Incline Bed Therapy
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Experience Healing Sleep With Inclined Bed Therapy

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Acid Reflux
Posted by William (Klamath Falls, OR) on 05/07/2006
 ★★★★☆

Lifted head end of bed about three inches. Helps, doesn't cure, night time acid reflux.

Acid Reflux
Posted by Maggie (Australia) on 06/05/2016

Inclined bed therapy requires the bed to be raised a minimum of 6 inches at the head of the bed.

Insomnia
Posted by Awreeve (Asheville ) on 11/06/2021
 ★★★★☆

I have been using Inclined Bed Therapy for 7 months, 5”. Prime reason for insomnia. I believe it helps to keep me asleep, but I wake up in the early hours, 3-4 am with my feet and lower legs off the mattress and I need to climb back to the top. Does anyone else have this issue? Any suggestions how to stay in the bed? My sheets are eucalyptus, not silky, the mattress is multilayer foam Nectar Premier. Platform bed, no boxspring. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Acid Reflux, Edema
Posted by DFORCA (Sequim, WA.) on 01/18/2021
 ★★☆☆☆

I've tried raising the head of my bed six inches, because of acid reflux.

Had a bad dream, I dreamed that I was on a shear mountain rock wall inching my way along a narrow ledge.

What did work, was laying on my right-side, this seemed to remove the pressure of the stomach contents coming back up the throat.

Now, I just go to bed with an empty stomach and sleep on either side.

I've tried raising the foot of my bed six inches, to try and reduce the foot swelling.

It didn't work for me, what did work, was placing an extra comforter folded up into a large garbage bag.

I placed that under my calves for about an hour.

My feet didn't look normal, but, the swelling had gone down noticeably, I was able to tie my shoe laces without my feet hurting.

Back Muscle Tightness
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 10/04/2018

Suzieq, lower the incline of your bed. It seems too high for you. A lower incline gives just as many benefits.

Varicose Veins
Posted by twitch_64 (Ohio) on 02/17/2024

If your bed is 80 inches long as in typical standard American queen or king size beds, the incline needs to be 7 inches to create the 5 degree incline. This is confusing because Andrew almost always states 6 inches, however the bed length standard where he lives is 75-78 inches, which requires 6 1/4 to 6 5/8 inches.

Hope that helps,

Blessings!

Circulation
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 06/27/2011
 ★★★★★

when I would get swollen ankles, I would elevate my feet in an "L" against the wall. It helped. but now that my bed is 2 inches higher at the head, I find I get up with non-swollen ankles even without elevation.

Broad Benefits
Posted by Cindy (Kansas, USA) on 10/04/2008
 ★★★★★

Just wanted to share my experiences with "incline bed therapy" that I read about here on earth clinic.

I've found IBT to be one of those things that one should just do, do now and do for the rest of their lives. I am 100% convinced that people should not sleep flat. Ever.

After sleeping inclined (6 degrees)for 3 1/2 weeks I slept flat for one night. 4 glaring differences were 1) I had to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, 2) I looked about 20 years older when I got up the next morning, 3) I was extremely dehydrated when I got up (I'm a big fan of the watercure and hydration, in general), and 4) what I thought was fat ankles - which I've had my entire life - was actually edema, which completely disappeared.

I was so amazed by the improved skin tone and younger appearance in the face and the fact that my ankles were no longer fat that I failed to noticed that I wasn't getting up in the middle of the night with a great urge to go to the bathroom. Nor had I noticed that the struggle to keep hydrated had disappeared when I started sleeping on the incline. After sleeping flat for one night, I felt as if I couldn't get hydrated all the following day.

I don't have any health problems, so I can't speak to that, but if one's circulation is disrupted when lying flat, as Mr. Fletcher discovered, then it stands to reason that even a "healthy" person would benefit from a 50% increase in the time the body spends in a state of proper circulation. I can only imagine what it would do for people with serious health issues!

Aside from the occasional experiment, I will definitely be sleeping on an incline for the rest of my life. And to clarify, that is a straight incline. It isn't the "hospital bed" position where only the head is raised.

EC: Thanks, Cindy -- new remedy page created! Question: what did you use to raise the head of the bed 6 degrees, bricks?

Acid Reflux
Posted by Todd (San Jose, CA) on 02/12/2008
 ★★★★★

I have acid reflux only at night. I wake up with a sore throat in the morning. I put bricks under my bed making the head of the bed higher than the foot. (Actually I used one brick and one piece of plywood cut the shape of the brick. However the floor sloped from the foot of the bed down to the head. Thus the net effect was one brick. It was the sloped floor that gave me this idea.) My acid reflux went away. I no longer woke up with a sore throat. This worked for over five years. Then I slept without the bricks for a week. My acid reflux came back. I replaced the bricks. However, my acid reflux had grown worse. I now need two bricks, instead of one.

This might work only for mild cases. I tried it right away as soon as I got acid reflux.

Sleeping position might matter as to whether this cure works. I sleep on my back. I did not adopt sleeping on my back because of the acid reflux. I had slept that way most of my life.

Does anyone know whether some sleeping positions are better than others for acid reflux, i.e. back, left side, or right side? Which way does the connection between the stomach and the esophagus point? Is it the same for all people, or does it vary?

Acid Reflux
Posted by Jeannie (Us) on 05/25/2015

To cure acid reflux, take a flat teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda every 12 hours for 6 weeks. It will be gone!

Insomnia
Posted by RedCardinal (Minneapolis, MN) on 06/18/2024 5 posts
 ★★★★★

I have the 7" head riser (for 5 degrees recommended incline on a King bed, 5" for a regular bed) going down to nothing (King size). Using a 3" memory foam mattress topper really helps you from sliding down as it molds to your body.

I get swollen ankles and since I've done the IBT, my ankles have never looked better in the morning.

Acid Reflux, Edema
Posted by Charity (faithville, Us) on 01/19/2021

I have some experience on rehydration. The body is very interesting . When it thinks there is a shortage it hoards stuff. Kind of like me I suppose. Then, when you get a bunch of that stuff the body at first keeps hoarding it ....too much water can kill you and I was learning about water and salt years ago. I had a bad week of trying to do too much salt and water too fast . Start low dose and slow with any addition of exercise or food or liquid or supplements or creams or oils or inhalants. Use CAUTION so you don't have to suffer or die.

Acid Reflux, Edema
Posted by Cindy (Illinois, USA) on 01/19/2021 540 posts

For "edema", rebounding. Get the lymphatic system circulating. If you have to, bounce on the edge of the bed, sitting far enough back that your feet are off the floor. The lymphatic system doesn't have a heart or any other physical pump, other than YOU and that motion will do the pumping. Plus, it just feels good so, BONUS!

Back Pain
Posted by Maria Cuevas (Florida) on 09/10/2016

Hi, Was wondering if you could elaborate on your comment about the two glasses of water that provided relief from acid reflux. When did you drink the two glasses of water and how often during the day. Was the drinking of the water related with your experience with the inclined bed? I get night time acid reflux. Thanks for any info you can provide..

Broad Benefits
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 02/21/2013

Mario, you can try sleeping one or two nights without the pillows and see what happens. When I first started putting the bed on an incline, I was afraid of swelled ankles. But to my surprise, the swelling went down - totally counterintuitive - whereas in the past, only putting the feet up a wall while lying flat, got the swelling down.

Circulation
Posted by Shetawk (PHILADELPHIA, PA, USA) on 11/30/2008
 ★★★★★

Incline bed... I raised the foot of my bed by putting shoe boxes between the mattress and boxspring. Foot swelling went away. Didn't want to lower the head by putting risers under bottom legs because it may have caused reflux.

Acid Reflux
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 06/06/2016

Maggie, I've seen impressive results in taking down swollen feet, with less height.

Insomnia
Posted by mmsg (somewhere, europe) on 11/07/2021

Awreeve, lower the bed. It works even with less of an incline.

Edema
Posted by Beth (Israel) on 06/04/2017
 ★★★★★

We love the ibt, have been with it for probably 8 years!

We started because of swollen feet in pregnancy so for the swelling it is amazing but for the varicose veins I can't really say!!! Would love to hear if u have more home remedies for them.

EC: Hi Beth, Here's our page on Varicose Veins.

MS, Back Problems
Posted by Kelly (The Netherlands) on 02/24/2023

Can I ask how much higher the head of the bed is and the length of the bed? I read here:
https://inclinedbedtherapy.com/faq/42-how-do-i-adapt-my-bed-for-inclined-bed-therapy

'For hospital type beds, a length of 3/4 inch plywood cut to the size of a mattress, placed under the mattress will allow the mechanical mechanism to tilt the whole bed when the head end is raised.'

So an adjustable bed base and a piece of wood could work. I was advised to go for at least 1-inch thick wood.

Varicose Veins
Posted by Mrs.p.howell (England) on 07/06/2016
 ★☆☆☆☆

What a load of codswallop this information is about raising the bed 6 inches is. I suffer from a herniated disc in the bottom of my spine also varicose veins in my right leg in which I developed phlebitis in 1962 and have had recurring bouts during the latter years. After having numerous injections in my back which alleviated the pain and sciatica I have been pain free for 4years and my leg I have managed the phlebitis with 2types of cream and gel from the doctors and a compression stocking. My husband whilst he was on the computer read that raising the bed by 6 inches was supposed to do one good, so we gave it a go, the first night or the first morning when I got up I could hardly walk and my leg was really bad, never mind I persisted until I have had to give up sleeping on this bed and go into the other bedroom where the mattress was firm and flat but the sciatica and leg are only getting better very slowly for all I am taking painkillers. So I advise against those with disc problems and varicose veins to raise their beds.

Broad Benefits
Posted by Mario (Dallas Tx, Usa) on 02/20/2013
 ★★★★★

I have been sleeping in a incline bed for few mounts , so far good improvement, back pain, gone acid reflux better, sleep apnea much better snore gone. The problem is I also have leg pain and to relieve that, I need to put pillows under my legs. I hear that may causes problem later on. Need some opinion, please.

Circulation
Posted by jerry (usa) on 10/14/2023

Gravity is still working while you are sleeping, that is the purpose of the inclined bed, A little confusing about raising your legs for Edema I'm hearing to do it both ways for swollen legs and ankles. do we want gravity to pull blood to our swollen ankles or not?

I was just diagnosed with Edema from High Blood Pressure, Doc said to raise my legs to help with the swelling, Gave me Lisinopril for the high blood pressure but I can't bring myself to take it, the side Effects seem worse the n the problem, I'll stick to ACV for that Problem. I think I caused this problem by drinking Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier, it contains 500 MGs of Sodium, didn't think of that when I went to the Doctors who told me to limit my salt intake so I read everything now.

Broad Benefits
Posted by Dave (Roan Mt, Tn) on 01/29/2012

Been to that movie theater! Tom Cruise and I have fought many bad guys over the last few years. I will miss Tom as I now sleep quietly with my mask.

Varicose Veins
Posted by Andrew (Paignton, Devon) on 01/11/2009 4 posts
 ★★★★★

Andrew K. Fletcher
Paignton, Devon U.K.
+44 1803524117

Inclined Bed Therapy (IBT) Varicose Veins Study.
Inclined To Sleep Inclined Yet?

Dear Reader

We are seeking more people with varicose veins who are willing to put IBT to the test and feel that this is something that your readers and colleagues will definitely find fascinating and some who have varicose veins and oedema and wish to avoid surgery may want to Help in this important trial and join our Free study which has already produced positive results in only 4 weeks as predicted!

News Release:

An Important Scientific Study into the cause of Varicose Veins and Oedema and Inclined Bed Therapy (I.B.T.) is now underway, which makes use of the way the body uses gravity to move solutes through the vessels to improve circulation and alter the pressure inside the veins to significantly reduce swelling and oedema. Our study is free for anyone to participate in. There are no products to be sold or marketed.

What is Inclined Bed Therapy?

Gravity was identified as the driving force behind circulation in trees in 1994 and was applied immediately to how circulation in the body benefits from the same interaction with salts and sugars in the circulation. A video showing the use of IBT with spinal cord injury can be viewed here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3D7tBQfCxQ

IBT is simply tilting the bed so that the head end is 15 cm's or 6 inches higher than the foot end providing a level but tilted bed, hence the name Inclined Bed Therapy.0 People with varicose veins, oedema (fluid retention) are needed to participate in an online Diary Study, in order to prove that simply altering our sleeping position can have a positive affect on these problems.
If you or someone you know has Varicose Veins, the standard advise is to raise your legs and tilt your bed the other way to IBT, Or to undergo risky and expensive surgery that is prone to fail because it does not address why the pressure inside the vein causes it to bulge.

Which according to current physiology books makes sense. But what if that logic is incorrect? All the evidence from our study is showing that gravity is not a force we are struggling to overcome but a force that drives the fluids within the body.

Are you prepared to take the 4 week challenge and provide us with your observations? Or do you know someone who has varicose veins and would like to watch them slowly but surely shrink and improve every night they go to bed instead of becoming more unsightly and uncomfortable?

Our study is located on the Naked Scientists forum, who have a regular slot on BBC Radio.

http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=9843.msg121037#msg121037

My wife's calf showing clearly her varicose vein shadow, which went flat after 4 weeks of Inclined Bed Therapy back in 1994 and has not returned to its former state since. http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=9843.msg121037#msg121037

Alun has already confirmed my statement on the study thread that Varicose veins will shrink after 4 weeks of IBT and has supplied us with photographic before and after 4 weeks of IBT along with a diary account of his observations. And he is not alone. http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=9843.75

We are hoping to find at least 50 more pioneering volunteers who wish to avoid surgery and it's inherent risks and failures, who are willing to provide us with photographic and a written account of their own experiences sleeping inclined.

So far our study is running towards a predicted outcome that flies in the face of current physiology literature.

Look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely Andrew K Fletcher

Varicose Veins
Posted by Patrick (CA) on 11/22/2023

Does anyone know if it helps insomnia or sleep apnea? P

Acid Reflux, Edema
Posted by Idot13 (Dublin) on 01/20/2021

What about trying apple cider vinegar? It should work as well as it alkalines the body

Broad Benefits
Posted by Mario (Dallas Tx, Texas) on 02/26/2013

Thank you, I will try that.

Broad Benefits
Posted by Jenny (Idaho, US) on 06/07/2014

So the incline is at the head? I thought for edema , it was supposed to be legs above heart, which I have tried and that doesn't work. Also with such a small bedroom, the incline at the head will look nicer than at the other end!

Varicose Veins
Posted by Jianyin (Miami, Fl) on 02/13/2012
 ★★★★☆

I have IBT for my varicose from last July until now Jan. 2012, but the effect is not so obvious. I think it may have some effect but not so dramatically. I am not sure if it is because I didn't make it right. I do raise the head 6 inch and the middle some 3-4 inch.

Please let me know if there is anything wrong with it.

Varicose Veins
Posted by Terri (NY) on 04/28/2024

My mattress & bed is 75 inches long....(full size in the US) - so now I am at a 6 inch incline - is that enough?

Broad Benefits
Posted by Tim (Denton, Tx) on 12/31/2011

Regarding remembering your dreams -- I have sleep apnea, and have found that when I am using my mask, my sleep is deeper with fewer dream recollections. Prior to using the mask my entire night was like an endless stream of movies one dream after another.

Interesting eh?

Broad Benefits
Posted by Malikitheguy (Kc, Mo, Us) on 01/05/2012

Just going out on a limb from what I've researched on dreams, my guess is this is because you're not noticably waking up as much so you don't recall all the dreams and the intervals know what I mean? hope that helped a little.

Broad Benefits
Posted by Buket (Turkey) on 04/11/2014

I have been experiencing the same problem with dreams. Could you plz tell what kind of mask you are using? Thnx

Broad Benefits
Posted by Cindy (Kansas, USA) on 11/12/2008

I'm using books. I have a lot of huge, old reference books that work really well. I've also designed three permanent "bed incliners", but I haven't tried any of them because I can't decide which one I want to build. See:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/89592551@N00/

For indigestion, I definitely suggest the watercure. I had indigestion from my early teens and got rid of it, for good, with my first two glasses of water. I seldom drank plain water until a couple of years ago.

Mr. Fletcher noted that some medical professionals will put a terminally ill patient's bed in the flat position to "help them along". Basically, to kill them.

Broad Benefits
Posted by Cindy (Kansas, USA) on 11/12/2008

Forgot to clarify one point: The edema went away after sleeping on an incline for about a week - not when I slept flat for one night.

Broad Benefits
Posted by Sandy (In the sticks, Nevada) on 11/21/2008

I could not find out who this "Mr. Fletcher" was on your site -- the one that Cindy from Kansas kept referring to -- I did a Google search and found this video about him on youtube -- I've inclined my bed tonight & let you know how it works. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3D7tBQfCxQ

EC: Cindy was referring to Andrew K. Fletcher.

Acid Reflux
Posted by Susan (Concord, NH)
★★★★★

Elevating the head of the bed 2" (use 2 pieces scrap 2"x6' board to elevate head of bed) cures acid reflux when you awaken in the morning. Doesn't work all day but its good for a nice part of the morning when you first wake up.


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