Getting a good night's sleep has a whole range of benefits from simply feeling more energised to improving overall health.
Reducing caffeine intake or ditching phone screens before heading to bed can help us fall asleep quicker and better quality rest. But there is something else that can improve the overall quality of your sleep as well as combattig an array of common health concerns.
According to sleep specialists at Opera Beds, the "zero-gravity" sleeping position can help with the symptoms of health struggles and issues such as snoring, arthritis, muscle pain, heartburn and more. The experts also suggest that the position is the best way to drift off to sleep more easily, reports the Mirror.
What is the "zero-gravity" sleeping position?
They explained: "Zero-gravity is a neutral position that's achieved by laying flat on your back and raising both your head and feet slightly above your heart level, so the spine is neutrally aligned - therefore relieving pressure on your body.
"It was developed by NASA to protect astronauts' bodies from the significant forces they're subjected to during space travel. They found the neutral position to mean the head is raised at a 90-degree angle and the body at around 120 degrees, with knees and elbows slightly bent.
"In sleep, your body works to maintain your physical and mental health, but resting in the wrong position or lying flat could do the opposite - putting more pressure on certain parts of the body and hindering its ability to rejuvenate itself."
What health concerns can the sleeping position help with?
Muscle tension, joint pain and sports injuries
The sleeping position is credited with helping to ease strain on joints and tissues, meaning it is a great choice for anyone with ongoing aches and pains, the experts suggest.
Opera Beds said: "The position simulates weightlessness and alleviates pressure, so can help to relieve everyday aches and pains. Often, sleeping in other positions including on your side can result in painful hips and shoulders.
"In zero-gravity, people suffering from chronic pain can find their symptoms are alleviated when the spine is neutrally-aligned.
"Our spines make up a natural 'S' shape which conventional beds don't conform to, and this sometimes leads to back pain. Sleeping in this position means it can align perfectly with the curve of your spine. This can result in less pressure on the back, and reduces the risk of pressure sores too.
"When it comes to sports injuries, because sleeping with legs raised helps to increase blood flow and circulation it can take the pressure off of the injured area."
Arthritis
Arthritis sufferers can struggle when trying to fall asleep due to the achy, stiff and/or swollen joints, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
This can impact the amount of sleep and minimise the amount of rest people get, reducing the time the body has to recuperate.
Opera Beds said: "Because zero-gravity can help to alleviate tension in the body, this sleeping position can directly help with arthritis, and the inflammation of the joints.
"Your weight in this position, on an adjustable bed, is distributed evenly unlike on a regular or flatbed, which helps with the pressure that can lead to the uncomfortable symptoms of arthritis. By sleeping in an elevated position you're also helping to relieve swelling around your joints."
Sleep apnoea and snoring
Snoring may not cause pain or discomfort to the person making the noise, but the person sleeping next to you or even a friend or family member in the next room may have something to say about it.
Snoring can result in sleep disruption for you and your partner if you are woken up and told to be quiet or roll over.
It can also be a sign of more serious sleep disorders including sleep apnoea, but the "zero-gravity" position could help.
The experts added: "The zero-gravity position lifts the head section gently to put you in the optimum position that opens the airways and therefore helps to prevent vibration on the throat tissues, which can reduce snoring.
"The head is also elevated to prevent the tongue from falling back into the throat and blocking the airway which again can lead to snoring - providing a more practical and comfortable solution than pillow stacking which can be bad for neck muscles."
Circulation issues, oedema and varicose veins
Poor circulation can be caused by various conditions. This happens when there is a build-up of fluid in the body causing tissue to become swollen.
However, the experts say that the sleeping position can help relieve symptoms.
"The head and knees are aligned and slightly elevated above the level of your heart. This, combined with minimal pressure on the body, allows for better circulation, leading to healthier sleep", they said.
The sleeping position may also be beneficial for those suffering from varicose veins. This is where veins are swollen and enlarged, often found on the legs and feet, causing muscle cramps, swollen feet and an uncomfortable "burning" sensation.
"Sleeping with the legs elevated helps with varicose veins, as it lets them rest properly without pressure build-up - which promotes healing and relaxation," they added.
Acid reflux, heartburn and digestion problems
Heartburn impacts more people from time to time causing some discomfort and even difficulty sleeping.
One in every four adults experience the burning sensation after eating, a symptom of acid reflux. This is where gastric acid is regurgitated into the oesophagus.
Opera Beds said: "Sleeping with your head raised slightly helps with heartburn and acid reflux and can reduce the symptoms. It ensures gravity can work to prevent stomach acid from leaking up into the oesophagus.
"It can also promote healthy digestion, reducing the risk of heartburn and acid reflux. Sleeping in an elevated position helps the body to process food easier, as sleeping in a flat position can slow down the digestion process and makes it harder."
Pregnancy struggles, including blood pressure disorders
Getting comfy in bed can be difficult but it becomes even more testing during pregnancy.
However, the experts say that the sleeping position can provide some much needed support to swollen feet and legs, along with helping with back strain.
Opera Beds continued: "Zero-gravity simulates weightlessness so there's no pressure on the body, and it also helps distribute the weight evenly which can make it more comfortable for pregnant women to sleep at night.
"Adjustable beds also help with leg and foot swelling which can be common in pregnancy by offering leg adjustment. Sleeping with the back-rest raised also helps relieve lower back pain and provide proper postural support."
Blood pressure disorders can occur during pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension.
The "zero-gravity" sleeping position with the head and legs elevated above heart level, overall blood pressure can be improved.
Nicole Brûlé-Walker, health and wellbeing strategist and the founder of Sequoia Wellbeing, works with clients needing physical support due to injuries and chronic pain.
She said: "The zero-gravity position is a tremendous tool for promoting health in the circulation and lymphatic system. We spend so much of our lifetime in bed and many people I see aren't great with sleep, often changing positions to get more comfortable, they wake up numerous times in the night.
"In the position, you have no pressure areas so you're less likely to need to change positions, which brings a more continuous sleep state.
"When I'm consulting on an injury basis, I help clients create a similar position using bolsters or cushions to help reduce swelling and inflammation, so healing has a more beneficial environment to occur in."
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