Why Do I Sleep Better in My Recliner Than My Bed?

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Why do I sleep in my recliner than my bed? You’re probably asking this question after realizing you spend most of your night’s sleep in your recliner. You are not alone. Many people have resolved to sleep on recliners and have ditched their traditional beds since they find it hard to fall asleep.

Recliners have become so beneficial to our health that doctors also recommend them to patients suffering from different health issues for a good night’s sleep.

Why do I sleep better in my recliner than in my bed? What is behind these recliner seats? Do they have health benefits? We’ll take a closer look at the mechanisms and design of a reclining seat to see how it differs from a bed in terms of comfort and sleep quality.

Why do I Sleep Better in My Recliner Than in My Bed?

Why do I Sleep Better in My Recliner Than in My Bed?

Image Credits: bobvila.com

Ultimately, the answer is that your body knows what is best for you. Sleeping in a recliner seat is more comfortable and relaxing, whether you have a manual or the best power recliner. It is supportive and soft, so you can easily sink into luxurious comfort without having sleep disorders like snoring. Also, recliners have high-quality cushioning, a spacious design, and great adjustability features for good sleep.

The structure of the recliner chairs is purely for comfort because of the armrests and headrests that automatically recline backward when relaxing on the chair. Moreover, it gives you a choice of elevating your legs for comfort and proper blood flow for a restful night’s sleep. It is also good for the heart because it helps in minimizing heart and respiratory problems

Besides, sleeping in a recliner reduces stress on the body, especially the spine, because it keeps you in a reclined rather than an upright sleeping position. When the pressure is removed from your spine, it allows your back and core muscles to relax and heal. Thus reducing back pain.

Ultimately, recliner seats can be the most accessible place to drift off because you are not thinking about sleep most of the time, unlike in bed, where total silence sends your brain to wander before falling asleep. This makes it understandable why most people would fall asleep in the recliner rather than in a traditional bed.

Sleeping in a recliner chair may be better than sleeping in bed because a recliner will keep you upright and your airways open. Here are some of the reasons why sleeping in a recliner can be beneficial;

1. Reduce Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Reduce symptoms of sleep apnea

Image Image: pillowinsider.com

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common symptom of sleep apnea. When you have this condition, the muscle in your throat relaxes and blocks your airways, leading to uncomfortable snoring and abrupt awakenings at night.

Also, people with obstructive sleep apnea have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) because it may increase pressure in the chest cavity, which is likely to cause acid reflux. So sleeping in a recliner will help elevate your head and ease and manage obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.

2. Relieves Back Pain

At some point in life, you must have experienced back pain, which can be acute or chronic, and recliners can relieve back pain. These pains occur when the muscles in the back constantly balance the upper body and lower part of the body. However, when the body is reclined, the pressure is taken off your spine to allow your core muscles to relax and heal.

Since sitting in an upright position might still put tension on your muscles, sleeping in a reclined position is considerably better and more pain-relieving than doing so while upright. Moreover, sleeping when your head and knees are elevated will give you a comfortable and good night’s rest compared to sleeping on a flat mattress.

3. Helps Pregnant Women to Have a Restful Sleep

Falling asleep can be very problematic, complicated, and stressful when pregnant. This can result in back pains and discomfort from the unborn child’s weight. However, many expectant mothers find it easy and restful to sleep in a recliner because it will allow them to sleep in a position that benefits their changing bodies.

Nonetheless, avoiding a recliner when you have a newborn and doing nighttime feeding would be best. Sitting in a reclining chair can lead the mother to fall asleep, putting the child at risk of accidental injury or death.

Helps Pregnant Women to Have a Restful Sleep

Image Credits: community.whattoexpect.com

4. Reduces the Risk of Heartburn

Heartburn occurs when acid is released from the stomach to the esophagus, and any weak esophageal sphincter muscle causes acid reflux. Consequently, heartburn can worsen if you sleep in a horizontal position.

People suffering from heartburn or stomach acid and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) find maximum comfort and a night of better sleep when sleeping on the recliners by keeping their bodies upright.

5. Helps With Surgical Healing

Doctors recommend sleeping in a reclined chair after some surgical procedures because sitting in a reclined posture is less stressful for your back than sitting in an upright chair. However, ensuring that your recliner gives you proper support is a good idea to avoid sitting with a curved spine.

6. Improves Circulation

Sitting for too long can negatively affect your overall cardiac status by raising your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Still, sitting can reduce blood flow in your legs, resulting in clots and increased muscle cramping.

Elevating your lower legs above heart level by sitting in a recliner allows gravity to reduce inflammation naturally. Doing so can also help you recover from daily fatigue, so sleeping in your recliner can make you feel better after a busy day and increase your blood circulation.

Side Effects of Sleeping in a Recliner

Side Effects of Sleeping in a Recliner

Image Credits: furnitureacademy.com

Sleeping in a recliner seat is much more comfortable and can easily pull you to your dreamland. However, they have some drawbacks that can make them uncomfortable. Including;

a) Joint Stiffness

Sleeping in a recliner will keep your knees and joints bent throughout, leading to tight hips and hamstrings, negatively affecting your posture. Also, when your muscles are tight, it can increase the risk of falling while sleeping.

b) Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Image Credits: drtobycohen.com.au

When your joints are bent and motionless for a long time, you can be at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This very serious blood clot usually occurs in your legs and is life-threatening. So it is advisable to wear compression socks to reduce the chances of DVT.

c) Poor Blood Circulation.

Recliners help to improve blood circulation. However, this benefit can be a side effect if you spend more time on the recliner. Lying in a semi-reclined position for long periods restricts muscular movement, causing strain and poor circulation.

Additionally, when your muscular movement slows, your blood capillary system narrows, restricting proper blood flow. To improve your blood circulation. Instead of sleeping throughout the night in the recliner, lie down a few hours daily, as this will reduce the stress on your muscles and improve blood circulation.

Best Practices for Sleeping in a Recliner

Best Practices for Sleeping in a Recliner

Image Credits: sleeping.guide

Sleeping in a recliner is very easy and comfortable, but there are some steps you need to follow to maximize comfort. To help you sleep better, try these strategies:

a) Use a Pillow to Support your Head, Neck, and Spine

A pillow is essential while sleeping in a recliner because it adequately supports your head, neck, and spine. Doing so will reduce pressure on your spine and prevent neck and back pain while sleeping. However, choosing the right type and size of pillow is important because it will give you the right support when sleeping.

b) Keep your Feet Elevated By Placing a Footrest on The Recliner

Elevating your feet is important to stay comfortable while sleeping in a recliner. Place a footrest on the recliner to give your feet a perfect lift to relax naturally. Also, it can reduce stress on your lower back. Choose a recliner with a footrest to give you comfort.

c) Make Sure the Recliner is Adjusted to your Size and Comfort Level

Adjust the recliner to your size and comfort level for a good night’s sleep. Take time to change the recliner to suit your body size to support your body in all positions. Also, it will help you maintain a good posture and minimize the risk of medical conditions such as sleep apnea.

Conclusion

why do i sleep better in my recliner than my bed?

Image Credits: goldentech.com

There you go- you can now sleep in your recliner comfortably without sleep disturbances, and these sleep chairs allow adjustable positions and are suitable for any room.

However, consider the best practices of sleeping in a recliner to avoid side effects that can cause harm to your health.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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