The Dangers of Sleeping in a Recliner Chair

Articles

Riser recliner chairs are comfortable, supportive chairs that allow you to lie back with your legs raised, making it easier to fall asleep while relaxing. However, despite all of the benefits these chairs provide, there are several downsides to sleeping in a recliner chair.  

While recliner chairs provide a cosy place to drift off, sleeping in a bed is always the better option. We’ve highlighted some of the dangers of sleeping in a recliner chair below. 

Breathing Problems 

One of the first problems that sleeping in an adjustable chair can cause is breathing problems. This is because the chair is not intended for sleeping, meaning you’re not in the optimal position to rest. As a result, if you fall asleep hunched over, this could block or restrict your airflow. 

In addition, falling to sleep in a reclined position could cause blood congestion due to reducing the amount of oxygen you’re able to take in. This means sleeping in an electric chair may pose several dangers, especially for those with pre-existing breathing issues or conditions. 

Stiff Joints 

It might feel comfortable to fall asleep in a riser recliner chair, but doing so can lead to stiff joints. This is because while your legs are raised when in the reclining position, your knees and hips remain bent. Staying like this for a prolonged period can cause stiffness in your hips and legs. 

Sleeping in this position might not reveal immediate discomfort, but over time,you might experience poor posture, achy joints and stiff movement. Instead, you can avoid this by lying straight in a bed with your body supported appropriately. 

Back Pain

Although adjustable chairs are great for relieving back pain, sleeping in one can worsen the problem. This is particularly relevant to lower back pain, which can be combated by sleeping on your side. This makes sleeping in a recliner not the best idea if you suffer from back pain, and there is a danger that regularly sleeping in a reclining chair could lead to future issues. 

Back pain, paired with stiff legs, can leave you feeling sore when waking up, meaning getting in bed is always the best and least dangerous option for a great night’s sleep. 

Restricted Movement

A riser recliner chair not only keeps your body upright, but is less spacious than a regular or adjustable bed. This is not an issue when you’re simply using your chair to relax and participate in hobbies such as watching TV or reading, but there are several implications for sleep.

Not being able to shift around in the night can also lead to stiff body parts, including your back, neck and legs, which can lead to problems such as pain and poor posture. 

As well as this, it just isn’t as comfortable when you’re restricted in this way. If you want the best night’s sleep possible, a bed will provide a more comfortable, less restrictive place to do so, while removing the dangers of sleeping in a recliner chair. 

Poor Quality Sleep

A proper night’s sleep is important – which means achieving the REM (rapid eye movement) stage of slumber. During this period of sleep, you experience dreams, memories, learning and more, all important for the brain’s development. Not achieving enough REM sleep has a negative impact on the body and mind. 

Sleeping in the small, restrictive space of an adjustable chair makes it difficult for your body to relax and to achieve that deep state of rest. Instead, low-quality sleep gained in a recliner chair may impede the day ahead. You won’t feel as refreshed, and it can hurt your mental health and immune system. To avoid these issues, use your bed instead!

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Sitting with your legs bent overnight can lead to poor circulation, which presents many health risks. One problem that can come from this positioning is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is a serious condition in which blood clots form in your deep veins, occurring mainly in the legs. This is a serious issue that could become life-threatening – meaning the dangers of sleeping in a recliner chair aren’t just aches and pains!  

To avoid this, stick to the bed. You can stretch your legs properly in bed, allowing your blood to flow. 

The Benefits of Riser Recliner Chairs

Although we have just warned against the negative effects of sleeping in a riser recliner chair, they still provide many benefits.

Superior comfort, improved independence, reduced back pain and improved circulation are just some of the benefits these chairs provide. These chairs are perfect for relaxing in and providing the support you need to remain comfortable. When it comes to going to sleep though, our range of adjustable beds is a much better option! 

The Benefits of Adjustable Beds

Adjustable beds help you get a great night’s sleep. In addition, they provide functionalities that let you recline your upper or lower body and more support than a regular bed. This means you should drift off easily in an electric bed. 

This allows you to find the perfect spot to fall asleep in – with the bonus of several health benefits. These include reduced snoring, back pain relief, reduced swelling, heartburn relief and more. For the best night’s sleep, one of our made-to-measure adjustable beds should do the trick. 

Free Home Trials With Grosvenor Mobility

If you would like to test out a recliner chair or adjustable bed, Grosvenor Mobility proudly offersmfree home trials!

A specialist will come to your home, answering any questions you have about the furniture. You’ll also get to test out and see the riser recliner chairs or adjustable beds in your own home.

Get in touch with Grosvenor Mobility today to book your trial, or to ask any questions you may have!