Is It Safe To Sleep In A Chair?

Many of us have nodded off in a favourite chair, perhaps halfway through a film or while reading a good book, and we’ve woken up feeling surprisingly refreshed. But it raises the question: can you sleep in a rise and recline chair safely, or is it something best avoided?

The truth is, it’s not a simple yes or no. For some people, especially those living with certain health conditions, a recliner is great for additional rest and relief. For others, spending the night sitting up may lead to stiffness, poor circulation or an uncomfortable night’s sleep.

As with most things, the ability to sleep in a rise and recline chair depends on your body, your health, and how you use the chair. Let’s explore the topic of sleeping in a chair in more detail so you can make an informed choice that works best for you.

Key Takeaways

1. Sleeping in a rise and recline chair can ease symptoms of acid reflux and sleep apnoea while alleviating some breathing difficulties.
2. However, long-term chair sleeping can cause stiffness, poor circulation and pain at pressure points, especially if the chair is not suited to your body
3. Comfort, positioning and choosing the right chair are all key to sleeping safely while seated or reclined.

Why Do Some People Prefer Sleeping in a Recliner Chair?

It’s easy to see the appeal. Rise and recline chairs can feel cocooning and secure with their padded headrest and thick, cushioned arms. For some, it’s simply more comfortable than lying flat in bed. For others, sleeping upright isn’t a matter of choice, but of relief. Certain health conditions make a gentle incline not just pleasant, but genuinely helpful.

Below are a few of the most common reasons people prefer to sleep in a recliner and how it can make a difference to their health conditions.

Acid Reflux

If you’ve ever experienced a burning sensation in the back of your throat after lying down, you’ll know how uncomfortable sleeping with acid reflux can be. Sleeping slightly upright helps gravity do its job, keeping stomach acid where it belongs, and helping you wake up without a sour taste in your mouth or feeling -discomfort.

Congestive Heart Failure or Breathing Difficulties

Elevation eases pressure on the lungs and chest, making it easier to breathe deeply and steadily through the night. Many people find the upright position lessens wheezing and helps them feel calmer as they drift off. Learn more about managing snoring and breathing here.

Sleep Apnoea

When you sleep flat, the tongue and soft tissues can fall back slightly, narrowing the airway and making sleep apnoea more likely (aka when your breathing stops and starts while you sleep). Reclining at a gentle angle can reduce this risk and make breathing easier, often meaning fewer disturbances and a quieter night for those around you.

Edema or Leg Swelling

By raising the legs just above heart level, a rise and recline chair can help excess fluid in the legs (known as edema) drain away, easing the associated heavy, tight feeling around the ankles. It’s a simple but effective way to manage leg swelling and promote better circulation.

Mobility Issues

For people with arthritis, joint paint or limited movement, getting in and out of a traditional bed can be difficult. Recliners take the strain away, allowing for a smoother, supported transition between sitting, reclining and standing. Although, should you need it, our adjustable beds can help with standing up or lowering the body down when getting in and out of bed.

Mobility Issues

Of course, not every benefit has to be medical. Some people just find rise and recliners more comfortable; supporting the back, easing pressure points and feeling wonderfully snug too.

For those living alone or managing mobility changes, a recliner can also bring peace of mind. It’s reassuring to know you can rest, nap, or even sleep through the night without struggling to get up or move.

Is it Bad to Sleep in a Recliner Instead of a Bed?

For many people, sleeping in a rise and recline chair can help ease pain or stiffness before bed. But like most things, it’s best enjoyed in moderation, and it’s worth knowing where the risks can lie if it becomes a nightly habit.

Circulatory Issues

One of the main concerns is regarding circulation. When the legs stay bent for too long, blood flow can slow down, which may increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) - a type of blood clot that can form in the veins. 

Stiff Joints

Joints might feel a little more stiff or sore after a long night in the same position. Over time, this can lead to muscle tightness or reduced flexibility, simply because your body hasn’t had the chance to stretch out fully in a relaxed position.

Improper Support

Support is another important factor. If your recliner doesn’t offer the right lumbar or neck support, you might wake up with a sore back or stiff neck. Some people can also develop pressure points on areas like the tailbone or heels if they stay in one position for too long. Even if a chair feels cosy at first, it doesn’t necessarily provide the same deep, restorative sleep that a carefully designed bed and mattress can offer.

Mobility Troubles

There’s also the practical side to think about. Getting up from a recliner in the middle of the night, especially if you’re feeling drowsy or unsteady, can increase the risk of falls, particularly for those with mobility issues or balance concerns.

That said, it’s important to keep things in perspective. For most people, occasional naps or short nights in a recliner are perfectly safe and can even be beneficial, especially when the chair is well designed and offers good support.

Making Chair Sleeping Safer and More Comfortable

If you do prefer sleeping in your recliner, there are a few simple ways to make it safer and more comfortable. 

Finding The Right Chair for You

The first step is choosing the right chair. Look for one that reclines fully and allows your legs to elevate properly. Some models also include a gentle rise function to help you stand up more easily, which can be especially useful if you have mobility concerns.

Getting the fit right is just as important. A well-designed rise and recliner should support the natural curve of your spine and provide a soft yet stable headrest. Good lumbar support prevents you from slumping, which can help reduce back pain or stiffness the next morning.

When it comes to positioning, aim for balance and alignment. Your legs should be raised, not left to dangle, and you might find that adding a small cushion or pillow behind your lower back or neck makes a big difference. If you’re unsure which type of pillow offers the best support, this guide is a great place to start.

What Else Can You Do?

It also helps to move regularly, even if only for a few minutes at a time. Standing up, stretching, or taking a short walk between periods of rest encourages circulation once again and helps reduce the risk of stiffness or swelling. Alongside that, staying hydrated might sound simple, but it plays a quiet yet important role in keeping your blood flowing and reducing the risk of DVT.

Finally, if you find that your rise and recline chair has become your main sleeping spot rather than just an occasional retreat, it’s worth checking in with your GP. They can make sure your current routine is working safely for your body and may suggest adjustments or equipment to help you sleep even more soundly.

Prioritising Safe and Restorative Sleep In and Out of Recliner Chairs

Rise and recline chairs can absolutely play a role in better rest, especially for those managing acid reflux, snoring or mobility issues. In fact, one study from 2021 found that recliners with gentle rocking motions actually improved short-term sleep efficiency.

Yet for long-term, restorative sleep, nothing quite beats a supportive mattress and bed that’s been designed to suit to your needs. Think of your recliner as a companion for extra comfort, not necessarily a full-time replacement for a bed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleeping in Chairs

Why do I sleep better in a recliner chair?

For many people, sleeping slightly upright eases pressure on the spine and helps with breathing, both of which make drifting off easier.

Is it safe to sleep in a recliner chair?

Yes, in moderation. Just make sure you’re well supported, move around regularly, and keep an eye out for stiffness or soreness if it starts to develop.

Is sleeping in a recliner bad for your heart?

Not usually. In some cases, particularly for those with heart failure or breathing issues, it can actually help. But it’s always best to check with your GP or doctor.

Is sleeping in a recliner good for sciatica?

It can be. Again, this depends on individual comfort, but a slightly reclined position may take pressure off the lower back and nerves, easing discomfort from sciatica.

Is sleeping in a recliner good for circulation?

If your legs are elevated properly, yes. Just avoid letting them hang down for long periods as this can have the opposite effect.

What features should I look for in a recliner if I plan to sleep in it regularly?

Rise and recline chairs offer many features with which your body can benefit from. Consider whether they recline fully, have good lumbar support, a cushioned headrest, and a gentle rise function to help you stand safely.

Final Thoughts: Should People Sleep in Recliner Chairs?

Sleeping in your recliner isn’t inherently bad; whether it’s easing heartburn after a late meal, helping you breathe a little easier, or simply offering that snug, supported feeling you can’t quite replicate in bed, there are clear reasons people turn to their favourite chair for their rest.

That said, like most things in life, moderation and awareness is key. A recliner can be a wonderful place to nap, unwind, or recover from a restless night, but it shouldn’t become a long-term substitute for proper sleep support. If you’re waking up stiff, sore or still tired, it might be your body’s way of asking for a little more space to stretch and a surface that supports you evenly throughout the night.

If you notice yourself dozing off in your chair most evenings, it could be time to explore other options designed with sleep in mind. The right setup, whether that’s an adjustable bed or a rise and recline chair tailored to your comfort needs, can make all the difference between simply resting and truly recharging.

At Oak Tree Mobility, our furniture is built with that balance in mind: comfort, support and independence all working together. Whether you’re looking for better sleep, easier movement, or just a little more peace of mind, we’re here to help you rest better, wherever you choose to lay your head.

Further Reading & Sources

• How Older Adults Can Prepare for a Better Night's Sleep
• Choosing the Right Rise and Recline Chair for You
• Preventing Back Pain in Older Age
• Effect of a Recliner Chair with Rocking Motions on Sleep Efficiency, MDPI, 2021