Arthristis Backaches Medicine Insomnia Sleep Facts Bed Sores
Sleep...It's a basic necessity of life, as fundamental to our health and well-being as food and water.
When we sleep well, we wake up refreshed, alert, ready to face the brand new day...
Discover why million's of us, choose to sleep on soothing water...nite after nite, after nite...
It is said that long ago Romans slept on skins filled with water... Experts discovered that no other mattress provides such complete tranquillity and even support like a waterbed.
Pressure Points!
Conventional mattresses create pressure points on areas of greatest weight concentration, whereas a waterbed contours to the exact weight and shape of your body to provide total, even support.
As a result, you will experience improved blood circulation which permits longer periods of sleep with less movement and fewer reawakenings.
Did you know that a water mattress is the most sanitary surface one can sleep on...
Oh!... I almost forgot...a water mattress is also the most comfortable surface one can sleep on...
Here are some therapeutic reasons to choose a waterbed.
Millions of Americans are out of work each day because of back pain. It affects all adults and can lead to very serious problems.
A waterbed can aid in the treatment of backache by enabling the backache sufferer to sleep in a more comfortable and beneficial position.
A unique distribution of support for the body assures that all parts of the body are evenly supported, and that the body weight is equally distributed.
A waterbed removes pressure from the spine and allows relaxation of the spinal musculature.
Doctors have found that the addition of heat speeds up the relaxation process and increases circulation to rejuvenate problem areas.
America is suffering from back pain in epidemic proportions. Fifty percent of the work force will complain of back pain this year and 85% of us will suffer from back pain in our lifetimes. That's a whole lot of people! Back pain is the second leading cause of missed work days -- in fact, only the common cold causes more missed days. Sadly, we spend 90 Billion dollars trying to diagnose and treat back pain each year (a dramatic increase year after year) while the amount of people who suffer from back pain is steadily increasing not decreasing.
If you’re sleeping on a hard mattress because you think it will soothe your aching back, you might want to consider a waterbed. A study published in Spine found that low back pain patients sleeping on a firm mattress reported increased pain and less sleep while patients sleeping on body-conforming foam mattresses or water beds had slightly less pain and better sleep.
The authors theorized that those sleeping on the hard mattresses may have turned more frequently during the night because of increased pressure on body parts.
[SOURCE: “Wellness facts,” University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter, August, 2008]
Testimonials
Dr.J.Silver, Santa Monica, California
"A harder surface that is not equally supportive of the body can put the spine into some positions that are really bizarre, and not all the beneficial, putting undue stress on ligiments and muscles which would really contribute to a backacke."
Dr. Jaylen Johnson, Fresno, California
"When lying on the back on a waterbed, the water does the job of the muscles. The only time in a person's life that the spine musculature can relax is on a flotation mattress."
Dr. D.D. Stierwalt-Kimberly Chiropractic Clinic, Davenport Iowa.
"People feel overwhelmingly better on the waterbed. It supports so much better than a standard bed, and the heat is a big factor in aiding conditions such as stiffness."
Dr. M.Boyce-Bay Harbor Hospital, Torrance, CA
"Patients who appeared to benefit most from the inclusion of the flotation mattress were those with decubitus ulcers, cancer, low back pain, and patients with orthopedic related problems..."
Arthritis is one of the oldest diseases known to man. It can and does occur at all ages from infancy to late adulthood.
If you live long enough, you will develop some form of arthritis.
About 50 million American adults are currently living with some form of arthritis, a chronic health condition that causes pain and stiffness in and around one or more body joints. Some well-known risk factors for developing arthritis are unavoidable (your age, your gender), while others, like being overweight or obese, are under your control.
Medical studies show that 97% of individuals over 50 have some arthritic condition that will show up on all x-ray films.
Today, there are millions of arthritis sufferers in the United States who require medical care.
Most doctors classify arthritis as the nation's number one crippling disease.
Medical studies have shown that the principle of waterbeds - equal distribution of body weight in a controlled volume of water - will benefit most arthritis.
The even distribution of the patient's weight will reduce pressure on the major joints that are inflamed or affected by different forms of arthritis.
Heat from waterbeds will aid in proper blood circulation thus enhancing the healing process and reducing pain.
The standard mattress will further reduce body heat. Most arthritis suffer the most in early mornings due to several factors: improper sleep supports, immobility and the shutdown of hormones which usually reduce inflammation. Ankylosing Spondylitis: Is a chronic progressive form of an inflammatory arthritis of the spine. It usually begins in the teens or early twenties.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is the most common form and can be the most serious. It is a chronic inflammation of one of the major joints of the body. It tends to flare up and unpredictably subside.
Osteoarthritis: A degenerating joint diease which is a wear-and-tear disease. It usually comes with getting older and affects the cartilage and bone at joint sites. This form is usually mild; not generally inflammatory.
About 27 million American adults are currently living with osteoarthritis, and the number is on the rise. In fact, as the baby-boomer generation ages and the obesity epidemic continues, the number of people who will be diagnosed with osteoarthritis is expected to double by the year 2020. But how can you be sure your joint pain and weakness is due to this most common form of arthritis?
Osteoarthritis Diagnosis: Other Testing
An osteoarthritis diagnosis isn’t solely reliant on your symptom history and the information from the physical exam. A number of tests also are taken to help determine whether you have osteoarthritis. These include:
Gout: ( Gouty Arthritis ) usually effects one joint at a time. It can attach and inflame any of the joints especially the big toe. Most victims are men. This form of arthritis can be very painful. It is usually treated with special diet and a lifetime of drugs.
The support of a waterbed allows the blood to flow freely to all parts of the body. This boost to circulation is futher enhanced by the warmth from heated flotation systems.
Between the ages of 20 and 60 you are likely to spend more than 15 full years in bed. In a 50 year span, you can be expected to fall asleep almost twenty thousand separate times.
Approximately 30% of a normal population sample will have some form of sleep disturbances; trouble falling asleep, waking up during the night or early awakening.
Despite all the natural laws of sleep, many people find it difficult to get to sleep or stay asleep.
In the United States, million's of people have sleep problems. The steady shift away from manual labor removed much of the natural muscle fatigue that induces sleep.
While sleeping on a waterbed, many patients showed improvements in ease of falling asleep, stabilizing the sleep onset, increasing the total sleep time and reduced night awakenings. -dreaming is associated with rapid(verticle and horizontal) eye movements (REM)
We all know that sleep is essential to maintain good health and enhance the quality of life. It is basic knowledge that:
-the nervous system cannot function indefinately without sleep.
-the quality of sleep can be measured and described by bodily functions.
-many known disorders of sleep can be corrected with proper medication, changes in lifestyle or sleeping habits.
-a "good sleep" usually results in muscle relaxation by decreasing metabloic activity and enhancing recovery from muscle fatigue.
-during sleep, changes occur in the position and the size of the eyes. They roll from time to time, but are usually positioned in the center.
Temperature- On an average, body temperature will be lowest in the early morning hours, approximately 0.5 degrees.
Respiration- Periodic changes in rate, depth and form of breathing will occur with falling asleep. The character and rate of breathing is slower and more shallow.
Circulation- The heart rate is reduced. Studies show rate changes of 10 to 30 beats per minue is not unusual. Blood pressure is reduced as well.
Digestion- Our evening meal continues to be digested while we sleep. This explains why ulcer patients still suffer while sleeping.
A good night's sleep is essential to good health. Our body functions and chemical changes are generally predictable and profound. Sleeping is a shutting down of the nervous system reflected in the relaxation of the vouluntary muscles.
Biologically, sleep is essential to normal health. Experimental animals deprived of sleep will die withimn a few days regardless of how well they are fed, watered or housed. You owe it to yourself to do as much as possible to secure a good night's sleep.
Testimonials
Dr. M.V. Kline- Some Clinical Sleep Parameters with the Innerspace Flotation Bed. "For peaople with histories of disturbed sleeping patterns, the documented therapeutic effects of sleeping on waterbeds include increased ease of falling asleep; the ability to sleep with minimal use of medication; longer periods of sleep with less movement and fewer reawakinings during the night; a feeling of refreshment and reduced depression in the morning."
Dr. J. Silver- Santa Monica, California
"Waterbeds are...almost the perfect surface to sleep on.The heat, the subtle movement of the water, the fact that the body is totally and evenly supported, are very important to it's beneficial qualities."
Dr. D.D. Stierwalt- Davenport, Iowa
"Ninety percent of those (patients) we spoke to reported a strong definite benefit from sleeping on a waterbed."
Steven R. Garfin, M.D.- Arch Phys. Med Rehabilitation Sept. 1980, University Medical Center, San Diego, CA "Parapalegiics, diabetes and other patients with sensory neuropathologies should choose a bed with the most even pressure distribution to help minimize the chance of tissue damage and this will aid in their total care."
When a person is confined to a bed or wheelchair for a long period of time, extra pressure is exerted on certain parts of the body.
Many different afflictions can affect the aged, and if bedridden, using a waterbed rather than a conventional mattress can help greatly to increase comfort.
Whatever the reason you're considering sleeping on water, we're sure you'll love the comfort. I personally have never slept on a more comfortable mattress.
I have raised all my children on waterbeds. Children grow while they're sleeping.
Normally a person shifts his position often enough to relieve these pressure points and maintain proper blood flow.
However, people that are confined to a bed or wheelchair due to chronic illness have constant pressure exerted at these points, causing ulcers. These ulcers are difficult and expensive to treat and can sometimes even result in death.
Through the use of a waterbed, a person can prevent the formation of decubitus ulcers.
Patients who have already formed ulcers can expect more rapid healing when switched to a waterbed.
This healing may be up to three times faster than without the use of a waterbed.
Treatment
Treatment and prevention of ulcers depends upon reducing the pressure of these critical parts of the body. A satisfactory method of treatment and prevention is now available throught the use of water-filled flotation mattress.
Patient Benefits
Through the use of a flotation system, a person can prevent the formation of decubitus ulcers. Patients who have already formed ulcers can expect more rapid healing when switched to a waterbed. This healing may be up to three times faster than without the use of a waterbed.The patient will also have the added benefits of improvement and sleep and general circulation.
The Journal of Americam Medical Association reports on a study done at the Easter Seal Rehabilitation Center of Eastern Fairfax County in Bridgeport that, five huindred patients slept on waterbeds over a three year period, and "not one developed an ulcer." Furthermore, ulcers already presented in some patients healed more rapidly then expected.
A clinical trial conducted at the Jersey City Medical Center as published in the American Family Physician, placed 48 patients on hospital waterbeds. 71% were completely healed after three weeks. None of the other 24 patients developed ulcers even after four weeks.
In Harlem Hospital Center, New York, 10 patients of which only one was ulcer free, were placed on waterbeds. The American Journal of Nursing reports that "after at least one week all ulcers showed sighns of healing. No new lesions were observed in any patient while on a waterbed.
Testimonials
E.R. Griffin III, Brigade Surgean 187th inf., Ft. Benning, Georgia. "Decubitus Ulcers, Prevention and Management: A Review," Military Medicine, Vol. 147, May 1982.
"Waterbeds are excellent in the prevention of bedsores. Water displacement causes a state of weightlessness thus reducing pressure on the skin."
Mark L. Phippen,"RN or Nurses Guide to Preventing Pressure Sores." AORN Journal, Aug. 1982, Vol. 36 #2
Captain Phippen reviews the current medical literature and concepts in the prevention of pressure sores.
The principles of flotation have been documented to be especially helpful with the following conditions: Childrens Hospital Oakland Ca
Premature infants and newborns: Less pressure is exerted on delicate skin, less apnea spells ( breathing cessations ), take place, growth is enhanced, and a soothing effect by warmth and motion that simulates the womb.
Orthopedic problems : The uniform support of a waterbed removes excess pressure exerted on any one area of the body, in effect distributing the weight evenly over the surface. Thus, healing can take place in all affected areas.
Paralysis : Paraplegics, quadriplegis, people who have had strokes, spinal cord injuries, etc, need less frequent changing of their position to prevent pressure sores.
Severe burns: The reduced pressure on the skin allows more rapid healing with less discomfort and may decrese the need for medication.
Arthritis: The even support eliminates pressure on any part of the skeletal system, while the heat increases circulation and sooths painful joints. Arthritic patients on heated waterbeds have demostratedless " early morning stiffness".
Trauma, auto accidents: Aids in positioning and handling of the patient with servere or multiple injuries. Waterbeds will help nurses in caring for these patients, conserving ebergy in rotating the patient and simplifying the changes in dressings.
Plastic surgery: Enchances healing of donor sites of major skin graphs. Waterbeds can make these patients more comfortable during the post-operative phase when there is fear and restriction of movement.
General surgery: Post-hysterectomy, hemorrhoidectomy, removal of kidney stones,colostomy, ligation or stripping of varicose veins all have uncomfortable recovery periods. The principles of the waterbeds systems can benefit these patients.
Cardiac rehabilitation: Superior comfort is provided in the post operative phase of by-pass and open heart sugery patients. It is during this phase that the patient must lie on his back because of the sternum,which was completly opened for the by-pass surgery, is going through the initial healing period.
Cystic Fibrosis: The increased motion and improvement inn circulation helps losen and drain the continous mucous build-up in the lungs.
Cerebral Palsy: The motion and warmth of a waterbed, relaxes and soothes the patient thereby reducing their spasticity and exggerated muscle tone, and increasing rest and sleep.
Wheelchair patients: Many studies with patients who must use wellchairs indicate that water flotation units decrease skin temputure and may be helpful in preventing skin problems ( e.g. ducubitus ulcers).
Waterbeds have become an essential therapeutic fixture in benefiting many patients with different medical problems.
The principles of flotation have been documented to be especially helpful with the following conditions:
Premature infants and newborns, orthopedic problems, paralysis, severe burns, trauma, auto accidents, plastic surgery, general surgery, cardiac rehabilitation, Cystic Fibrosis, Cerebral Palsy and wheelchair patients.
Waterbeds have become an essential therapeutic fixture in benefiting many patients with different medical problems.
A normal healthy sleeper moves 40 to 60 times a night. Research has proven while sleeping on water there are less pressure points on the body, resulting in less tossing and turning.
The sleep disorder that involves excessive, and potentially fatal snoring is called sleep apnea.
Men and women sleep differently. She's more likely to be disturbed by noises than he is. He's the deep sleeper of the two. She tends to dream in technicolor; his dreams are less vivid. She's more inclined to have nightmares, but he's more likely to be plagued by dreams or guilt and failure.
Tuna, milk, cottage cheese, baked beans, turkey and eggs make good food for late night snacks because they contain the amino acid, tryptophn, called "nature's sleeping pill."
Everyone dreams several times a night during REM (rapid eye movement) states, which occur four or five times a night.
A cup of coffee after dinner can keep you wide-eyed for up to six hours.
Exercise can help you sleep better if you work out in the late afternoon.
The most common sleep problem in the United States is daytime drowsiness.
Teenagers need the most sleep; athletes need quality more than quantity sleep; older people's sleep needs diminish over time.
"Night owls," who feel most energetic late in the evening and can barely get out of bed in the morning, (like a special daughter of mine), have body temperatures that peak later in the day than other people's do. They take longer to warm up and feel wide awake-a basic biological difference from "morning" people, whose temperatures rise early in the day.
Two people sleeping in a traditional full-size bed each have only as much room as a baby's crib would provide.
The holder of the record for most beds is Louis XIV of France, 413.
The ideal room temperature for a good night's sleep is the mid-60 degrees.
Somnus was the Roman god. A somnabulist is a sleepwalker and a somniloquist is a sleep talker.
Sleep research indicates that short sleepers - those who sleep less than the average seven to eight hours a night- tend to be more extroverted, efficient, ambitious and self- confident. You need less sleep on water.
The Bed in History
Comfortable, supportive mattresses are something most
of us take for granted. We don't think about how
they've evolved over time. Here's an eye-opening lesson
on the bed throughout history and in more modern times.
So lie down and let us tell you a story.
Great Bed of Ware. On display at the Victoria and
Albert Museum, it originally measured 18 feet six
inches wide by 12 feet long and was elaborately carved
and canopied. And could accommodate 68 people.
10,000 years ago, in the Neolithic period, people began
sleeping on primitive "beds."
3400 BCE. Egyptian pharaohs discover the benefits of
raising a pallet off the earth. King Tutankahmen had a
bed of ebony and gold. Common people slept on palm bows
heaped in the corner of their home.
Roman Empire. First luxury bed. Often decorated with
gold, silver or bronze, these beds featured mattresses
stuffed with reeds, hay, wool or feathers.
Roman Empire. Romans discover the waterbed. The sleeper
would recline in a cradle of warm water until drowsy,
then be lifted onto an adjacent cradle with a mattress,
where they would be rocked to sleep.
Renaissance. Mattresses were made of pea shucks or
straw, sometimes feathers, stuffed into coarse ticks,
then covered with sumptuous velvets, brocades and silks.
Louis XIV was inordinately fond of staying in bed, Straw Mattress The late 18th century. Advent of the cast iron bed and 1865. The first coil spring construction for bedding 1930's. Innerspring mattresses and upholstered 1940's. Futons introduced to North America. 1950's. Foam rubber mattresses and pillows appeared on The expression "sleep tight" comes from the 16th and A hard-sided waterbed consists of a water-containing mattress inside a rectangular frame of wood resting on a deck that sits on a platform. A soft-sided waterbed consists of a water-containing mattress inside of a rectangular frame of sturdy foam, zippered inside a fabric casing, which sits on a platform. It looks like a conventional bed and is designed to fit existing bedroom furniture. 990's. Spacious sleeping is once again on the rise. In Today's mattresses only try to achieve what water does naturally !
often holding court in the royal bedroom. Reportedly,
he owned 413 beds and displayed a special liking for
the ultra spacious and ostentatious variety.
16th and 17th centuries. Mattresses were generally
stuffed with straw or down, placed atop a latticework
of rope.
cotton mattresses. Together, they provided a sleeping
space that was less attractive to bugs. Until that
time, assorted vermin were simply accepted as an
accepted component of even the most royal beds.
was patented
foundations became serious contenders for the dominant
position they now enjoy in the U.S. and Canada.
the market.
17th centuries when mattresses were placed on top of
ropes that needed regular tightening.
1960's. Modern waterbed introduced. Adjustable beds
become popular with consumers. A waterbed, water mattress, or flotation mattress is filled with water. Waterbeds intended for medical therapies appear in various reports through the 19th century. The modern version, invented in San Francisco and patented in 1971, became an extremely popular consumer item in the United States.
1980's. Airbeds introduced.
1999, the queen-size mattress became America's most
popular choice for mattress size.
No matter what you have slept on in the past...straw or down, reeds, hay, wool, feathers, foam, cotton futons, or innersprings... no other mattress provides such complete tranquillity and even support like a waterbed.
