Adjustable Beds: Great for Ailments of the Elderly

By David Cardoza


Many people that get up in years tend to have a lot of health problems that make sleeping through the night very difficult. Thankfully, adjustable beds are available to remedy these problems. Here are just a few health benefits.

Relief from pain and swelling

Chronic back pain is often a problem as a person's bones age. This kind of severe pain can create problems when standing, sitting, walking, or anything. In order to not lose sleep because of back pain, a slightly elevated position is needed to relieve the pressure on your back. These beds can be adjusted slightly to relieve the pressure from your back so that you will not feel pain all night.

In their older age, many people experience occasional swelling in their limbs, especially the ankles. This condition, called edema, can lead to a long list of other health issues if not relieved. Elevation of the legs allows for this swelling to be relieved, and allows blood to move away from the feet a little better.

Breathe better

Breathing problems are another issue that elderly people often get. They cannot do much without getting out of breath, and many have to use oxygen tanks and/or sleeping masks. Sleeping in an elevated position allows for air to pass through the lungs more efficiently and oxygen masks to stay on your face while you sleep. Knowing that you will be able to breathe through the night is much of a relief for people.

Elevation also allows breathing when you are sick with cold or experiencing allergy problems as well. Unfortunately, these issues don't go away in older age. They actually get even worse, because your body is worn and tired, and they have more of an effect. Adjustable beds can help you breathe better at night.

Gout

Gout is a major problem in elderly people, and the only remedy for it is to keep your feet and legs elevated until this painful condition passes. Sleeping with your feet propped up on a pillow just doesn't do the job as well because they can move, your feet can sink into them, etc. Adjustable beds allow you to sleep with your feet slightly elevated.

Acid reflux

Acid reflux is another very common condition, not just with elderly people, but people of all ages. When trying to sleep with acid reflux, lying flat only increases the discomfort and at times severe pain caused by this condition. Elevating yourself a little will prevent acid reflux from occurring.




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