Have you ever felt&nbsp;‘tired but wired’ at&nbsp;bedtime - meaning you&nbsp;can’t&nbsp;sleep,&nbsp;your&nbsp;mind’s&nbsp;racing, and&nbsp;your&nbsp;body is filled with restless&nbsp;energy?&nbsp;&nbsp;

Decades&nbsp;ago,&nbsp;this was a pattern for me until I began to&nbsp;heal my&nbsp;relationship with sleep&nbsp;and my nervous system.&nbsp;Over the years,&nbsp;I found many of my clients experiencing the same problem.&nbsp;&nbsp;

I hope you feel relieved to know&nbsp;you&nbsp;aren’t&nbsp;alone, and that it can be solved more simply than you think.&nbsp;

Read on to learn&nbsp;how to&nbsp;quiet the mind&nbsp;for sleep, so you&nbsp;can&nbsp;enjoy&nbsp;the deep nourishing rest&nbsp;you deserve.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Why your mind&nbsp;won’t&nbsp;switch off at night&nbsp;

Understanding and&nbsp;managing your nervous system&nbsp;is&nbsp;key&nbsp;to sleeping well.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our physiology is highly intelligent and evolved to increase our chances&nbsp;of survival in a world that was once&nbsp;dangerous.&nbsp;The&nbsp;nervous system&nbsp;– and&nbsp;the&nbsp;ability to sleep&nbsp;–&nbsp;is&nbsp;designed along the premise of safe or not safe. Simply,&nbsp;we sleep when we feel safe.&nbsp;

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is the name given to the part of your nervous system that regulates many of&nbsp;your important bodily functions&nbsp;and&nbsp;is divided into two:&nbsp;

Throughout the day, depending on the stresses and demands of our lives, we move back and forth between these two legs of our nervous system.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In modern life, we have&nbsp;fewer ways to&nbsp;physically release the energy of stress, as the fight or flight response is asking us to do. Instead,&nbsp;we end up stuck in our minds&nbsp;and take&nbsp;this anxious, hyper-alert state to bed with us. No wonder we end up tired but wired.&nbsp;

Stop trying to force sleep (the ‘rest first’ shift)&nbsp;

Rest is&nbsp;a&nbsp;vital&nbsp;step&nbsp;to sleep. Too often people fixate on trying to sleep when subtly shifting the focus to resting could solve the problem. You can apply this technique if&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;feeling stressed or worried about what lies ahead the next day.&nbsp;A good mindset to cultivate is to say, ‘I’m just going to rest tonight.’&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;the&nbsp;balance between caring enough to make the right choices for your nervous system balance and not obsessing over whether you are sleeping.&nbsp;

Journaling&nbsp;can offer gentle mental offloading&nbsp;and calm thoughts for sleep,&nbsp;helping&nbsp;your mind to switch off.&nbsp;There are two types I recommend – vomit and gratitude:&nbsp;

Try to calm and rest your nervous system&nbsp;throughout the day – this is called ‘micro-resting.’&nbsp;Easier than you&nbsp;might&nbsp;think,&nbsp;there are many ways to build moments of rest naturally into your day, including:&nbsp;

If your&nbsp;mind is racing,&nbsp;I suggest&nbsp;body-based&nbsp;relaxation&nbsp;tools&nbsp;such as&nbsp;somatic&nbsp;exercises.&nbsp;

One of my favourites&nbsp;is to place my&nbsp;hand&nbsp;over my heart&nbsp;and&nbsp;the other over my&nbsp;stomach&nbsp;and&nbsp;feel the weight of&nbsp;them on&nbsp;my&nbsp;body.&nbsp;Then breathe&nbsp;in for a count of&nbsp;four&nbsp;and out for a count of&nbsp;eight, ideally through your nose.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Focusing on breathing takes you away from the ‘noise’ of your mind and back into your body.&nbsp;

Calming&nbsp;your nervous system&nbsp;before bed&nbsp;

Everything you do&nbsp;throughout the day&nbsp;can&nbsp;affect&nbsp;your nervous system&nbsp;and&nbsp;sleep quality.&nbsp;I&nbsp;tell clients to&nbsp;follow my sleep ‘non-negotiables’&nbsp;–&nbsp;five simple yet actionable habits to allow the&nbsp;mind and body&nbsp;to relax for a more nourishing rest:&nbsp;

<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/a-sleep-expert-s-5-non-negotiables-for-better-sleep" target="_blank">You can read more about them&nbsp;in&nbsp;my&nbsp;previous&nbsp;blog&nbsp;post</a>. Once you have&nbsp;my ‘non-negotiables’&nbsp;in place, you can move to working with my deeper tools&nbsp;to calm the&nbsp;vagus&nbsp;nerve.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Something often overlooked too is your sleeping environment.&nbsp;That’s&nbsp;why I endorse Oak Tree&nbsp;Mobility’s range of&nbsp;<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/adjustable-beds" target="_blank">made-to-fit&nbsp;adjustable&nbsp;beds</a>.&nbsp;Each bed is&nbsp;soft yet&nbsp;supportive and&nbsp;can be&nbsp;adjusted to&nbsp;a position that helps you sleep and rise again without straining. &nbsp;

For more information,&nbsp;<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/request-a-brochure" target="_blank">request a&nbsp;FREE Oak Tree Mobility&nbsp;brochure</a>&nbsp;to view the full&nbsp;adjustable bed&nbsp;collection.&nbsp;

What to do when racing thoughts… race&nbsp;

Everyone can have&nbsp;racing thoughts&nbsp;– and&nbsp;that’s&nbsp;OK. But try not to argue or engage with them. Simply acknowledge these as passing comments&nbsp;without getting pulled in.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mental labelling means giving each thought a category, which can&nbsp;help&nbsp;create distance between you and the thought.&nbsp;

Remind yourself these thoughts are not urgent and can be solved another day. This can help calm your thoughts so you can fall asleep.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Conclusion &amp;&nbsp;final thoughts&nbsp;

To summarise,&nbsp;we sleep when we feel safe.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;sleeping deeply and restoratively is about making good choices&nbsp;throughout the day and when you get into bed.&nbsp;You&nbsp;can&nbsp;remind yourself of these by reading&nbsp;<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/avoid-sleep-medication-with-an-effective-bedtime-routine" target="_blank">my&nbsp;previous blog.</a>&nbsp;

Work with your nervous system, calm your&nbsp;vagus&nbsp;nerve and your mind and body will follow suit. Remember, you&nbsp;can’t&nbsp;think yourself to sleep,&nbsp;which means you&nbsp;don’t&nbsp;switch off the mind directly&nbsp;–&nbsp;you calm the body first.&nbsp;

FAQs: Calming a racing mind for sleep&nbsp;

Why can’t I sleep when my mind is racing?&nbsp;

When your mind is racing, this is a sign that&nbsp;your&nbsp;nervous system is dysregulated – you are&nbsp;in stress or sympathetic nervous system mode. Use our techniques to steer your nervous system back into safety mode.&nbsp;

How do I quiet my mind so I can sleep quickly?&nbsp;

Firstly, lose the word ‘quickly’ as&nbsp;this adds pressure.&nbsp;Tell yourself&nbsp;I’m&nbsp;going to enjoy resting. Place your hands over your heart and belly and follow your breathing. Allow this to guide you back in.&nbsp;

How can I calm my mind for sleep naturally?&nbsp;

To get to sleep naturally, develop awareness of how your nervous system&nbsp;works&nbsp;and work with somatic, body-based techniques to get you out of your head and back into your body.&nbsp;

What helps calm thoughts for sleep?&nbsp;

You can calm thoughts for sleep with breathing techniques, body-based relaxation,&nbsp;and progressive muscle relaxation techniques. A calming sleep environment with a&nbsp;<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/adjustable-beds" target="_blank">comfortable bed and mattress</a>&nbsp;is also beneficial.&nbsp;&nbsp;

How does the&nbsp;vagus&nbsp;nerve affect sleep?&nbsp;

The&nbsp;vagus&nbsp;nerve&nbsp;is&nbsp;responsible&nbsp;for&nbsp;eliciting a state of rest and inner emotional safety,&nbsp;both of which are&nbsp;vital for&nbsp;restful sleep.&nbsp;

Tired but Wired. (Profile Books, 2010) By&nbsp;Dr Nerina Ramlakhan&nbsp;

Finding Inner Safety (Capstone, 2022) By Dr Nerina Ramlakhan&nbsp;

<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/the-consequences-of-a-lack-of-sleep-in-the-elderly" target="_blank">The consequences of a lack of sleep in the elderly | Oak Tree Mobility</a>&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/self-help-cbt-techniques/reframing-unhelpful-thoughts/" target="_blank">Reframing unhelpful thoughts - Every Mind Matters - NHS</a>&nbsp;

<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/a-sleep-expert-s-5-non-negotiables-for-better-sleep" target="_blank">A sleep expert’s 5 non-negotiables for better sleep | Oak Tree Mobility</a>&nbsp;

Restless older woman in bed with one arm draped over her forehead, alarm clock on mattress beside her

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Dreading Bedtime? Forcing Sleep Won’t Help. Here’s Dr Nerina’s Fix

Are you struggling with posture or experiencing sudden aches and pains? It might be worth investing in an&nbsp;ergonomic living room chair.&nbsp;

Good posture is crucial, and the right ergonomic chair supports your body as you relax.&nbsp;

Read on to discover more about ergonomic living room chairs and how they can improve your quality of life at home.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Why posture matters when sitting at home&nbsp;

Many of us spend our days in the living room, with some older people spending up to nine hours a day there. However, many living room chairs often have little to no support. Over time, this can be detrimental to your physical health.&nbsp;

What makes a living room chair ergonomic?&nbsp;

At first glance, there&nbsp;may not be many differences between a regular armchair and an ergonomic chair. But&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;all in the construction.&nbsp;

Regular armchairs&nbsp;aren’t&nbsp;one-size-fits-all. This means it&nbsp;can’t&nbsp;effectively support the body’s unique contours and shapes, which often results in back, hip, and neck pain.&nbsp;

On the other hand, an ergonomic chair adapts to fit your body. Built with lumbar support, adjustable (or made-to-fit) height and armrest, and reclined positioning, an ergonomic chair helps keep your body upright, so you avoid slouching. This might feel unusual at first, but over time,&nbsp;it’ll&nbsp;become more comfortable.&nbsp;

At Oak Tree Mobility, our chairs include built-in lumbar support and reclining functionality, and we tailor each one to your unique measurements and requirements – so you can create a one-of-a-kind ergonomic chair.&nbsp;

Best living room chair types for back pain and hip pain&nbsp;

Having the right chair can dramatically improve your well-being at home. But if&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;unsure about which chair best fits your needs,&nbsp;take a look&nbsp;at our handy table:&nbsp;

Ergonomic recliner chairs for back pain&nbsp;

Our recliner chairs are a great solution to relieve back pain. The best-selling&nbsp;<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/rise-and-recline-chairs/the-oak">Oak chair </a>offers sumptuous comfort while keeping the lower back firmly in position for maximum support.&nbsp;

Best living room chairs for hip pain&nbsp;

If&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;experiencing hip pain,&nbsp;opt for&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/rise-and-recline-chairs/serenity">Serenity swivel rise &amp; recline chair</a> with its&nbsp;smooth 360-degree rotation. This reduces the need to twist your hips when reaching or turning.&nbsp;

Ergonomic living room chairs for the elderly&nbsp;

The right living room chair can increase your confidence and well-being, which is even more important as we age.&nbsp;

<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/rise-and-recline-chairs">Our range of ergonomic, made-to-fit rise &amp; recliners</a>&nbsp;has been designed to promote independence, so you can find more enjoyment at home.&nbsp;

Best orthopaedic chairs for your living room&nbsp;

For people with arthritis, a rise &amp; recliner can provide targeted relief for joint pain by supporting your knees and entire leg.&nbsp;

However, if&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;thinking about an orthopaedic chair to help injury recovery,&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;best to consult your GP for personalised rehabilitation advice.&nbsp;

What to look for when buying an ergonomic living room chair

Posture tips for sitting more comfortably&nbsp;

Sleep expert Dr Nerina explains why the way you sit is more important than you think: “The right sitting position can make a real difference – not only to your comfort but to your long-term back health.”&nbsp;

Discover Dr Nerina’s top tips below to ease your discomfort when sitting:&nbsp;

FAQs about ergonomic living room chairs&nbsp;

What living room chairs do chiropractors recommend?&nbsp;

Chiropractors&nbsp;recommend living room&nbsp;chairs&nbsp;that promote a neutral spine. Ergonomic&nbsp;styles&nbsp;that elevate your feet above your heart and have&nbsp;built-in lumbar support&nbsp;help to do this.&nbsp;

What is the difference between ergonomic and orthopaedic chairs?&nbsp;

An ergonomic chair is best for pain prevention, while an orthopaedic chair is designed for targeted treatment, such as ongoing injury and medical conditions like arthritis.&nbsp;

Are ergonomic chairs&nbsp;actually worth it?&nbsp;

An ergonomic chair can be a worthwhile investment for&nbsp;maintaining&nbsp;optimal&nbsp;physical health, easing discomfort, and preventing back and neck pain.&nbsp;

What's&nbsp;the best chair for sitting all day?&nbsp;

If sitting down for&nbsp;long periods&nbsp;during the day,&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;important to choose a chair with lumbar support to help prevent back and neck pain.&nbsp;

What to look for when buying an ergonomic chair?&nbsp;

When buying an ergonomic chair, ensure it offers full adjustability to effectively support your neck, back, legs, and feet.&nbsp;&nbsp;

What is a comfortable armchair for back problems?&nbsp;

An ergonomic chair is a great&nbsp;option&nbsp;if you are experiencing back problems. The built-in lumbar support will match the natural curve of your spine, offering adequate support.&nbsp;

Which chairs are good for old people to get up?&nbsp;

If you have trouble standing up, a rise and recline chair can be&nbsp;a helpful solution. The rising mechanism allows the sitter&nbsp;–&nbsp;young or old&nbsp;–&nbsp;to&nbsp;stand up independently and with ease.&nbsp;

Why choose our ergonomic recliner chairs?&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our&nbsp;<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/rise-and-recline-chairs" target="_blank">rise &amp; recline chairs</a>&nbsp;are fully customisable and handcrafted to your unique measurements for head-to-toe support.&nbsp;

To try them for yourself, first&nbsp;<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/request-a-brochure" target="_blank">request a FREE brochure</a>, and then book a home visit with one of our friendly advisors.&nbsp;

In your no-obligation visit,&nbsp;you’ll&nbsp;be able to take a closer look at our ergonomic styles and ask as many questions as you like.&nbsp;We’re&nbsp;here to help find the best chair for your needs – tailor-made just for you.&nbsp;

Two Parker Knoll chairs, one fabric full raise, one leather foot propped

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How to choose the best living room chair for good posture

A wingback recliner armchair blends classic design with modern comfort, making it a great choice if you’re looking to improve your posture and relax comfortably at home. Designed to look the part and support your body where it matters most.

If you’re exploring recliner options but aren’t sure what makes a wingback design different, this guide will weigh up the benefits, features and how to choose the right one.

A wingback chair is a traditional armchair with a tall back and distinctive ‘wings’ that extend down from the headrest to the armrests.

Originally designed to protect from draughts and trap heat around the sitter, today’s wingback recliner armchairs combine this heritage design with modern ergonomic support and reclining technology.

There are several styles to suit different needs and interiors:

A wingback electric recliner chair includes a powered mechanism that allows you to recline or stand at the touch of a button. Ideal for those with reduced mobility or joint pain.

Our bestselling <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/rise-and-recline-chairs/the-oak">Oak rise and recline chair</a> is a great example of an electric wingback chair. Designed with scroll arms, a waterfall back and deep, luxurious cushioning, it offers exceptional support for your upper and lower back, thanks to its three generously filled back cushions that gently adapt to your shape.

Soft, warm and available in a wide range of colours and patterns, fabric chairs are a popular choice for cosy living spaces.

Featuring a traditional button-back cushion, wings and elegantly finished wooden knuckles, our <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/rise-and-recline-chairs/the-cedar">Cedar riser recline chair</a> has a distinguished look while prioritising comfort and functionality.

Durable and easy to clean, leather options offer a more classic, premium look that’s practical for everyday use.

A traditional wingback armchair has a timeless style, often without reclining features. Perfect for decorative or occasional seating.

Sleeker shapes, minimalist lines and contemporary fabrics give wingback chairs a more modern edge without compromising on comfort.

The <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/rise-and-recline-chairs/parker-knoll/ashton">Ashton riser recliner chair</a> has a classic shape with a contemporary edge. Clean lines, flat-fronted scroll arms and piping detail offer sumptuous comfort as you rest your arms.

<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/rise-and-recline-chairs">Explore our range of wingback rise and recline chairs</a>, or request a free brochure to browse at home.

The benefits of choosing a wingback recliner chair

A wingback recliner chair is designed to support your body and improve your comfort throughout the day.

"Maintaining good sitting posture is crucial for preventing and easing pain you may be experiencing." -&nbsp;Dr Nerina Ramlakhan

The high back and supportive cushioning help reduce tension in your shoulders and neck, especially useful if you spend long periods sitting.

Unlike standard armchairs, the winged sides gently support your upper body, encouraging a more natural sitting position.

Reclining helps redistribute your weight, easing pressure on sensitive areas like the lower back and hips.

Electric recline features gently lift you into a standing position, ideal if you have arthritis, reduced strength or balance concerns.

What to look for in the best wingback recliner armchairs?

Choosing the right chair makes all the difference. Here’s what to consider:

A chair that’s too deep or too high can cause discomfort. We offer made-to-measure chairs, ensuring the perfect fit for your height, weight and posture.

See our <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/rise-and-recline-chairs/leather-vs-fabric-rise-and-recline-chairs-which-to-choose">guide on leather vs fabric chairs</a> for more detail.

A sturdy frame ensures safety and long-term durability.

From classic patterns to modern neutrals, <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/rise-and-recline-chairs/how-to-choose-a-rise-and-recline-chair">choose a chair design</a> that complements your home.

Look for brands that offer ongoing support and guarantees for peace of mind.

Ready to find your perfect wingback recliner? <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/landing-pages/request-your-home-appointment">Book a free home demonstration</a> and let our expert measure your ideal chair.

A wingback chair is designed to provide extra support for your head, neck and shoulders, while also offering a comfortable and stylish place to sit.

Yes, especially when tailored to your body. The high back, cushioning and reclining function make them ideal for long periods of sitting.

Wingback chairs can be great for improving posture and reducing back pain, particularly models with lumbar support and reclining features, which help maintain a healthy spine position.

Yes. The upright design and supportive structure of a wingback chair encourage better posture compared to softer, less supportive chairs.

Wingback chairs offer a timeless design that works in both traditional and modern interiors.

Where is the best place to put a wingback chair?

Wingback chairs work well in living rooms, reading corners or near a window. Or anywhere you want a comfortable, supportive seat!

What is the difference between a wingback chair and a recliner?

A wingback chair refers to the shape and design, while a recliner refers to the function. A wingback recliner chair combines both.

Are wingback recliners available on finance?

At Oak Tree Mobility, we offer flexible payment options, making it easier to <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/price-guide-chair">spread the cost of your rise and recline wingback chair</a>.

Ergonomic living room chair supporting posture for older adult

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Benefits of a wingback recliner armchair

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From an early age, Emma has always used her creativity to help others. From creating visual displays in St. Pilgrims Hospice charity shops during her Fine Art degree, to using social media to support sustainable initiatives, her focus has always been the same – to empower and uplift.

Her career has taken her through the worlds of fashion, skincare, and even speciality coffee, but the common thread throughout has always been helping people live happier lives.

Now working at Oak Tree Mobility as a Copywriter, Emma brings her passion for words and creative sensibility to help make a difference to those who need it most.

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