If you’ve ever wondered if it’s safe to sleep in your recliner, look no further.
In this article, we discuss the pros and cons of using a recliner as a bed and whether or not you should consider it.
We also offer some tips and tricks that may make sleeping in a recliner easier to adjust to as it can be a significant change from your regular bed.
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ToggleHow Did I Wake up in a Recliner?
Do you ever find yourself jolting awake from a deep sleep, pitch darkness around you, realizing you fell asleep in the recliner yet again? Do you spend the rest of the day hunched over in pain as your back feels absolutely destroyed?
Maybe you’ve found the opposite, and sleeping in your recliner relieves your back pain, and you prefer that oversleeping in your bed. Or perhaps you’re recovering from a rough surgery that prevents you from sleeping safely in your bed.
Either way, we’ve all found ourselves falling asleep or choosing to sleep in our recliners from time to time. While we’ve all heard that sleeping in a recliner may cause back pain, there really isn’t much discussion beyond that.
The truth is, there are benefits and drawbacks to sleeping in a recliner.
Pros of Sleeping in Your Recliner
There are quite a few benefits of sleeping in your recliner that you may not be aware of. Cons such as pain and soreness are the most common symptoms people may think of when contemplating sleeping in your recliner.
Many don’t realize that there are positives that can come from choosing to sleep in your recliner as well.
Sleeping in Your Recliner Can Relieve Back Pain
Contrary to popular belief, certain recliners may actually be better for back pain. If you have a recliner with great support, it can improve the pain you may be feeling in your lower back.
What’s more, pressure can be relieved from your back if you sleep in a supported recliner.
Smoother Breathing
Laying on your back at night can make breathing more difficult as your weight can put pressure on the diaphragm.
Sleeping in a recliner in an upright position relieves some of the pressure on the diaphragm and promotes better breathing during sleep.
Soothing of Acid Reflux
Similar to how sleeping in a recliner may promote better breathing, it can also help ease the symptoms of acid reflux. The angle at which the chair sits can help promote better movement and reduce the common acid reflux symptoms.
Great After Surgery
Certain surgeries make sleeping in a bed painful or even dangerous. Rotator cuff surgery, for example, requires sitting up straight as your arm is most likely in a sling or large casing.
Sleeping in your recliner allows you to sleep comfortably without worrying about hurting your surgery site.
Relief in Pregnancy
It’s common knowledge that pregnant women often have trouble getting decent sleep, especially in the later months. They may also experience sleep apnea symptoms that are worsened by sleeping on their back.
Sleeping in a recliner can be a great alternative for pregnant women as the angle can help relieve sleep apnea symptoms while allowing them to get adequate sleep.
Cons of Sleeping in Your Recliner
We’re all guilty of falling asleep in our recliners while watching TV at night. While there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s important to keep in mind some of these cons that come from sleeping in our recliners for longer periods.
They may not always happen for everyone, but it’s important to understand the risks we may take when changing our routine.
Back Issues
As we mentioned earlier, sleeping in a recliner may promote better back health and relieve pain in that area. However, there is also the chance that sleeping in your recliner may disturb your back even further.
If you experience intense back issues, you should consult your doctor before deciding to sleep for any length of time in a recliner.
Lack of Movement
When sleeping in a recliner, there is not as much space to toss and turn. This may be an issue for those that prefer moving around during the night. Sleeping in a recliner limits you to one single position.
Knee Pain
Sleeping in a recliner may also promote knee pain. There isn’t much room for your legs to move, so if you sleep in your recliner, your knees may remain in the same seated position for long periods. This can be an issue and cause pain over time.
Blood Clots
Remaining in a seated position for long periods can hinder circulation. If you are in a seated position the entire night, you run the risk of developing blood clots over time.
It is not recommended to stay seated for long periods, such as when on an airplane, to promote circulation.
How Should I Sleep in My Recliner?
If you prefer sleeping on your back or your side, sleeping in your recliner may be a better option for you than someone who prefers sleeping on their stomach.
Sleeping on your stomach is not ideal in a recliner, but sleeping on your side is possible and sleeping on your back is ideal.
You must have a recliner that has great lumbar support to preserve your back during the night. It may be unwise to sleep in your recliner if the one you have is very old or worn out.
Having a newer recliner or one that is sure to promote lower back support is ideal if you are planning to sleep in it.
Also read: Risks of Hanging Feet Over a Recliner Chair
Alternatives to Sleeping in a Recliner
Let’s look at some alternatives to sleeping in a recliner.
Adjustable Beds for Improved Sleep Quality
Adjustable beds are a great alternative to sleeping in a recliner.
They provide adjustable positions and support, allowing you to customize your sleep position and find the most comfortable spot.
With an adjustable bed, you can raise or lower the head of the bed and adjust the foot of the bed to create different angles that help reduce pressure points and improve circulation.
This type of mattress also helps with snoring, acid reflux, and other health issues by providing better alignment while sleeping.
Memory Foam Mattresses for Comfort and Support
Memory foam mattresses are another option when looking for alternatives to sleeping in a recliner.
Memory foam is designed to contour around your body shape, providing superior comfort and support throughout the night.
It relieves pressure points on your hips, shoulders, neck, back, and legs—basically anywhere where there’s contact between your body and mattress—by evenly distributing weight across its surface area.
Additionally, memory foam mattresses come in various firmness levels, so you can choose one that best suits your needs based on personal preference or medical condition (such as chronic pain).
Use Pillows
Pillows are essential when it comes to finding alternatives to sleeping in a recliner.
They help maintain proper posture during sleep, which is important for overall health benefits, such as reducing neck pain caused by poor alignment while lying down flat on a traditional mattress or pillow-top mattress without any additional support from pillows.
The right pillow should be able to keep your spine aligned with both sides of your head supported at all times, while also being soft enough not to cause strain on any part of your body like shoulder blades or hips due to excessive height/firmness level if too high/hard respectively.
Key Takeaway: Sleeping in a recliner can be bad for your health, so it’s important to find alternatives that provide comfort and support. Adjustable beds and memory foam mattresses are great options as they provide adjustable positions and contour around the body respectively. Additionally, pillows should be used to maintain proper posture during sleep for overall health benefits.
Tips for Better Sleep Quality When Using a Recliner
To maximize comfort and support, it is important to position your chair correctly.
When sitting in the recliner, ensure your feet are flat on the floor and your back is supported by the chair’s backrest.
If needed, use lumbar support cushions or pillows for added comfort and support.
Investing in an ergonomic recliner chair with adjustable features such as armrests, headrests, and height adjustments will also help ensure proper posture while sleeping in a recliner.
This type of chair will provide more flexibility to find a comfortable position that works best for you.
Additionally, using memory foam mattresses or adjustable beds may offer additional comfort when sleeping in a recliner since they provide better body contouring than traditional mattresses do.
To further improve sleep quality when using a recliner, consider investing in special pillows designed specifically for neck pain relief or spinal alignment.
These types of pillows can help keep your spine properly aligned while providing extra cushioning and support throughout the night.
Additionally, it is recommended to avoid sleeping on one side of your body too much as this could lead to muscle imbalances over time which could cause discomfort during sleep and long-term health issues if not addressed properly.
By taking the time to adjust your recliner for maximum comfort and support, you can get better quality sleep while using a recliner.
FAQs in Relation to Is Sleeping in a Recliner Bad for You?
Is it okay to sleep each night in a recliner?
No, it is not recommended to sleep each night in a recliner.
Recliners are designed for short-term use and can cause long-term health issues if used as a sleeping surface over an extended period of time.
The lack of support and comfort provided by the chair can lead to poor posture, back pain, neck strain, and other physical ailments.
It is best to invest in an ergonomic office chair or mattress that provides adequate support while you work or sleep.
Are recliners bad for leg circulation?
Recliners can be bad for leg circulation if they are not designed with ergonomics in mind.
Sitting in a recliner that is too deep or has inadequate lumbar support can cause poor posture, leading to decreased blood flow and pressure on the legs.
Additionally, sitting in a recliner for extended periods of time without taking breaks can lead to increased fatigue and discomfort due to lack of movement.
It is important to choose an ergonomic office chair that provides adequate back support and encourages good posture while seated.
Taking regular breaks throughout the day will also help reduce strain on your legs and improve circulation.
Is sleeping in a recliner better than a bed?
No, sleeping in a recliner is not better than sleeping in a bed. Recliners are designed for short-term relaxation and comfort, not for long-term sleep.
Beds provide more support and cushioning to help reduce back pain and other aches associated with prolonged sitting or lying down.
Additionally, beds allow you to adjust the firmness of your mattress to suit your individual needs, while recliners do not offer this level of customization.
Ultimately, it’s best to get an adequate amount of restful sleep on a comfortable bed rather than relying on a recliner as an alternative solution.
Further Considerations
Before you go to sleep in your recliner, you should consider the angle that will leave you most comfortable.
Play around with the different angles that your recliner may adjust to and try them out to find one that works best with your sleeping style and preferences.
You should also consider the temperature of the room where your recliner is.
You are most likely accustomed to the temperature in your bedroom, but you may not be aware of how your living room feels at night.
Consider testing the temperate first before committing to a full night’s sleep.
Don’t sleep in your recliner in the same way you would sit in your recliner during the day. Make sure you bring small pillows and blankets to help make your recliner as comfortable as possible.
Giving your neck proper support can help prevent unwanted pains and soreness in the morning.
Should I Sleep in My Recliner or Not?
In the end, sleeping in your recliner is a personal preference.
You may find that you have no other option after going through surgery, or perhaps you end up falling asleep in your recliner after work and realize you prefer it to your bed.
Either way, there are ways to sleep safely in your recliner if you wish.
There are both pros and cons that come along with sleeping in your recliner. If you keep these things in mind, you can safely and comfortably sleep in your recliner.
Remember, you should always consider speaking to a doctor or professional before committing to a big change in your sleep routine.
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