Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It can lead to interrupted sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and even serious health issues if left untreated, making it quite an annoying nuisance. While treatment for sleep apnea exists, mainly in the form of CPAP machines and oral appliance therapy, some patients are actually able to find relief by implementing strategies at home, one of which is changing their sleeping position. But can sleeping in a recliner prove useful in combating this condition? Continue reading to learn more.
How Does Sleeping in a Recliner Help with Sleep Apnea?
Lying down to sleep makes the most sense for our anatomy, and it’s something that humans have done for thousands of years—whether it’s a bed, mat, or the harsh floor itself, once we’re down, it’s lights out. Not only is this position more comfortable for our bodies, but lying down also slows our heart rate and allows our spines to decompress after a day of standing and sitting.
However, in some situations, sleeping reclined may be better for your health than sleeping lying down—especially for those patients with sleep apnea. Sleeping in a recliner essentially keeps your trunk upright and your airways open, which has several useful benefits:
- Many people with sleep apnea also experience heartburn caused by acid reflux at nighttime, since gravity stops pushing your stomach contents away from the esophagus. Sleeping in a reclined position may help to ease heartburn by keeping your body more upright.
- Sleeping upright in a recliner gives your lungs plenty of room to fully expand; this improved lung capacity assists with delivering oxygen to the rest of your body during sleep.
- Obstructive sleep apnea patients who sleep in a recliner are far less likely to experience their throat tissues collapsing in their airways at night; research shows that even a 7.5-degree elevation difference can significantly improve symptoms without affecting sleep quality.
- Pregnant patients are often recommended to sleep on their sides; however, those with sleep apnea might find a recliner to be more accommodating.
- It’s also worth mentioning that many patients find relaxing in recliners to be quite comfortable—since sleep apnea presents all kinds of challenges when it comes to falling asleep, sometimes simply feeling comfortable can make a world of difference!
Other General Tips for Sleeping in a Recliner
It’s worth noting that sleeping in a recliner can have some negative side effects; joint stiffness is among them, as is the possibility of impaired circulation and deep vein thrombosis. However, by sleeping correctly in a recliner, you’ll be safe from most of these issues while also keeping your sleep apnea symptoms at bay. Consider the following tips:
- Keeping your legs straight while sleeping in a recliner is better for your circulation and will prevent joint stiffness. Wearing compression socks can also help to prevent blood from pooling in your feet,
- If your chair is made of leather, you can put a sheet over it to keep you from sweating and to better regulate your body’s temperature.
- If your headrest is too hard, you can use an extra pillow for cushioning and support.
- Be sure you have enough blankets and the room is an ideal temperature for sleeping (around 65 degrees Fahrenheit).
Of course, it goes without saying that sleeping in a recliner is not a substitute for sleep apnea treatment—seeking help from a professional is the only surefire way to get the condition fully under control!
About the Practice
The team at Star Sleep & Wellness in Frisco has proudly served families in Frisco and the surrounding DFW metroplex for several years, offering a wide range of sleep apnea treatment options for patients of all ages. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to contact them through their website or by telephone: (844) 409-4657.