The Health Benefits of a Rise and Recliner Sofa

*Remunerated Post*

Looking for a new sofa can be a bit of a minefield. Finding one which not only looks good but also means that you feel supported when you sit down can offer you some challenges. But one thing to seriously consider is the benefit it offers you from a health perspective. If you are suffering from a back injury or ongoing back pain, then the type of seating you may like to consider is a recliner sofa. Electric sofa beds are also available to give you a wider range of options.

Sitting or even napping in a reclined position can also help with a number of health conditions. Raising your legs will help to improve circulation and blood pressure, and if you like a nap after a meal, sleeping with your head raised can prevent indigestion.

So, what are the health benefits of a rise and recliner sofa? Here are 5 for you to consider.

How a recliner sofa assists with acid reflux symptoms

If you are prone to acid reflux, then one of the reasons for this is because the muscle at the end of your oesophagus which acts as a gateway between your oesophagus and stomach does not close properly and, as a result, stomach acid can back up into your oesophagus. Otherwise known as heartburn.

At night, sleeping in a reclined position may help ease heartburn. This is because when you lie down, gravity stops pushing the acid away from your oesophagus, so, by keeping your body in a more upright position could help prevent the heartburn.

Getting a better quality of sleep during pregnancy

I can remember suffering a lot with lack of sleep during both my pregnancies – and getting a good amount of sleep during those 9 months is even more important than usual.

Most doctors recommend sleeping on your side, especially during the second or third trimester. This is because the weight of the foetus can compress a vein called the inferior vena cava, which returns blood to your heart from your lower body which, in turn, causes high blood pressure and poor circulation to the foetus.

However, sleeping on your side isn’t comfortable for some women, so sleeping in a recliner can be a great alternative.

Reduces sleep apnoea

The most common type of sleep apnoea causes the muscles in your throat to become relaxed and block your airways. It often leads to snoring, abrupt awakenings during the night, and sleepiness during the day. It can also go hand-in-hand with acid reflux.

Therefore, elevating your head while sleeping may help ease and manage symptoms of sleep apnoea.

Relieves back pain

Debilitating back pain can be one of the worst pains in the world. That, along with conditions such as sciatica and frozen shoulders can make it painful to move so, the action of laying down on a bed can leave a person in agony.

A reclining sofa or chair can minimise that movement and make it far easier than getting in and out of bed. Although, you may want to put a pillow behind your lower back for support.

A good option after surgery

Surgery may make it difficult for you to get into and out of bed, therefore a recliner sofa may help. As well as this, sitting in a reclined position can be less stressful for your back than sitting in an upright chair. However, it’s a good idea to make sure that your recliner offers adequate back support so you’re not sitting with a curved spine and putting more stress on your back.

5 seated back pain stretches for the elderly.

1. Neck and Chest Stretch – This stretches the muscles in your neck as well as your pectorals and erector spinae, and gently works your obliques.
2. Seated gentle backbend – this exercise helps to combat the ‘hunch’ that we associate with getting older and helps your anterior neck muscles, and pectorals.
3. Reach Back – This movement helps by opening the chest up, working the postural muscles, and improves shoulder extension.
4. Seated Cat-Cow – the lower back is where many people feel pain so, doing the Cat-Cow helps by stretching the lower back muscles as well as working some of the core muscles and keeping the spine healthy.
5. Gentle Twist – this movement has plenty of benefits, including stimulating digestion and circulation and toning your abdominals, but it’s also one of the best types of stretches for lower back pain. By doing this movement a few times a day, you could help improve spinal flexibility and stave off future lower back pain.

Find the full details of all these exercises on the Healthline website.

So, to conclude, sleeping in a recliner is generally safe. It is comforting to know that, if you find it comfortable, you can sleep in a recliner with little risk. Of course, make sure you bring the blankets and pillows to keep you warm and give you comfort for a full night’s sleep!