Published Date: May 04, 2025
Written by: Emma Cyrus, Senior Copy, Content & Editorial Writer
Reviewed by: Monika Popescu, Senior Interior Designer at FCI London
Edited by: Zoona Sikander, Interior Design Writer & Social Media Content Creator
Let's uncover insights in this blog focused on: "Pros and Cons of Sleeping in a Recliner: Is it Good for You?" – a question that has garnered increasing attention in recent years.
Sleep, that essential elixir of wellbeing, profoundly influences our physical and mental health. While traditional beds have served as our primary resting places for generations, the humble recliner has emerged as a rather intriguing alternative for those seeking different sleep solutions.
The appeal of sleeping in a recliner chair has grown considerably, offering unique benefits from alleviating specific medical conditions to potentially providing more supportive rest experiences. For some, luxury sofas with reclining features have become more than just seating options – they've transformed into alternative sleeping arrangements.
However, before you rush to replace your bed with a recliner sofa, it's worth considering both sides of the equation. Potential drawbacks include spatial limitations, possible physical discomfort over time, and the risk of exacerbating certain health issues.
Join me as we thoroughly examine the pros and cons of sleeping in a recliner, helping you determine whether this alternative might be suitable for your specific needs and circumstances.
One of the most compelling benefits of sleeping in a recliner is the elevated position it provides for your head and torso. This slight incline can significantly mitigate acid reflux and heartburn, conditions caused by stomach acid flowing back into the oesophagus.
Those familiar with these uncomfortable sensations understand that they occur when the lower oesophageal sphincter fails to create a proper seal during digestion, resulting in that characteristic burning sensation and discomfort.
As gravity tends to worsen this condition when lying completely flat, the gentle incline of a recliner can provide welcome relief without requiring special bed adjustments or multiple pillows.
Sleeping on a recliner can remarkably reduce snoring and moderate forms of obstructive sleep apnea. By elevating the upper body, the airways remain more open, significantly decreasing breathing difficulties throughout the night.
Interestingly, research indicates that nearly 60% of individuals with sleep apnea also experience acid reflux and GERD, suggesting that an upright sleeping position might simultaneously address multiple related conditions.
An interesting study in 2021 examined the effects of recliners with rocking mechanisms on sleep efficiency. Researchers concluded that these features positively impacted rest quality, even for participants with diagnosed sleep disorders, making recliners a potentially optimal choice for those struggling with sleep issues.
Many back pain sufferers discover that a recliner offers easier entry and exit compared to traditional beds, particularly models equipped with lifting mechanisms. If you do opt for sleeping in a recliner, supporting your lower back with an additional pillow can enhance comfort significantly.
Healthcare professionals sometimes recommend recliner sleeping following certain abdominal or back surgeries. The inclined position can accelerate healing by reducing strain on surgical incisions and allowing for more comfortable rest during recovery periods.
The gently sloped position of a recliner can enhance blood circulation throughout the body. After spending hours standing or sitting, our legs endure considerable stress; elevating them in a recliner can prevent swelling and reduce the risk of developing conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during extended periods of inactivity.
Improved blood flow also contributes to overall relaxation, promoting calmer breathing and providing your nervous system with much-needed respite – essential elements for quality sleep.
For those residing in compact flats or simply wishing to maximise their living space, a recliner chair for sleeping can be a brilliant space-saving solution compared to traditional beds.
If you're convinced about investing in a recliner for sleeping purposes, I'd recommend reading our comprehensive guide on how to choose a good recliner.
While sleeping in a recliner offers numerous benefits and is generally considered safe for most people, it's not without potential drawbacks. Here are the considerations worth pondering:
When sleeping in a recliner, your knees and hips remain in a bent position throughout the night. Over time, this fixed posture may impact your overall alignment, potentially leading to stiffness in your hips, calves, and hamstrings.
Additionally, recliners may not distribute body weight as evenly as a properly designed mattress. This uneven distribution could create pressure points that impede healthy blood circulation, particularly during extended sleeping periods.
The restricted range of sleeping positions in a recliner significantly limits your natural movement during sleep. This constraint may lead to disrupted sleep patterns as your body cannot shift positions as freely as it would on a traditional bed.
Most recliners weren't specifically designed for full nights of sleep, creating the possibility of sliding down or even falling off during deeper sleep cycles. This safety concern becomes particularly relevant for elderly individuals or those with mobility limitations.
While recliners can effectively manage some health issues, they might worsen others. If you have respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, it's absolutely essential to consult with a healthcare professional before adopting a recliner as your primary sleeping arrangement.
For those who prefer spacious sleeping environments or experience claustrophobia, the confined nature of a recliner might prove uncomfortable. The limited space also makes sharing with a partner virtually impossible, unlike a traditional bed.
These considerations underscore the importance of evaluating individual needs and existing health conditions before committing to sleeping in a recliner. While they may provide significant relief for some, conventional beds might offer better flexibility and support for others seeking quality rest.
If you've decided that sleeping in a recliner suits your needs, here are some practical tips to enhance your comfort:
At FCI London, we offer an exceptional selection of beds, recliners and sofa beds designed to provide optimal sleep quality. Here are two luxurious recliner options worth considering:
The Moonrise XL recliner by Fama offers generous proportions that can accommodate two people, perfect for those cosy evenings with a loved one. Its thoughtfully designed double headrest and curved arms create a snug cocoon effect, providing exceptional support for extended rest periods. The remote-controlled positioning system allows for precise adjustments to suit your specific comfort needs.
Sitting Benz, renowned for their craftsmanship, produces exceptional recliners tailored to contemporary lifestyles. Their TW106 model incorporates innovative features specifically designed to reduce cardiac stress. This fully customisable, ergonomic recliner provides substantial lumbar support and comes in a diverse range of colours, dimensions, and styles to complement any interior scheme.
Generally speaking, sleeping in a recliner is perfectly safe, provided you find it comfortable and restful.
For individuals with specific conditions like sleep apnea, GERD, or back pain, a recliner may actually provide superior sleep quality compared to a conventional bed.
To maximise comfort during recliner sleep, consider using additional blankets for warmth and extra pillows to support your back and neck, ensuring a restful experience whether for a brief nap or a full night's sleep.
The pros and cons of sleeping in a recliner: is it good for you? The answer largely depends on your individual circumstances. For many people with specific health conditions, a high-quality recliner sofa bed or recliner chair for sleeping can provide significant benefits and improved rest. However, it's important to consider potential drawbacks like joint stiffness and limited sleeping positions.
If you're wondering "are recliners bad for your back?" – the answer isn't straightforward. For some individuals, particularly those with certain types of back pain, recliners can provide welcome relief. For others, traditional beds might offer better support. Listening to your body's response is the most reliable guide.
According to our sofa experts, there are only two scenarios in which you should completely avoid sleeping in a recliner. Firstly, if your doctor has told you not to for medical reasons and secondly, if you're co-sleeping with an infant. Proven to be potentially life-threatening, taking a nap in a recliner while holding a baby should be prevented at all costs.
If your back feels uncomfortable after sleeping in a bed or if you are unable to get into bed with ease, then sleeping in a recliner could be a good alternative for you. This could be because it is helping to align your spine, combat acid reflux or assist circulation. So if you experience health benefits from this type of resting place, continue listening to your body and make it a permanent habit.
You sleep well when your body feels relaxed and at ease. And if you feel better after sleeping in a recliner, it means that your body prefers this sleeping arrangement. It could be because you get better blood circulation, because your spine is aligned in a neutral position or because your heart feels relaxed - no matter what the reason, it's important to listen to your body and if sleeping in a recliner is what it wants then it's best to go with it.
If you feel comfortable sleeping in a recliner, then it is safe for you to continue doing so every night. However, it should be avoided if you're co-sleeping with an infant or have health conditions that could be negatively affected by it.
Most luxury recliners are ergonomically designed to give you optimal lumbar support and promote good circulation. For this reason, many people find that their backs feel better after sleeping in one for the night.
Sleeping in a recliner instead of a bed is not for everyone. If you feel comfortable sleeping in a bed then that is the ideal place to sleep. However, for older people, pregnant women or those with back problems, sleeping in a recliner is better and healthier than the bed.
Some medical professionals will advise their patients to sleep in a recliner to assist with certain health issues. For example, they can help you rest better if you suffer from heartburn, back pain or sleep apnea and can promote a sound night's sleep while you are pregnant.
If you're sleeping on a recliner on a daily basis, you would want to make this experience as comfortable as possible. So start by spreading a soft bedsheet on the recliner so when you lie down, you skin touches the sheet instead of the recliner fabric or leather. Apart from improving your sleep experience, this will also increase the lift of your recliner upholstery. You can also use extra pillows to support your neck or back as needed.
Adjust the recliner in a position that you feel most comfortable in.
Many older people prefer sleeping in a recliner to avoid back problems or insomnia. Individuals who have trouble getting in or out of bed or have limited mobility find recliners with lifting mechanisms incredibly useful as it helps them change positions or get from sitting to standing safely.
Poor quality recliners might cause back pain as they do not offer enough padding to properly support your body. We suggest that you invest in a good quality, ergonomically designed product to promote optimal comfort. If you have an old one and cannot afford to replace it, make sure you use plenty of pillows to help improve your posture when sitting or sleeping in it.
Many individuals choose to sleep in a recliner after their knee or hip replacement surgery. During this recovery period, it is important you get plenty of rest by positioning your legs above your heart level. If you're using a manual recliner, use your non-injured leg to control the movement of the recliner or ask someone for help. If your recliner does not raise your legs enough, place a pillow underneath your feet.
If you feel comfortable when sitting in your recliner with your back and neck getting the support that you need then you're very much likely to be able to get a good nap or even a night's sleep on your reclining sofa. There are certain steps you can take to improve the chances of sleeping well such as adding a blanket, comfy pillows or cushions and adjusting the room's lighting to your liking.
Falling asleep during pregnancy can be challenging, especially if you are experiencing back pain and general discomfort. Ergonomically designed, luxury recliners can assist in relieving pressure, relaxing your legs and feet, improving your circulation and encouraging a better night's rest.
If getting into bed after surgery is a challenge, sleeping in a recliner could be more pleasant. Your back will feel less strain when you are sitting in a chair that is reclined as opposed to an upright position. To avoid sitting with a curved spine and adding to the strain on your back, it's a good idea to ensure that your recliner gives enough back support.
Yes, sleeping in a recliner has been shown to help individuals with sciatica but it's important to discuss this option with your medical professional first. If you get the go-ahead, find a comfortable position and place a cushion between your recliner and the arch of your back for extra support.
You should also position a pillow or rolled towel beneath your neck, making sure that it does not push your head too far forward. Sleeping in a recliner long-term should be avoided by people suffering from sciatica, so be sure to transition back to your bed as soon as you can.
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