Health Benefits of Sleeping in a Recliner

There are many benefits to having a reclining lift chair, but did you know that sleeping in one can improve your quality of life? For many of us, falling asleep in a recliner is a mere accident after spending too many hours binge-watching our favorite TV show, but for some people, it is a conscious choice guided by health reasons. Depending on your unique health journey, deciding to sleep in a reclining chair might be the best option for you.

Here are some benefits of sleeping in a reclining lift chair that will help you get a better night’s sleep.

Reduces Acid Reflux Symptoms

Your lower esophageal sphincter is the muscle at the end of your esophagus that acts as a gateway between your esophagus and stomach. For most people, this gate remains shut when you’re digesting food. However, if you have acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), this muscle doesn’t close completely, causing stomach acid to back up into your esophagus creating heartburn symptoms.

If you are someone who suffers from chronic acid reflux, you understand how uncomfortable it can be to lie flat on your back during a reflux attack. Many people experience heartburn and reflux symptoms at night because gravity stops pushing your stomach contents away from your esophagus when you lie down. Sleeping in a reclined position may help ease heartburn by keeping your body in a more upright position, allowing gravity to improve your digestion and reduce reflux. If you find yourself in a position where you cannot sleep in a recliner, investing in a bed wedge can help elevate your upper body and reduce reflux in the same way.

Relieves Back Pain

Our back and core muscles are constantly at work, supporting our spines when we sit, stand, bend over, exercise, and more. Sleeping in a recliner with both legs elevated can take away pressure on your back and decompress the spine, allowing core muscles to relax. Elevating your feet lets gravity send blood to the muscles and tendons of your lower back, helping your back heal and become stronger. If you suffer from frequent back pain, sleeping in a recliner can help relax your stressed muscles and allow them to rest and heal.

Allows for Easy Breathing

Assuming you have a high-quality sleeper recliner, you can adjust your chair into a position that will open up your diaphragm and help you breathe easier. This is ideal for people who suffer from sleep apnea or people who are sick with diseases that affect their respiratory system, like Covid-19.

Improves Blood Circulation

When we are lying down flat, it is harder for our hearts to maintain effective circulation in our legs. If you are suffering from swollen ankles due to a buildup of fluid during the day, your circulation can suffer more than usual at bedtime. Raising the legs helps pooled fluid flow out of the legs, making it easier for new blood to get around without too much resistance.

Lifting both the head and legs helps disperse excess fluid and keeps blood circulating normally. Sleeping with your legs higher than your heart is a good way to reduce swelling and improve circulation throughout your entire body. Experts suggest keeping your legs at least an inch or more above your heart for best results.

Great for After Surgery Care

Sleeping in a reclining chair might be more comfortable if you find it difficult to get in and out of bed after surgery. Depending on what type of procedure you had, it may be necessary for you to elevate your feet or neck while sleeping. This can be difficult to achieve in a regular bed, so a reclining lift chair is your best option.

Here at BEK Medical, we understand how important sleep is for your overall health and wellbeing. If you struggle to get quality sleep due to underlying health conditions, we recommend our EZ Sleeper, adjustable lift chair. Along with all the benefits already mentioned, our recliners can be customized to fit your specific needs.

Our selection of sleeper lift chairs ranges from the basic two-position chair to the infinite position chair. With over five hundred combinations of upholstery, heat, and massage options, you can customize your lift chair just the way you want it!

Contact us today to discuss which power lift chair is right for you, so you can rest easy and comfortably.