Sleeping in a Recliner vs. Sleeping in a Bed
People have different preferences when it comes to sleep orientation (choosing between a bed and a recliner) and it can be for health reasons or just based on what they feel more comfortable with.
But, is there one that is actually better than the other? Let’s compare.
For one, sleeping on a bed avails you the opportunity to sleep horizontally. Sleeping horizontally reduces the pressure between the spinal discs caused from the vertical orientation of the spine (while sitting, standing) and allows the spinal fluid to return to the discs.
Of course, you can adjust recliners to let you sleep horizontally, it is not just up to the extent of that of the bed.
Like I mentioned earlier, sleeping in a recliner helps lower the risk of certain health conditions and also helps against snoring.
Next is sleep flexibility, which I personally consider to be the most important. Sleeping in a recliner is confined and limits body movement during sleep, whereas, sleeping on a bed allows you to change positions on your whim.
On a bed, you can choose to sleep on your back, side or even stomach (I don’t recommend trying this in your recliner). Sleeping on a bed also allows you to fully stretch your limbs and conquer the expanse of the bed if that is how you roll.
Relieving back pain – this is a one-up on the side of the recliners as the structure of the recliner is such as to perform that function, the bed…..not as much. And as a bonus, it is easier to just surrender to sleep on the recliner than make the daunting journey to the bed.
In the end, it all boils down to a matter of preference. It might also help to consult an appropriate health officer to find out which is suitable or better for you.
I purchased a motorized recliner just prior to hip replacement surgery, in part because my bed was so high I was concerned that I would not be able to make the transition immediately after coming home from surgery.
Now, i alternate through the night from bed to recliner, easing aches and pains all throughout my body. When in the recliner, I often wake with my legs drawn up, almost sideways in the chair, semi-fetal position. I don’t know why I do this in my sleep, it is not a comfortable feeling when I wake – and shift to the bed again.