Why Do I Sleep Better in a Recliner?
Sleeping is one of the most important parts of our physical and mental well-being. It contributes to our ability to heal, governs our physical endurance, and affects our ability to mentally process our experiences. When you think about sleeping, the first image that likely comes to mind is sleeping flat in a bed. But what about the benefits of sleeping in a recliner and when might that be a better option for some?
Today, we’re exploring the question, “why do I sleep better in a recliner?” and why different lifestyles or health situations may result in better sleep that way. Read on and learn why sleeping in a recliner may be best for you.
Why Do I Sleep Better In a Recliner? Here’s Why
While sleeping flat in a bed may be a default for many people, there are a wide variety of reasons and lifestyle situations where sleeping flat simply isn’t the best for your health or comfort. In these circumstances, you may be wondering, why do I sleep better in a recliner?”
The answer could be that it’s simply a better choice all around for your circumstances! Some health conditions or lifestyles that may make the benefits of sleeping in a recliner more appealing to an individual include:
- Helping with sleep apnea or other sleep disorders
- Back pain relief sleeping in a recliner
- Stress relief from napping in a recliner
- Safe sleeping positions while pregnant
- Improving circulation throughout the body while sleeping
Sleep Apnea Relief
The first answer you may find when asking the question, “why do I sleep better in a recliner?” is that it could help with sleep apnea relief. Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. It can lead to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, increase blood pressure, put you at higher risk for diabetes, or contribute to obesity.
One of the most common types of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when the muscles that support the soft tissues in your throat, like the tongue, temporarily relax and close off your windpipe. Sleeping flat on a bed may exacerbate this problem, especially for those who sleep on their back.
One of the benefits of sleeping in a recliner is that your head remains elevated. This could help keep your throat and windpipe clear, allowing you to keep breathing properly while asleep and avoiding sleep apnea complications.
Back Pain Relief Sleeping in a Recliner
One of the most common reasons people ask, “why do I sleep better in a recliner?” is that it helps with back pain relief. Statistics show that upwards of 80% of all adults will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. Whether you’re looking for back pain relief or options for sciatica treatment at home, finding ways to soothe your pain is likely a top priority.
Seeking the back pain relief benefits of sleeping in a recliner comes with its own set of considerations, however. Not all recliners are created equally! A traditional recliner may seem comfortable at first, but you’re much more likely to experience pain from sitting too long or to subconsciously practice bad sitting habits in one. In a traditional recliner, you’re actually focusing excess pressure on the lower back as you recline. This means the pain you’re looking to relieve may actually become worse. What can you do?
This is where zero gravity chairs come into the mix. Representing the next evolution in recliner design, a luxury zero gravity recliner could have a major positive impact on your health well beyond (but including) back pain relief. The source of this difference is the zero gravity position you recline into.
In the zero gravity position, the legs are elevated above the heart level, drastically reducing pressure from the back and distributing weight evenly along the body. This means sleeping in a zero gravity chair could help with how the body heals itself. In fact, they are so beneficial that they may facilitate the same back healing in 20 minutes of daily use that occurs in 8 to 10 hours of sleep!
Beyond back pain relief, bonus features of zero gravity luxury recliners may also enhance your experience. A zero gravity chair with massage and heat therapy features can easily bring your relaxation to the next level. You might wonder how you ever slept without one!
Stress Relief in a Recliner
When it comes to answering the question, “why do I sleep better in a recliner?” you may not always think about stress, but it could be a major factor. The American Psychological Association has stated that nearly half of Americans have reported their stress levels increasing in the past five years, with almost one-third saying they live with extreme stress on a daily basis. That’s a lot to handle!
Finding ways to relax and recharge in a recliner could help avoid stress related health problems like sleep deprivation. This, of course, depends on the type of recliner you’re using. A traditional recliner may offer a space to unwind for a bit, but the potential health benefits of zero gravity chairs make them more ideal for stress relief.
A popular activity you can combine with your recliner is meditation. Meditation has been shown to help with stress management, allowing you to get more restful sleep. Zero gravity meditation in your recliner combines the benefits of two activities to give you an incredible experience. Consider making it part of your relaxing night time routine to fall asleep more quickly and sleep more soundly.
Additionally, pain contributes to stress. Finding pain relief sleeping in a recliner may also be effective for helping reduce stress levels in your daily life.
Safe Sleeping Positions While Pregnant
The question, “why do I sleep better in a recliner?” isn’t limited to chronic back pain or mental stress. Sleeping in a recliner could also be beneficial when pregnant! As much as 78% of pregnant women report experiencing sleep disorders during their pregnancy journey. While sleep is absolutely essential for the health of you and your baby, changes in your body may make it difficult to achieve a good night’s sleep. Finding the right recliner for sleep or napping while pregnant can make a huge difference.
Sleeping flat is discouraged later in pregnancy as the weight can reduce blood flow to the lower parts of your body and restrict nutrient delivery to your growing baby. One study found that a woman going to sleep flatly on her back (note: initial sleep position, not accounting for changes in position while already asleep) was associated with increased risk of stillbirth after 28 weeks. Sitting upright using pillows can be uncomfortable so finding an alternative can be helpful. This is where the benefits of sleeping in a recliner shine once again!
Is it safe to sleep in a recliner while pregnant? For most women, it is! In fact, not only is it a safe option for pregnant women, but it may improve sleep quality, naturally lower stress levels that could lead to pregnancy complications, and improve blood flow.
Finding the right recliner can be such a gift to pregnant women, providing a comfortable, safe position for you and baby. Similar to seeking back pain relief, not all recliners are the same here. The potential benefits of zero gravity position during pregnancy make zero gravity recliners the winner here, once again.
Note: Consult your doctor before beginning any new health routines during pregnancy to ensure it’s safe.
Improving Circulation While Sleeping
Last, though certainly not least, on our list of common answers to the question, “why do I sleep better in a recliner?” is the potential for better circulation in a recliner. Traditional recliners fall short here, once again, as they simply don’t offer a reclining position that optimizes blood flow throughout the body. Unfortunately, a traditional recliner is more likely to result in poor circulation to your extremities such as legs and feet.
Zero gravity chairs are able to step in as a great option for how to improve circulation in legs and feet while sleeping. Reclining in the zero gravity position does more than just alleviate pressure from the lower back, it also facilitates better circulation. Improving poor circulation throughout the body can enhance how the body heals itself, allowing essential nutrients and oxygen to be delivered to muscles, tissue, and organs.
The elevation of the feet above the heart level in a zero gravity recliner is what sets it apart from their traditional counterparts or sleeping in a bed. It can be difficult to maintain proper feet elevation lying flat in bed using pillows or blankets. A zero gravity chair makes it easy and helps you get the good quality sleep you need.
As you can see, there are a number of great answers to the question, “why do I sleep better in a recliner?” Even though sleeping flat on the bed may be the default when it comes to rest, there are always other options available. The benefits of sleeping in a recliner will affect each person individually, but choose a zero gravity chair to maximize the potential benefits for you. Their multifunctional nature makes the benefits of zero gravity chairs for all ages a life-changing investment.
Want to learn more about zero gravity chairs and how they may positively impact your life? Check out these additional resources:
