Night Positioning

"There are approx 8760 hours in a year - 7620 hours spent with the family, 1440 hours spent in school and 3600 spent in bed."

John and Liz Goldsmith Symmetrisleep

Night positioning is a key part of any 24-hour postural management program for people who cannot independently alter their position during the night and therefore are at risk of developing an asymmetric posture. Individuals who have difficulty moving, difficulty changing position, and who are unable to sit, stand or walk independently are at risk of developing deformities and contractures of the hips and of the spine, due to their imbalance of muscle tone and inability to move out of poor positions. If these difficulties are left unchecked, they can lead to discomfort and pain, structural changes in joints, tissue breakdown, breathing and digestive difficulties.

However the risks of these complications may be reduced considerably by the early introduction of a complete 24-hour postural management programme which is inclusive of night positioning. Intervention during the day will be less successful if the person is left to adopt a poor asymmetrical posture during the hours spent in bed.

Therefore equipment that supports a symmetrical lying position provides the opportunity for support over an extended period of time when the body is less influenced by muscle tone and more susceptible to correctional forces.

The supports built into the bed ensure that the person maintains the position they are placed in, while they sleep comfortably.

What does a Sleep System include?

There are various full systems on the market at present. There are also products available that are used to support individual parts of the body that are not part of a full system. Pillows and cushions can also be used to good effect depending on the needs of the client. A full assessment looking at posture, range of movement as well as environmental and carer needs is essential in order to make an informed choice re the system to use. The challenge lies in providing the necessary support without compromising functional activity or restricting development.

Systems available and manufacturers

The system is required to maintain a midline supported position. It involves the use of supports for trunk, pelvis and lower limbs to maintain this position. Manufacturers have developed different ways for the systems to be attached to the bed, either through the use of velcro sheets or bases that the supports are attached too. There are usually supporting pillows available for limbs. The supports are covered either by pads or under a mattress which holds the system together.

Symmetrisleep - Helping Hand Company

Sleepform – Leckey

Dreama - Jenx

Moonlight – JCM

Snooooze – Peacocks

Chailey Lying Board - Active Design