Sleeping With Your Head Raised, Benefits

sleeping with your head raised

by Adam Carmen1/21/2019

The Benefits

There have always been many illnesses and other physiological problems associated with sleep or perhaps the lack of it. People usually focus on the number of hours that they get to sleep at night. Even if they go as far as thinking about ergonomics, they might change their mattress or pillow. Head elevation, however, is not a factor that is typically taken into consideration. Although it is a very simple little trick, sleeping with your head raised is linked with the relief of multiple disorders and minor health problems. Although it sounds like an old wives tale, studies show that sleeping with your head in the wrong position may negatively affect your blood circulation and flow of oxygen which may lead to certain illnesses. Since we sleep up to 8 hours in a day, we can assume that we are at risk for more than 1-third of our day.

Heart Burn (Acid Reflux or GERD)

Late night heavy dinners have always been advised against, but most people go to bed with a full stomach. Since the food has not yet been broken down, it can wreak havoc on your system. Belching, heartburn, regurgitation, chest and esophagus discomfort can be avoided simply by sleeping with your head raised 6 – 8 inches. The gravitational force pulling on your body, although minimal, can help reduce stomach acid from traveling up your esophagus.

Sinusitis

There are many people in this world who are plagued with sinusitis be it temporary or chronic. A clogged nose and a heavy head have been the reasons behind many sleepless nights. Elevating your head while you sleep allows the sinuses to drain more conveniently, allowing you to breathe smoothly and can help avoid any further complications. It may help avoid future problems or the accumulation of phlegm in case of chronic sinusitis.

Snoring

As mysterious as the reasons behind snoring are, ranging from sinus to the unknown, the cure to it is just as mysterious. Simply raising your head ever so slightly helps reduce or even prevent snoring in some. More than 50% adults snore while they sleep. Although this may not be a problem for those sleeping, raising your head may deliver some well-deserved peace to the person next to you!

Dark Circles

I guess this must be a conspiracy by beauty creams, but no one seems to know that dark circles can simply be reduced in many cases by elevating your head during sleep. The elevated position improves the blood circulation throughout the face and eyes which reduces the puffiness and dark circles around the eyes.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea is a serious and dangerous condition in which breathing ceases multiple times during sleep. In some cases mild apnea can be helped by elevating your head. This helps keep the airways open and prevents any blockage in the path of the lungs allowing oxygen to pass smoothly. Apnea, however, should never be taken lightly. Make sure to consult your doctor if you are suffering from or believe that you have sleep apnea. While no one solution works for everyone, sleeping with your head raised has many benefits, especially if you suffer from Acid Reflux (GERD).

Sleeping with your head raised is a simple, drug free way to improve your nighttime rest. As noted above, there are many conditions that can cause discomfort when sleeping on a flat bed. The simple act of sleeping with your head raised can provide some simple, yet effective relief.

self-inflating bed wedge pillow

Say Goodbye to nighttime reflux!