Sleeping in a Recliner Chair: Is It Bad? - Amerisleep (2025)

People pick recliners for sleep for many reasons. Some find their beds too uncomfortable due to health issues. Others discover that sleeping upright helps them breathe better. Many people simply drift off to sleep while watching TV and stay in their cozy recliners all night.

If you’re thinking about sleeping in a recliner or already do, you need to know the facts. Read on to discover the surprising benefits, potential risks, and expert tips that will help you make the best choice for your health. Your comfort and safety might depend on what you learn next.

Potential Benefits of Sleeping in a Recliner

While bed frames remain the traditional choice for sleep, recliners offer unique advantages for people with specific health conditions.

Medical experts have found several ways that sleeping at an incline can improve certain health issues, making recliners a valuable alternative for some sleepers.

Help with Acid Reflux and GERD

Sleeping in a recliner keeps your head above your stomach, which helps prevent stomach acid from flowing back into your esophagus. This elevated position creates a natural barrier that makes it harder for acid to travel upward, unlike lying flat in bed where acid can easily move up.

People withGERDVerified SourceNational Library of Medicine (NIH)World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View sourceoften experience immediate relief when they sleep at a 30-45 degree angle in a recliner. The upright position also helps your body digest food better, reducing nighttime heartburn and morning discomfort. Many doctors actually recommend this sleeping position to their acid reflux patients as a first-line treatment.

Your digestive system works more efficiently in this position, leading to fewer midnight wake-ups from chest pain or burning sensations. Most people notice improvements in their symptoms within just a few nights of recliner sleeping.

Breathing and Sleep Apnea Improvements

Recliner sleeping opens your airways more effectively than lying flat, making breathing easier for many people. The elevated position prevents your tongue and soft tissues from collapsing backward, which often triggers sleep apnea episodes during flat sleeping.

This position reduces pressure on your lungs and diaphragm, allowing for fuller, deeper breaths throughout the night. People withasthmaVerified SourceCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)The United States’ health protection agency that defends against dangers to health and safety. View source, bronchitis, orcongestionVerified SourceMedline PlusOnline resource offered by the National Library of Medicine and part of the National Institutes of Health. View sourceoften find immediate breathing relief in a recliner. The inclined position helps drain mucus and reduce inflammation in your airways, leading to clearer breathing passages.

Many sleep apnea patients report fewer episodes of stopped breathing when sleeping in a recliner compared to their beds. Your chest cavity can expand more freely in this position, which helps reduce snoring and promotes better oxygen flow.

Deep Sleep Benefits

A2021 studyVerified SourceNational Library of Medicine (NIH)World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View sourcefound that participants experienced notably increased periods of deep sleep (N3 stage) when sleeping in a recliner, especially when combined with gentle rocking motions.

This improvement in deep sleep was particularly pronounced for individuals who typically experienced poor sleep quality (those with high Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores). The research showed that “bad sleepers” saw significant increases in their deep sleep parameters when using the recliner compared to their baseline sleep measurements.

The study demonstrated that recliner sleep, when properly positioned at specific angles (14° for the back and 36° for the seat), could reduce the time it took participants to reach deep sleep stages.

Additionally, researchers observed increased sleep spindle activity—a characteristic brain wave pattern associated with memory consolidation and improved sleep quality—in certain reclining conditions.

However, it’s important to note that individual responses varied, and there were sometimes discrepancies between how people perceived their sleep quality and what the objective measurements showed.

While some participants reported similar sleep quality across different positions, physiological measurements revealed notable differences in their sleep architecture and patterns. This suggests that while recliner sleep may offer benefits, its effectiveness can vary significantly from person to person.

Post-Surgery Recovery Benefits

After certain surgeries, doctors often recommend recliner sleeping to speed up healing and reduce complications. The elevated position helps minimize swelling and inflammation, especially after procedures on your chest, abdomen, or lower body.

Recliners make it easier to get in and out without straining your surgical sites, which helps prevent torn stitches and reopened wounds. The supported position reduces pressure on healing tissues and allows for better blood flow to operated areas.

A2002 studyVerified SourceNational Library of Medicine (NIH)World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View sourceexamined how patients of a laparoscopic surgery (sometimes called “keyhole surgery” or “minimally invasive surgery” because of the small cuts made) recovered when sleeping in recliners or hospital beds. For context, this type of surgery is for many common operations like:

• Removing the gallbladder
• Repairing hernias
• Removing the appendix
• Some types of cancer surgery
• Many gynecological procedures

The study found that patients in recliner chairs felt ready to go home sooner than those in regular hospital beds. They also reported feeling more comfortable overall. Patients who used the recliner chairs had less nausea, less severe pain, and fewer problems urinating after their surgery.

Indeed, many patients find that recliners help them manage post-surgical pain better than lying flat in bed. The adjustable nature of recliners lets you find the perfect angle that puts the least stress on your surgical sites.

Getting quality sleep after surgery becomes easier when you can adjust your position with just the push of a button. Most importantly, the elevated position helps prevent fluid buildup around surgical sites, which can speed up your recovery time.

Health Risks and Concerns

While recliners can help with certain conditions, they also come with potential health risks that you should know about. Understanding these risks helps you make better decisions about using a recliner for sleep.

Blood Circulation Issues

Sleeping in a recliner can reduce blood flow to your legs and feet, especially if you stay in the same position for many hours. The bent position at your knees and hips can squeeze blood vessels, making it harder for blood to flow freely through your lower body.

Poor circulation often causes tingling, numbness, or a “pins and needles” feeling in your feet and legs. Your feet might feel cold or look slightly blue in the morning, which signals reduced blood flow.

Moving around less during sleep in a recliner also affects your circulation. When you sleep in a bed, you naturally shift positions throughout the night, which helps keep your blood moving.

Neck and Spine Alignment Problems

Your spine needs proper support to maintain its natural curve, but recliners don’t always provide this support. Many people slouch or lean to one side in their recliners, which throws their spine out of alignment.

The headrest of a recliner might push your head forward, straining your neck muscles and upper spine. This position can lead to morning headaches and persistent neck pain over time.

Your lower back might also suffer because most recliners don’t support the natural curve of your spine. This gap between your lower back and the chair can cause your muscles to work overtime, leading to backaches.

Joint Stiffness and Muscle Tightness

Staying in a reclined position all night can make your joints stiff, especially in your knees and hips. These joints remain bent instead of stretching out, which can lead to morning stiffness and reduced flexibility.

Your muscles might become tight and shortened over time, particularly in your hamstrings and hip flexors. This tightness can affect how you walk and move during the day.

Regular recliner sleeping might reduce your overall range of motion because your body doesn’t get the chance to fully stretch out. Some people notice they feel less flexible after several nights of sleeping in their recliner.

Deep Vein Thrombosis Risk

Deep vein thrombosisVerified SourceMedline PlusOnline resource offered by the National Library of Medicine and part of the National Institutes of Health. View source(DVT) poses a serious risk when sleeping in a recliner, especially for older adults or those with circulation problems. This dangerous condition occurs when blood clots form in your legs due to reduced movement and bent knees.

Thesymptoms of DVTVerified SourceNational Library of Medicine (NIH)World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View sourceinclude swelling, warmth, and pain in one leg, often in the calf area. These blood clots can become life-threatening if they break loose and travel to your lungs.

People who have surgery or limited mobility face a higher risk of developing DVT when sleeping in recliners. Regular movement and proper positioning become crucial to prevent this serious condition.

Making Recliner Sleep Safer

Sleeping in a recliner can be made safer with the right approach and proper precautions. By following these guidelines, you can reduce potential health risks and improve your sleeping experience.

Proper Positioning Tips

Your recliner position plays a key role in preventing health problems and ensuring good sleep. The best angle for most people falls between 30 and 45 degrees—not too flat and not too upright.

Make sure your head, neck, and spine form a straight line when you’re in the recliner. Your shoulders should rest comfortably against the backrest without hunching forward.

Keep your feet elevated just slightly above heart level to help with circulation. Avoid letting your feet dangle or hang over the footrest, as this can reduce blood flow.

Your knees should be slightly bent but not tightly folded, and try to keep them at hip level or just below. Change your position slightly every few hours if you wake up, just like you naturally would in a bed.

Support and Cushioning Needs

Using the right cushions can transform an ordinary recliner into a better sleeping space. Place a small, firm pillow behind your lower back to maintain the natural curve of your spine.

A neck pillow or rolled towel can support your neck and prevent your head from tilting too far forward or backward. Memory foam pillows work especially well because they mold to your shape.

Consider adding padding to the armrests to prevent pressure points, and use a cushion under your knees if the footrest feels too hard. Small pillows placed along your sides can prevent you from leaning sideways during sleep.

Time Limits and Alternatives

Try to limit recliner sleeping to short periods unless your doctor specifically recommends it. Most experts suggest using a recliner for sleep no more than a few weeks unless you have a medical reason.

Take breaks from recliner sleeping when possible by spending some nights in bed. This gives your body a chance to stretch out fully and maintain flexibility.

If you need long-term elevated sleeping, consider investing in an adjustable bed. These beds offer similar benefits to recliners but with better support and more sleeping space.

Create a rotation between recliner and bed sleeping if possible, especially if you’re recovering from surgery or dealing with temporary health issues. This helps prevent any single position from causing long-term problems.

When to Choose a Recliner for Sleep

Deciding to sleep in a recliner should depend on your specific health needs and medical situation. This choice requires careful thought and often input from healthcare professionals.

Medical Conditions That May Benefit

Sleep apnea patientsVerified SourceNational Library of Medicine (NIH)World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View sourceoften find relief with elevated sleeping positions because they help keep airways open. The inclined position works particularly well for those who can’t tolerate CPAP machines or need extra breathing support.

While recliners are one option, adjustable beds and wedge pillows can provide similar benefits, often with better overall sleep quality on a more conventional mattress surface.

People with severe acid reflux or GERD can benefit from sleeping at an incline. This can be achieved through bed wedges, adjustable beds, or risers under the head of the bed—all of which maintain proper spinal alignment while providing the needed elevation.

Heart failure patients sometimes benefit from elevated sleeping positions because they reduce the work their heart must do. The upright position can help decrease fluid buildup in the lungs and reduce nighttime breathing problems

While recliners can provide this elevation, adjustable beds offer similar benefits while allowing for a more natural sleeping position and better temperature regulation throughout the night.

If you have any of these conditions it’s important to discuss your sleep setup with your doctor, who can help you tailor and tweak what you need for lasting comfort and good health.

Temporary vs. Long-term Use

Temporary recliner sleeping works best for recovery after certain surgeries, especially chest, shoulder, or abdominal procedures. Most people return to regular bed sleeping after 2 to 4 weeks of recovery.

Short-term use might help during acute phases of respiratory infections or seasonal allergies. Once symptoms improve, you should transition back to your regular sleeping arrangement.

Long-term recliner sleeping needs careful consideration and medical supervision. If you find yourself needing a recliner for sleep beyond a few weeks, talk with your doctor about getting an adjustable bed instead.

When to Consult a Doctor

Always talk to your doctor before making recliner-sleeping a regular habit. They can evaluate whether your specific health conditions would benefit from this sleeping position and whether a recliner chair is the best tool to provide it.

See your doctor immediately if you notice new pain, numbness, or tingling while sleeping in your recliner. These symptoms might signal nerve compression or circulation problems.

Contact your healthcare provider if you develop daytime fatigue or feel unrested, even after a full night’s sleep in your recliner. This could mean you’re not getting quality sleep in that position.

Schedule a check-up if you’ve been sleeping in a recliner for more than a month. Your doctor can assess whether this arrangement still benefits your health or if you need to consider alternatives.

FAQs

Is it bad to sleep in a recliner every night?

It isn’t recommended unless your doctor specifically advises it for a medical condition. Regular recliner sleeping can lead to problems with circulation, joint stiffness, and spine alignment over time.

Your body needs the opportunity to fully stretch out and change positions naturally during sleep, which is harder to do in a recliner.

If you find yourself needing to sleep in a recliner long-term, consider investing in an adjustable bed that offers similar benefits with better full-body support.

Will sleeping in a recliner help my sleep apnea?

Yes, sleeping in an elevated position can significantly help by keeping your airways more open than lying flat. The inclined position helps prevent your tongue and soft tissues from blocking your airway, which often reduces snoring and breathing interruptions.

However, while this might provide temporary relief, it’s not a recommended long-term solution and shouldn’t replace proper medical treatment like CPAP therapy or other interventions prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications. That’s why it’s important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor, who can perform proper testing and recommend the most effective treatment options for your specific situation.

How long should I sleep in a recliner after surgery?

It depends on your specific procedure and your surgeon’s recommendations. Most people sleep in recliners for 2-4 weeks after chest, shoulder, or abdominal surgeries.

During your recovery, pay attention to how your body feels and report any unusual pain or discomfort to your healthcare team. Always follow your surgeon’s specific timeline and guidelines, as they know your particular case and recovery needs best.

Can sleeping in a recliner cause blood clots?

Yes, it can increase your risk of blood clots, especially if you stay in the same position for too long. This risk is higher for older adults, people who recently had surgery, or those with circulation problems or blood clotting disorders.

To reduce this risk, change positions regularly, do simple leg exercises when awake, and make sure your legs aren’t bent too sharply at the knees. If you notice swelling, warmth, or pain in one leg, contact your doctor immediately as these could be signs of a blood clot.

Can I take a nap in a recliner chair?

Taking a nap in a recliner chair can be a perfectly comfortable and safe way to get some rest during the day. Recliners are designed to support your body in multiple positions, and many people find them particularly comfortable for napping since they allow you to elevate your feet and partially recline your back without lying completely flat.

To make your recliner nap more comfortable and effective, consider using a small pillow for neck support and keeping a light blanket nearby since your body temperature tends to drop during sleep.

How can I make my recliner more comfortable for sleeping?

Start by adjusting your recliner to an angle between 30-45 degrees, which most people find most comfortable for sleeping. Add proper support with a firm lumbar pillow for your lower back and a specially designed neck pillow to keep your head and neck aligned.

Make sure to use cushions on both sides to prevent leaning, and place a soft cushion under your knees if the footrest feels too firm. Remember to choose pillows that are the right thickness for your body size. Being too thick or too thin can create new alignment problems.

What’s the best recliner position for acid reflux?

Position your recliner at an angle between 30-45 degrees, which keeps your head well above your stomach. This position creates a natural barrier that helps prevent stomach acid from flowing back into your esophagus during sleep.

Avoid reclining too far back, as this reduces the gravitational benefit, or sitting too upright, which can create uncomfortable pressure on your abdomen. Make sure to wait at least 2-3 hours after eating before lying down in your recliner to give your food time to digest.

How do I know if recliner sleeping is making my health worse?

Watch for warning signs like increased morning stiffness, new or worsening pain in your neck, back, or joints that lasts more than an hour after waking up. Pay attention to symptoms like numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, which could indicate nerve compression or circulation problems.

If you’re feeling more tired during the day or notice changes in your breathing patterns, these could be signs that recliner sleeping isn’t working for you. Document any new symptoms and discuss them with your doctor to determine if you should continue the practice.

Conclusion

Sleeping in a recliner offers real benefits for specific health conditions, but it’s not a choice to make lightly. From helping with acid reflux to easing post-surgery recovery, recliners can serve as valuable sleep alternatives when used correctly.

However, the risks of long-term recliner sleeping, including circulation problems and joint stiffness, deserve serious consideration. Making your recliner sleep safer requires careful attention to positioning, proper support, and regular movement.

Most importantly, the decision to sleep in a chair should involve your healthcare provider, especially if you plan to do it for more than a few nights.

Whether you’re considering recliner sleep for medical reasons or personal comfort, remember that the best sleeping environment is one that promotes both your immediate comfort and long-term health.