Sleeping in a recliner every night may be considered safe and even beneficial for individuals with certain health conditions such as sleep apnea, GERD, or back pain. However, it’s important to be aware of potential risks, such as hip and knee contractures, that can occur from prolonged use of a recliner for sleep.
Therefore, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or a sleep specialist to determine what sleeping arrangement is most suitable for your specific needs and to ensure proper support and comfort. Or, read this in-detailed guide till the end to find our pros and cons and better decide yourself.
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Key Takeaways
[su_note note_color=”#ffe466″]Sleeping in a recliner may be safe and beneficial for individuals with certain health conditions, such as sleep apnea, GERD, or back pain.
It provides comfort and versatility in choosing different sleeping positions and may reduce pressure on joints.
However, potential risks include lack of support for certain body points, limited movement while sleeping, potential poor blood circulation, and lack of storage compared to a bed.
Recliners may also be less durable than beds, requiring more frequent replacement for long-term sleep.[/su_note]
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Is it bad to sleep in a recliner every night?
Using a recliner is considered a great way to get yourself comfortable after being tired from a tiresome day. But, it is not primarily used for long-term sleep. Below, you will find some side effects of sleeping in a recliner and some advantages you get from sleeping in a recliner.
Pros and cons of Sleeping in a Recliner
Pros of Sleeping in a Recliner
More Comfortable Than Just A Bed.
When we talk about the pros of sleeping in a recliner, one obvious point you can think of is the comfort level of the recliner. You see, a recliner is a comfortable and convenient place to relax or take a quick nap.
In addition to that, many people find the reclined position of a recliner to be more comfortable than just an ordinary bed’s position. In case you have some mobility issues, sleeping in a recliner might help you a bit.
Versatile For Choosing Multiple Positions.
After talking about the comfort level of a recliner, the other important thing is its versatility. You see, there are a lot of choices you get in the case of a recliner. You can choose your preferred position for sleeping. There are also options for heat and massage, which add to a recliner’s pros.
Helpful For Relieving Certain Health Conditions.
Sleeping in a recliner may be beneficial for individuals who suffer from certain health conditions, such as sleep apnea, acid reflux, or snoring. A reclined position can help to alleviate symptoms associated with these conditions by keeping the head elevated, reducing the likelihood of airway blockage or acid reflux.
Reduces Pressure On Joints.
Sleeping in a recliner may provide relief for individuals who have joint pain or arthritis, as the reclined position can help to reduce pressure on joints and promote better circulation, potentially leading to less discomfort during sleep.
Adds Convenience to Your Life.
Convenience is something that all people want in their life. Well, guess something, a recliner adds convenience to your life.
A recliner is a great option if you have limited space in your room and need a temporarily based sleeping environment. There is also an option of portability in a recliner, making it easy for you to travel with a sleeping solution.
Cons of Sleeping in a Recliner
There are several potential cons to sleeping in a recliner every day, including:
Lacks Support For Certain Body Points.
While talking about the cons of sleeping in a recliner, one of the main issues is the lack of support it provides. You see, a good mattress and pillows are important for maintaining proper spinal alignment and reducing pressure points. This can further help in reducing the risk of back and neck pain.
Recliners, on the other hand, do not offer the same level of support and may not be as comfortable over time. So, if you have a preexisting condition such as back pain or arthritis, sleeping in a recliner may not provide the necessary support and could elevate your symptoms.
Limited Movement While Sleeping.
Another potential issue you can face with sleeping in a recliner is its limited movement. While you can adjust the angle of the backrest, you are still relatively restricted to a single position.
This can lead to discomfort and stiffness, particularly if you are used to sleeping in a more spacious environment. Moreover, it also becomes impossible for you to get a deep goodnight sleep in a recliner because little or no movement is allowed.
May Cause Poor Blood Circulation.
Sleeping in a recliner can also potentially affect your circulation, as the position of the chair may not allow for proper blood flow to your arms and legs.
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This can lead to numbness and tingling, which can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous if left untreated. Poor circulation can also cause swelling and other problems in the long term.
Lack of Storage Compared to a Bed.
Generally, you need a little extra space with you to keep some things like blankets, pillows, etc. Well, sleeping in a recliner does not offer this facility. So, there is a lack of storage if you intend to sleep in a recliner.
May Be Less Durable Than Bed.
While we talked about almost every con of sleeping in a recliner, there is one more left. The limited durability of a recliner compared to a bed makes it a bad choice for sleeping in it. You see, a recliner is designed to bear the same level of suffering as a bed.
By suffering, I don’t mean anything bad. It just means wear and tear. So, if you decide to sleep in a recliner for the long term, you may need to replace it with a new one more frequently.
Is sleeping in a recliner bad for your back?
While talking about sleeping in a recliner, it can be bad for your back if you sleep in a recliner for a long period of time. Although you can take quick naps on a recliner, you should use a proper bed for long-term sleep. Recliners may not offer the same support and comfort as a proper bed.
Is sleeping in a recliner bad for your heart?
It is not necessarily bad for your heart to sleep in a recliner, but there are a few potential issues to consider. Poor circulation and the restricted movement of sleeping in a recliner can potentially lead to health problems, including an increased risk of heart disease.
Hence, sleeping in a recliner may not necessarily be bad for your heart, but you should prefer using a proper bed as a precaution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sleeping in a recliner cause blood clots?
While sleeping in a recliner generally shouldn’t harm you, there’s a small chance it could up your risk for deep-vein thrombosis (DVT). That’s a fancy term for a blood clot that can form in your limbs when you’re stationary for too long with your arms or legs bent.
So, if you’re snoozing in a recliner for a lengthy period without moving, you might be playing with fire, health-wise. But hey, it’s not a guaranteed problem, just something to keep in mind.
Why shouldn’t you sleep in a recliner?
While it may seem tempting to sleep in a recliner due to its comfortable environment, it is not considered a good practice. There are several reasons why you should not sleep in a recliner.
I have described these reasons above. Overall, sleeping in a recliner is not as comfortable as sleeping in a bed. Moreover, it can also be dangerous to your health to sleep in a recliner.
Are recliners bad for leg circulation?
Well, generally, recliners are used to get a comfortable and relaxed environment. But a recliner can be proven bad for your leg circulation if you use it the wrong way.
This is because when you sit in a recliner for extended periods of time without changing your position, the blood flow in your body’s lower portion gets restricted. So, if you want to use a recliner, you must ensure that you take breaks and also stretch your legs periodically in order to maintain good circulation in your legs.
Conclusion
I hope you are satisfied with my answer to is it bad to sleep in a recliner every night. Overall, finding a comfortable and supportive sleeping environment that meets your needs is important.
If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep in your recliner, other options may be worth considering, such as a comfortable bed or a sleep chair.
