Best Recliner for the Elderly to Sleep In

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of settling into your favorite recliner and drifting off to sleep. The warmth of a cozy blanket and the familiar embrace of your recliner make falling asleep a breeze.

For elderly individuals, the chance to enjoy longer, more restful sleep and the ease of falling asleep in their recliners can provide comfort and hope, making this guide especially relevant for those seeking better sleep solutions.

For elderly individuals with health conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, or respiratory issues, sleeping in their recliners may offer a more comfortable, manageable sleep experience.

This guide explores recliner features tailored to these specific health needs, helping caregivers choose the most suitable options for their loved ones.

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Should You Sleep in Your Recliner

Now, first of all, whether you’re an elderly person, a young person, or just an adult, I do need to warn you that there are some issues with sleeping in a recliner. Sleeping in your recliner can have benefits, but it can also have some negative effects.

• Breathing Issues – Sleeping in a more upright position in your recliner can improve your breathing ability in some cases, though it can also cause breathing problems. You have a hunched-up back in your recliner. It can block airflow to your lungs, which is a serious problem. This position can cause blood congestion in your lungs, reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches your lungs over time. So, if your recliner doesn’t offer the right support for your back, and you sleep in a hunched position, it can be very unhealthy for your breathing.
• Stiff Joints – If the position you are sleeping in on your recliner causes pain in certain body parts. It can cause stiffness in your joints and other parts of your body. You will. Your leg, or your foot, or your arm, could suddenly fall asleep or start Tingling. Over time, sleeping in an uncomfortable position in your recliner can cause tightness in your hips, knees, shoulders, and neck. And it can also be detrimental to your spine.
• Loss of Balance – Continually sleeping in an uncomfortable recliner for a long time may cause knee and hip contractures, affecting stability. Choosing a supportive recliner can help caregivers and the elderly feel more secure and confident in their safety.
• Shallow Sleep – Everyone has different sleep stages, allowing them to get a good night’s rest. You need a full, complete sleep cycle for your body to get the rest it needs. When you sleep in a small recliner with limited space, it may be challenging for your body to transition into the deeper stages of sleep, such as REM sleep, which can result in poor sleep quality and a subpar day.

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Benefits of Sleeping in a Recliner

It’s not all bad sleeping in your recliner. There are many more benefits than there are issues.

• Improved Circulation – Relaxing in a recliner and kicking your feet improves your circulation. When you are elevated above your heart, such as sitting in a zero-gravity recliner, it can naturally reduce stress and inflammation, helping you recover from daily fatigue.
• Back Pain Relief – Most people, especially elderly people, suffer back pain at some point. Your back balances your whole upper body and lower body. Your spine plays a crucial role in maintaining the proper alignment of your entire body. Taking pressure off your spine and cool muscles allows them to relax, which can help relieve back pain. A well-ergonomically shaped and comfortable recliner can help reduce pressure on your spine and even assist in properly aligning it, thereby reducing and preventing back pain.

Now, to finish our discussion, should you be sleeping in your recliner? The answer is yes, and no. Investing in an ergonomic recliner that offers comfort and support tailored to your body shape, weight, and conditions can make you feel more in control of your health and comfort.

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Best Type of Recliners for Seniors to Sleep In

When selecting a recliner for elderly individuals, I recommend choosing models specifically designed for their comfort and health needs. Avoid regular, classic club chase-style recliners, narrow nursery-type recliners, swivel chairs, or anything small and hard. Instead, look for recliners with features that let you lie flat with your feet elevated above your heart for optimal circulation and breathing, ensuring safer, more comfortable sleep.

When selecting a recliner, focus on features such as back cushioning, support, and size to help caregivers and older adults feel empowered to make safe, informed choices for better sleep and comfort.

The recliner’s padding should be soft and comfortable, but not overly soft. You must also consider the upholstery and whether it will make you overheat at night or become cold.

Generally, the best sleeping options are zero-gravity recliners, which distribute your body weight evenly to reduce pressure on your spine, and life-flat recliners, which allow you to lie flat. Zero-gravity recliners are designed to mimic the posture astronauts take during liftoff, distributing your body weight evenly to reduce pressure on your spine and improve circulation.

For elderly people, I would also consider a recliner with a lifting function. This feature gently assists the user in standing, making it easier to get in and out of the recliner. The lifting function in a recliner is a motorized feature that gently tilts the chair forward, helping the user to stand up without putting excessive strain on their joints.

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Features of a Good Recliner for Elderly to Sleep In

• Size – Ensure the recliner you choose is wide enough and long enough to fully support your body in a comfortable sleeping position with added support. You also need to consider the recliner’s weight capacity.
• Padding – The padding needs to be comfortable. It should not be too hard, too soft, or excessively soft. I’d appreciate it if you were looking for padding in the lumbar area or a cushion to support your back.
• Type – I would highly consider a life flat for zero gravity, or a top recliner that lets you lie flat. Additionally, a lift chair is a suitable option for an elderly person.
• Upholstery – Although leather upholstery is much easier to clean and maintain, it’s worth noting that it can be slightly uncomfortable against your skin when you initially lie down on it. And hot weather can also make you quite sweaty later on. On the other hand, fabric recliners are much softer and more comfortable for sleeping on. Generally, I would much rather sleep on a fabric recliner than our leather recliner. However, we have included both options in the review section.

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Reviews: The Best Recliners for Elderly to Sleep In

In our review section, you will find some of the best recliners available, specifically designed for older adults for relaxation and sleep.

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1

• The Irene House recliner is an electric recliner designed for relaxation and comfort.
• It offers flat and infinite sleeping positions.
• The leather upholstery is easy to maintain and clean.
• The recliner features a humanistic design and offers heat and massage functions.

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2

• The Mcombo Electric recliners are perfect for seniors to use for sleeping.
• It offers lay-flat, infinite recline positions and a lift function.
• The recliners feature soft, fabric-covered upholstery and ample cushioning.
• It has additional USB ports and two side storage pockets.

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3

• The ABCASA Chenille recliner is soft and plush, perfect for a relaxing sleep.
• It has a roomy and ergonomic shape.
• The recliner has a lay-flat function and good lumbar support.
• It is an electric infinite-position recliner.

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4

• The Comma is an electric recliner designed for sleeping.
• It has a lift function in a comfortable lumbar support pillow.
• There are infinite positions that you can sit or sleep in.
• The recliners have storage pockets and handy cup holders.

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Index Table: Top Rated Recliners for Elderly to Sleep In

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