On earth, zero gravity mode isn’t about feeling weightless so much as feeling supported using gentle elevation to nudge your body and legs into a more relaxed alignment. This distinction matters. “Most claims about sleep benefits tend to be exaggerated in the marketing world,” says Erin Flynn-Evans, director of the Fatigue Countermeasures Laboratory at NASA Ames Research Center. “What really matters is whether such claims can stand up to scientific scrutiny.” NASA’s research simply documents posture in space—not how people should sleep on Earth.

Benefits of Zero-Gravity Sleeping

Semantics aside, the claims around zero-gravity sleeping are compelling. “Short-term, people notice less tossing and turning and deeper comfort. Long-term, it supports spinal alignment, reduces inflammation, and helps the nervous system shift into true rest and repair,” says Annie Schlecht, a sleep consultant and occupational therapist who also practices craniosacral therapy.

According to Schlecht, the gentle elevation can ease specific issues like lower back pain, sciatica, hip and joint discomfort, arthritis, and leg swelling. Keeping the upper body slightly raised can also benefit people with reflux, snoring, or mild breathing issues by keeping the airway more open.

How to Sleep in Zero Gravity

If you want to try zero-gravity sleeping, the most straightforward way is with an adjustable bed frame that is able to lift both the head and the legs. Press a button, and let the bed do the work. Of course, adjustable frames aren’t cheap or even standard. You can get pretty close by using pillows: Use a wedge pillow or stacked pillows to elevate your upper body and place another pillow underneath your knees to lift your legs.