Napping in a recliner is not only a fabulous and comfy way to relax. In some cases, sleeping in a recliner can also help soothe the pain in the back, shoulders, neck, or other parts of the body. It can also help relieve respiratory issues, insomnia, and swelling of the feet.
It can be particularly useful for getting a good night’s sleep if you are pregnant, suffering from a health issue or injury, or another condition which makes sleeping on a completely flat bed uncomfortable.
As a result, there has been an increase in the demand for recliners that may serve not only as a place to relax and watch TV but also as a substitute for the bed.
The benefits of sleeping in a recliner, if any, should be weighed against the risks.
Sleeping in a reclined position can do wonders for the comfort and quality of sleep of persons with gastric reflux, sleep apnea, heartburn, and certain types of back discomfort.
You can take a restful nap whenever you like on a plush recliner even if you’re in excellent health.
Here are the advantages of sleeping in a reclined position
Back pain aid
If you spend most of the day sitting on a chair in a hunched position, it is highly likely that at the end of the day, you feel all sore, and tense and suffer from stiffness and back pain.
By sleeping in a recliner, you can help relax the muscles because good-quality recliners provide sufficient lumbar support and spine alignment.
Respiratory issue relief
If you have sleep apnea, snoring, or other problems with your respiratory system which tend to worsen when you are lying down in a horizontal position, then sleeping in a recliner may help you breathe easier and thus sleep better.
Blood circulation improvement
Standing on your feet or sitting all day long can have a huge impact not only on your spine and bones but on your circulatory system as well.
Standing and sitting causes the blood to flood the legs, feet, and ankles due to gravity. This can cause swelling and pain in the feet and lower legs at the end of the day.
Sleeping in a recliner can help reduce the swelling and relieve the pain by restoring blood circulation back to normal.
Sleep improvement during pregnancy
Women often experience discomfort and difficulty sleeping, especially in the last trimester of their pregnancy. This type of discomfort may be reduced by sleeping in a reclined rather than a flat position.
This is why recliners are becoming so popular among expectant moms.
Relief for acid reflux
People who suffer from acid reflux probably know how unpleasant the situation with heartburn can be, especially when lying in a horizontal position.
This is why, for people with acid reflux, it is recommended to sleep in a reclined position via a special pillow or a comfortable recliner.
Potential negative effects of sleeping in a recliner
While sleeping in a recliner can be a blessing for some, for others, this can cause health problems, especially if a recliner is used instead of a regular bed 100% of the time.
Here are some potential problems for people who use recliners for sleeping too often:
Hip and knee issues
Because spending long hours in a reclined position can cause a tightening of the muscle tissues in the legs, it can cause problems with posture and with standing up straight over time.
Circulation problems
As mentioned previously, sitting in the same position for a long can cause blood to build up in the feet, ankles, calves, and legs. Keep in mind that spending too many hours in a recliner can cause such a problem as well. This is why getting a recliner with a retractable and adjustable footrest is advisable. And also, avoiding leading a life which is too sedentary and which risks swelling and blood clots in the feet and lower legs.
Choosing the best recliner for sleeping
If you are one of the people who can benefit from sleeping in a recliner, then it is important to find one which you will be comfortable sleeping in, and which suits your needs, your health condition, and your preferences.
There are many different types of recliners to pick from. Some include rocker recliners, which are particularly suitable for new moms and nursing mothers. There are wall-hugger recliners that save space. Also, there are lift chairs which not only recline but also lift up to make getting out of the chair easier.
It’s important to consider not only your height and weight but also the recliner’s weight capability while shopping for the perfect fit.
You need to ensure that the chair can recline to a level that allows you to sleep comfortably.
See if the footrest can be raised, elevated, or modified to a position that will be comfortable for you, and make sure the backrest and headrest are high enough for your height.
Pick a recliner with solid steel or wooden frame. Doing so will lengthen the life of the chair, making it suitable for sitting, sleeping, and lounging for many more years to come.
You should also pay close attention to the upholstery’s feel and material, since you want something that is pleasant to sit or lie on, easy to clean, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing.
Choose from recliners that come with extras like built-in cup holders, USB ports, pockets, trays, massage functions, and temperature control.
We have carefully reviewed a number of different recliners on the market to determine which ones are the most comfortable for sleeping.
Best Recliners for Sleeping
Here is the ultimate list of the most recommended recliners for sleeping this year.
Best overall
Homall Single Recliner Chair Padded Seat PU Leather Living Room Recliner
This top-rated recliner for sleeping and lounging is made of comfortable and easy to clean faux leather and a high-density thick sponge for cloud-like cushioning.
The push-back recliner chair has ergonomically curved armrests and a large footrest which you can adjust to suit your comfort and preferences.
The footrest has a sturdy steel frame covered with ultra-soft padding, so you can lay back and enjoy watching your favorite show or reading a book.
The recliner has a weight capacity of up to 265 lbs. Its wide and deep seat is 19.7 (W) x 22.1 (D) inches and is 17.7 inches high.
The back of the recliner is 20.9 (W) x 29.1 (H).
When open, the chair is 27.6 (W) x 64.2 (D) x 27.9 (H), and when closed, its dimensions are 27.6 x 35.8 x 38.6 inches.
It has a soothing massage function and remote control which will allow you to effortlessly pick the intensity level, the massage mode, and the time you want to enjoy your personal message for.
It is black and stylish and has padded feet to protect your beautiful hard floor.
The recliner is perfect for your TV room, or simply if you want a comfortable chair which you can use for relaxing and taking periodic naps or for sleeping.
It is easy to recline and put up back in an upright position, so it is suitable for all people, even seniors, or those with limited mobility.
And it is sold at a very affordable price for the quality offered.
The runner-up
Catnapper Stallworth 4898 Power Lift Chair & Recliner – Godiva
This is a soft-padded and beautiful recliner for sleeping, which has a weight capacity of up to 350 lbs. which makes it suitable for heavier people too.
It is upholstered with durable, soft, and easy to clean bonded leather. Gel-infused memory foam is used for filler providing this recliner with cushioning like no other.
The recliner is electrically powered and can be used for watching TV, reading, relaxing, and sleeping.
The lifting mechanism works smoothly and quietly.
The chair also has a nifty magazine pocket where you can keep your remote control nearby.
Its dimensions are 48 (H) x 46 (W) x 43 (D) inches, with a seat that is 22 inches wide, 20 inches high, and 21 inches deep.
The total weight of this well-built recliner is 154 lbs.
It can easily be used as an alternative for a bed if you have problems with your back, feet, respiratory system, or other conditions which prevent you from sleeping in a horizontal position.
Best budget-friendly option
Tuoze Fabric Recliner Chair Ergonomic Adjustable Single Sofa
At a price of just under $100, this Tuoze Fabric Recliner is the best bang for the buck if you are shopping for an inexpensive recliner for sleeping.
It is upholstered with skin-friendly and durable soft fabric and is filled with high-density foam filler for added resilience and comfort.
You can easily adjust the backrest from 90 degrees down to 165 degrees, whenever you feel like you want to take a nap, or simply relax.
The footrest is retractable and can be adjusted to an angle that is most comfortable for you for watching TV, lounging, and sleeping.
It has wide and arch-shaped armrests and an ergonomic backrest which follows the natural curve of the spine.
The size of this affordable recliner for sleepers is 26 (L) x 29 (W) x 38.5 (H) when open, and 20 (W) x 29 (D) x 38.5 (H) when closed.
The seat is 20 inches deep and 22.5 inches wide. The backrest is 19.7 inches long and 29 inches wide.
The recliner has a maximum weight capacity of up to 280 lbs.
Its feet have protective pads to prevent the chair from scratching or damaging the hard floor.
Its body is made of sturdy wood and metal, and the fabric upholstery is durable enough to withstand years of use.
The rest of the most recommended recliners for sleeping
Irene House Dual Motor Lays Flat Electric Power Lift Recliner Chair
This recliner by Irene House is perfect if you want a chair that can fall back flat completely for a comfortable nap.
It is electronically powered and has a lift-up function, which makes it suitable for seniors or people with limited mobility, as it can make getting in and out of the chair very easy.
The dual-motor can be used independently to adjust the backrest recline, as well as the footrest.
It can support a weight of up to 300 lbs. and has an extending footrest for lounging and sleeping.
There is an easy to reach side pocket to hold your remote control, electronics, books, or others.
The dimensions of the recliner when open are 73 (L) x 20.5 (H) x 31 (W) inches. Its seat is 22 inches wide and 21 inches deep, with a height of 20.5 inches. It is cushioned with plush soft padding made of high-density sponge.
The upholstery is made of breathable and soft leather, and the mechanism is sturdy and will withstand years of reclining and lifting.
The chair is available in a wide variety of colors and upholstery fabric options to choose from.
See also: Chair for People Suffering From Back Pain
Mcombo Electric Power Lift Recliner Chair Sofa with Massage and Heat
This premium quality recliner for sleeping has a TUV certified reclining and lifting motor, which can help seniors or people with health conditions limit their mobility to sit and get up much easier.
The electric-powered recliner moves smoothly and is easy to adjust.
It can massage you thanks to its eight vibrating nodes, as well as heat the waist area at an intensity of your choice.
There are a total of 9 different modes and 5 intensities to choose from. There is also a timer that you can set for the massaging or heating option from 10 up to 30 minutes.
The premium quality faux leather is soft and easy to clean and is also very stylish.
The recliner comes with two cup holders on both armrests as well as a USB charging port for keeping your phone or other device charged while relaxing or taking a nap.
It can recline to a 140-degree angle, rather than completely flat, but is still amazingly comfortable and ergonomic for napping and occasional sleeping.
This ultra-soft recliner is 41 (H) x 30.7 (D) x 34.6 (W) inches when closed and 64.6 (L) x 33.5 (H) when open.
When in lift-up mode, the height of the chair and backrest reaches 58.7 inches at its highest point.
The seat is 20 inches high, 22 inches wide, and 20.5 inches deep.
ANJ Electric Recliner Chair Breathable Bonded Leather
This leather recliner for sleeping not only looks gorgeous but also is exceptionally comfortable for young and old users.
It has an overstuffed pillow design so you will be comfortably and cozily cradled inside this recliner chair when sitting and relaxing.
It has a steel reclining mechanism that will withstand years of use and can carry a weight of up to 300 lbs.
Both the backrest and the footrest can be retracted and adjusted individually to provide you with ultimate comfort while you are sitting, relaxing, or sleeping on this recliner chair.
The chair has a USB charging port on its right side to keep your devices powered and nearby.
The oversized recliner chair is 39 (W) c 28 (D) x 39 (H) when closed, and has a reclined length of 64 inches when expanded completely.
It looks great, and will quickly become your favorite chair to spend your leisure time in or to sleep at night.
Home Theater Seating Reclining Power Sofa Theater Recliner Sectional Sofa
If your family enjoys watching movies together and relaxing together, then this FDW Home Theater Seating Reclining Sofa is among the top options for recliners for sleeping on the market.
The set of recliners is incredibly stylish and elegant, and they are designed to ensure complete comfort for all people seated on them.
The seating comes with two retractable trays to hold your beverages, your dinner trays, electronics, or snacks.
The recliner seats can be adjusted independently in any position you prefer, making this sofa theater one of the most versatile ones we have reviewed. You can also lie down and sleep on several seats comfortably.
Each of the extra wide and padded armrests has a deep and convenient cup holder. Underneath them, there are two large storage spaces where you can keep your books, remote controls, or others.
The size of the sofa is 143.4 (L) 40 (D) x 29.8 (H) inches. The individual recliners have seats that are 24 inches wide and 20 inches deep. They all have retractable and adjustable footrests.
The seats can be reclined to an angle of 140 degrees, and have a flat size of 66 inches, perfect for a comfortable nap. You can use one or more of these seats for sleeping if you find sleeping in a reclining position more comfortable, or better for your sleep.
So, if you are looking for the most comfortable seats for your home’s TV room or living room, this Power Sofa with reclining seats is an excellent option.
Last update on 2023-05-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API