A Sleep Lover’s Guide To Sleeping In A Recliner

You want to get a good night’s sleep, right? Let’s say you happen to have a recliner around the house. If you are the type of person who doesn’t like sleeping in bed but needs some quality shuteye, then there are a few options for putting your recliner into supportive slumber mode.

How To Sleep In A Recliner

To sleep in a recliner, you need to have a well-padded chair so that it is comfortable enough for you to sleep on it for an extended period. You may also want to try out various positions and different ways of arranging blankets and pillows to find the perfect setup that will keep you from tossing and turning all night long.

Choose a recliner that is large enough for you to sleep in comfortably. Not all recliners are created equal, so consider yourself incredibly picky when it comes to purchasing a nice chair. It’s worth it to pay extra for the larger and more comfortable ones since they are designed for lounging instead of casual seating. Seek out one with a thicker cushion for added comfort, or find one you can reupholster and personalize with some new pillows and throws.

Many people prefer a recliner with a cup holder, if only for convenience. You can also look into recliners with storage space underneath the seat. This is especially useful if you plan to doze off while watching TV or reading because you’ll have full access to all of your belongings without having to get up and walk over to the table. If there is not much extra room on the chair itself, then find one with an armrest that folds down, so you have more room to move around.

The most important part of this equation, though, is how comfortable your recliner is regardless of what features it has. You don’t want to purchase a recliner with many features that you won’t be using because it makes the chair too uncomfortable. 

The most obvious issue to look for in a recliner with enough padding and material to be comfortable while sleeping. Expect to be able to sleep on the chair for at least two hours before you begin noticing discomfort, which is what would happen if your chair did not provide sufficient amounts of cushioning.

FAQ

Is It Ok To Sleep In A Recliner?

Yes, you can sleep in a recliner. However, sleep specialists say that what matters is that you are following best practices for healthy sleeping. These include, and are not limited to: maintaining an optimal temperature of around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, getting about eight hours of sleep each night, and making sure your bedroom has sufficient lighting to avoid “night blindness.” Once these conditions are met, it doesn’t matter where you lay your head down the night-including the elevated recliner.

How Do You Sleep In A Recliner Chair?

You can put pillows on the floor to keep your head and arm from hitting the ground; then, I rest my head against a pillow. This position is not as comfortable as sleeping on a bed, but it has its benefits (if you need to nap during the day). Some people will sleep off balance or curl into a ball, while others will put their feet up and their head down or vice versa.

Can Sleeping In A Recliner Cause Blood Clots?

No, sleeping in a recliner can NOT cause blood clots. For it to happen, you must be seated and not moving for hours on end. Honestly, if you’re not on a plane or taking an extended driving trip, the chances are that this isn’t happening to you.