some cases with medication or surgery. As it’s a degenerative condition, it’s important to minimise damage to the joints and prevent the erosion of precious bone cartilage as much as possible.

How does arthritis effect sleep?

Sleep is a great healer, so the longer you can stay asleep the more time the body has to combat the swelling and inflammation caused by arthritis. Unfortunately for many that’s easier said than done, as it’s estimated that up 80% of arthritis sufferers have trouble sleeping. It’s not entirely known why arthritis pain is often worse at night, although it’s possibly due to hormonal changes or the fact that medication taken during the day may have worn off.

Not only does this make it extremely difficult for someone with arthritis to get comfortable in bed, but the pain can also often wake them during the night. To make matters worse, studies have found that as pain can affect sleep, so can poor sleep cause an inflammatory response in the body – a disaster for arthritis sufferers. So how can they avoid this vicious cycle and give their body maximum rest and recovery time?

Firstly, start by following the current advice about good sleeping habits. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, exercise during the day and make the bedroom as dark and quiet as possible. You can also make it much easier to find a comfortable sleeping position by investing in an recliner bed.

How are adjustable beds good for arthritis?

1. Being able to sleep in the ‘Zero-Gravity’ position, with the head and feet slightly raised, helps distribute the body’s weight evenly and supports the natural ‘S’ shape of the spine. In this way adjustable beds help knee pain and other symptoms by taking pressure off the joints and preventing further damage to the afflicted areas.
2. This elevation of the legs also helps improve circulation, and the elimination of pressure points means blood can flow freely around the joints, carrying healing cells and nutrients to inflamed fingers, knees and hips.
3. As arthritis becomes more debilitating, the sufferer may be forced to spend more time in bed, where pain and stiffness can make it harder to change position. This can not only make the pain and stiffness worse but can lead to other conditions such as thrombosis and pressure sores. With an electric adjustable bed, however, the user can change their position easily with a remote control.
4. New mattress technology means that the most supportive and comfortable materials – including memory foam, latex and gel foam – are flexible enough to be used on adjustable beds. By moulding to the shape of the body they support the joints and provide a feeling of being ‘cocooned’. Memory foam also retains heat, which can ease painful and swollen joints.
5. Studies have found that our sleep quality decreases as we age, which is a problem when we rely on our sleep time for our bodies to heal. By supporting the body in a more comfortable position, an adjustable bed can reduce the likelihood of waking in the night, resulting in better sleep and more energy during the day.
6. Investing in an adjustable bed for arthritis can also make life easier for those who are already in considerable pain or of limited mobility. Made-to-measure pivot points allow the user to be supported in a sitting position, so they can do things like reading and eating without having to get out of bed or worry about pressure sores developing. Some beds, such as the Bingley rotating bed, also make it easier for the user to get in and out of bed on their own.

The bottom line

For now, there is no cure for arthritis, but management and treatment can slow its progress and reduce its impact on daily life. As it’s a degenerative condition, the sooner these preventative measures are taken the better. Investing in a good quality adjustable bed makes sense when you know it’s going to benefit you for a long time.

As everyone’s experience of arthritis is different, it’s best to choose a bed tailored to your needs and measurements. Fortunately, the Mobility Furniture Company has one of the widest ranges in the UK, so whatever your individual needs may be, your dream of a good night’s sleep might finally become a reality.