Experiencing circulation issues can impact your everyday life, especially when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. Poor circulation can cause pain, numbness, tingling or a cold sensation throughout the body, and usually affects your legs, hands, fingers and toes. This results in discomfort during the night, also leading to poor quality of sleep.
Poor blood circulation can be the result of various health conditions, which include:
- Diabetes (types 1 and 2)
- Obesity
- Heart conditions
- Arterial issues, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD)
People aged over 40 and those who smoke are also more likely to experience poor blood circulation. On this page, we've listed our top tips on how to manage poor circulation to help you get a better night’s sleep. You should also consider getting medical advice from your health care provider if you think you have poor circulation and need help managing it.
At Opera, we’ve helped hundreds of customers find the best bed to suit their needs - including those with a named medical condition that affects their circulation. Our collection of hospital beds and adjustable beds have back and leg adjustment settings, providing a range of comfortable positions to properly support you in bed.
There are a number of health benefits associated with sleeping with your legs raised, including improving your circulation. You can find some of the main benefits of using the Opera range of beds below.
If you have any more questions, speak to a member of our friendly team and we'll be happy to help.
Improve poor blood circulation by changing your sleeping position
Your sleeping position can have a significant impact on your body’s circulation, as certain sleeping positions can put pressure on different areas of the body. This pressure can interfere with the flow of blood through your veins and arteries.
The best sleeping position for poor circulation may vary depending on your individual circumstances. However, those with poor blood circulation should usually avoid sleeping on their stomachs. This is because this position can put additional pressure on your blood vessels and limit blood flow.
The best sleeping position for those with poor circulation is where the spine is properly aligned and your body weight is evenly distributed. Adjusting the mattress position of your bed can encourage blood flow and circulation, as well as reducing the risk of varicose veins.
Our range of beds are designed to improve blood flow and circulation throughout the body. Every Opera bed has back-rest adjustment for proper postural support and comfort.
If you find sleeping on your back uncomfortable, sleeping with your legs elevated can help to improve your circulation. Our electric adjustable beds also have a zero-gravity position, which provides a pressure free sleeping position. The zero-gravity function places your legs and head slightly higher than your heart, which helps improve circulation.
Poor circulation in your legs
Vascular diseases can affect the circulation in your legs, which can cause pain and discomfort, further affecting your quality of sleep. Some of the most common vascular diseases include:
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVP)
- Edema
Those with poor blood circulation may find themselves waking up with numbness. Simply changing to a better sleeping position can alleviate minor symptoms and improve circulation. If you have a health condition caused by poor circulation, you may be worth speaking to your health care provider for medical advice.
If you find sleeping on your back uncomfortable, sleeping with your legs elevated slightly can take pressure off your spine and reduce swelling in your legs. The Opera range of beds makes it easier to sleep in an elevated position by simply pressing the handset. Electronically adjusting your bed also means that you don’t have to use pillows to lift your legs up.
At Opera, we’re committed to finding the best bed and mattress solution for your needs. If you or your loved one have poor circulation, an adjustable bed can help provide the right support for better sleep. You can also purchase any of our products VAT free if you have a named medical condition or disability.
We also offer a free consultation for customers who are unsure of which bed type they need.
Being active can improve poor blood circulation
A lack of activity and exercise is one of the contributing factors of poor circulation. One of the easiest ways of improving circulation is by taking a brisk walk. However, if you have a disability or poor mobility, stretching can also be a good way to increase blood flow.
Stretching regularly can enhance circulation to help provide a better night’s sleep. Doing gentle exercises can help to improve your circulation, as well as your overall mobility. Meanwhile, stretching can be done from anywhere and can be adapted to suit the needs of the individual. Some examples of easy stretches to do at home to help improve your circulation include:
- Lifting your legs one at a time (from a standing or seated position)
- Ankle rotations (from a seated position)
- Lifting your heels up (holding onto a chair)
Your local GP or medical professional can also help provide suitable exercises and treatments to help with poor circulation.
The wrong mattress can have an impact on your circulation
Sleeping on a mattress that doesn’t support your body can lead to the mattress breaking down, causing you aches and pains as part of the process.
If you have poor circulation, it is essential that your mattress is supportive and comfortable. If your mattress is too firm it can create pressure on the body which restricts blood flow.
Memory foam and gel mattresses are the best mattress options to help with circulation issues. These types of mattresses conform well to the body and provide a supportive sleeping surface.
At Opera, we have a wide selection of adjustable mattresses with varying fillings and firmness ratings. If you would like us to guide you to the best option, get in touch with our team today.
Pressure care mattresses can also contribute to a good night’s sleep for poor circulation. These types of mattresses distribute pressure evenly to reduce the risk of tissue damage and improve circulation. Care mattresses help to reduce the amount of pressure on the body. This can benefit those who have limited mobility, circulation issues or spend long amounts of time in bed.
If you or your loved one sleep on a mattress that causes overheating, this can affect your circulation. Circulation is maintained by a regular body temperature, so it’s important to choose a mattress that is well ventilated and does not trap heat.
The Opera range of mattresses help to regulate body temperature. Our pressure care mattresses all have a PU cover, which is breathable and prevents heat build-up. Meanwhile, our comfort mattresses come with a cool-weave top cover to keep you cool during the night and stop excess heat.
Hydration encourages circulation
Staying hydrated is important for many aspects of your health, including maintaining good circulation. Ensuring that your body is properly hydrated helps your heart pump more blood. By doing so, it encourages better circulation and helps to provide you with a better night’s sleep.
If you or your loved one has poor blood circulation, it is essential that you are drinking enough water every day. The recommended number of fluids daily is 2.7 litres for women and 3.7 litres for men. To help get a good night’s sleep, stay hydrated by drinking a glass of water a few hours before bed to reduce muscle cramps in your feet.
Finding the best solution for your circulation issues
Making changes to your lifestyle and investing in the right bed and mattress can massively improve your circulation issues. This will also lead to a better quality of sleep, making you feel much better in the long run.
Lifestyle changes you can make include:
- Sleeping in a position that provides circulation and support
- Being active and moving to encourage blood flow (where possible)
- Choosing a bed and mattress that is suitable for your needs
- Ensuring you are well hydrated
For further guidance, our team can take you through our consultation process. We’ll make suitable recommendations based on you or your loved ones needs.
If you’d prefer to see our sleeping options online, our handy bed selector tool takes less than five minutes and provides instant solutions to your needs.
If you'd prefer to speak to a member of our team before committing to a purchase, call us on 0333 222 8584 and we'll help you make the perfect sleeping arrangements.
