Tilting The Bed- Does It Help??

[LMG]

I have seen this posted before but would like to revisit it.

Many experts suggest raising the head of the bed several inches.

I have had it raised several inches for 11 months and I am not sure it has done a thing. Also wonder if it causes more problems with migraines (blood flow?).

What experiences have all of you had with this?

[hippychic258]

I to was told to raise my bed and I did and it made me so much more symptomatic. Then I had a phone consult with Pots specialist in New York and she said she didn't recommend it one way or the other. So my experience is didn't work for me but it may work for someone else.

Pam

[Guest Alex]

I am in the same boat - I was suggested to raise my bed. Did for a while, didn't notice the slightest improvement or change in my condition, so I'm back to normal. Not to mention that for me it wasn't comfortable sleeping that way. Others - like you said Pam - find this helpful. Needless to emphasize how different we all are, despite having the same diagnostic.

Alex

[E Soskis]

There are several reasons why elevating the head may help. Most everyone with dysautonomia experiences "orthostatic hypotension" - our blood pressure drops when we stand up (especially suddenly stand) - A fair number of us with this orthostatic hypotension also have "supine hypertension" - our blood pressure goes way up when we lie flat. Having both conditions makes treatment for the dysautonomia kind of touchy - drugs for raising BP (midodrine) can cause extreme hypertension when we lie down flat. So, by gentle elevation of the head of the bed at night, we can avoid this nocturnal high blood pressure yet, still receive enough circulation to our brains, lungs, and heart.

Another reason to elevate the head of bed at night has to do with certain hormonal systems that kick in during sleep. A flat position at night can alter the type of hormonal production we need. A 30-degree elevation of the head can help key the body into the right kind of hormonal production and prevent "nocturnal diuresis" - blood pooling in places we don't want it to pool at night.

Yet, another reason to elevate the head of bed has to do with our natural circulation and how well our organs are perfused. A recliner-type position at night facilitates the best circulation - especially for critical blood flow to brain, heart, and lungs.

Having now expounded upon the virtues of gentle elevation of the head - if it does not work for you, then it does not work! Not everyone with dysautonomia (regardless of the type) responds favorably to this. I have an auto-immune based dysautonomia and it is a necessity for me - I cannot lie flat - even when I have very little blood pressure -

It sure would be nice if our medical "professionals" would thoroughly explain why they advise certain treatments. I have spent hours researching different recommendations and have been quite amused at some of my findings!

Knowledge is powerful!

[diamondcut]

I have mine lifted and i would say it does benefit me, not much, but the smallest amount of improvement i welcome!

[Kellysavedbygrace]

I have tried to elevate my bed and tried sleeping in a reclined position. In both instances I was much more symptomatic following the elevation - migraines, parasthesias, pre syncope, fatigue, etc.

I have low blood pressure and it was interesting to hear E's explanation. I had always thought of it as another form of tilt training- that, I also can't tolerate due to symptoms.

[spinner]

I can only speak for myself obviously, but using two pillows significantly helps. It is not always comfortable but i feel better the next day.

Tilting the bed is my next thing to try.

As always with this crazy syndrome, everything is trial and error and individualized.

[Alaska]

I really took this seriously and purchased a new bed for over 2,500 bucks to make it happen. I have the head elevated probably between 10-12 inches. It's been about 9 months and I hate to say I don't think it helped. If anything, I think I have been having more surges where I wake up in fear/panic, probably because my blood pressure drops and my body is saying "lie down" but I'm elevated. I've actually thought about putting in down again. But, this week I have been sleeping better? So, for me, I don't think it's helping.