Recliner chairs are a popular piece of furniture for people to relax in. Some people even sleep on them.
But is sleeping on a recliner good after heart surgery? Most people know that they should avoid sleeping on their left side after having heart surgery.
There are mixed opinions on the matter. While some people say that sleeping in any position is better than sleeping in bed, others warn against sleeping in a recliner chair after surgery.
So, what’s the best advice? Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of sleeping on a recliner after surgery.
Is Sleeping on a Recliner Good After Heart Surgery?
After heart surgery, it is important to get plenty of rest. Yes, sleeping on a recliner can be good for you after heart surgery. This position can help to decrease the pressure on your chest and help to improve your breathing.
You may also find it more comfortable to sleep in this position if you are having trouble sleeping on your back or side.
Be sure to talk to your doctor or surgeon before using a recliner after heart surgery to make sure it is safe for you.
Because recliner chairs are not as firm as a bed, you may want to put a pillow behind your back for additional support. You may also want to use a recliner that has built-in lumbar support. This is best for people who have had heart surgery and are also dealing with pain in their back or neck.
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How to sleep on a recliner after heart surgery?
After heart surgery, it is recommended that you sleep on a recliner for at least the first week.
This will help to prevent your incisions from opening up and will also make it easier for you to breathe.
You may find it difficult to sleep in a recliner at first, but there are a few things that you can do to make it more comfortable.
- First, make sure that your recliner is at a comfortable height. You should be able to sit up in the recliner without having to strain your neck or back. If you need to, use pillows to prop yourself up.
- Second, use a pillow under your knees to elevate your legs. This will take some of the pressure off of your incisions and will also help to keep your legs from swelling.
- Third, try to sleep on your side instead of your back. This will help to prevent your incisions from opening up and will also make it easier for you to breathe. If you find it difficult to sleep on your side, you can try sleeping on your stomach.
- Finally, make sure that you get up and move around every few hours. This will help to prevent your blood from pooling in your legs and will also help to keep your incisions from opening up.
If you follow these tips, you should be able to sleep comfortably on a recliner after heart surgery.
What are benefits of sleeping on a recliner after heart surgery?
Following are the benefits of sleeping on a recliner after heart surgery:
- It helps in improving circulation by gravity.
- It decreases the risk of pneumonia as you can sleep with your head elevated.
- It also helps in relieving pain and discomfort as it takes the pressure off of your incision site.
- Sleeping in a recliner also allows you to sleep in a position that is most comfortable for you and helps reduce the risk of developing bed sores.
- Additionally, it can also aid in the prevention of postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
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How to choose the best recliner for sleeping after surgery?
If you are looking for the best recliner for sleeping after surgery, here are some tips to help you choose the right one.
- Consider your needs: First, think about what you need in a recliner. Do you need it for napping or sleeping? If so, look for a recliner with a built-in footrest.
- Consider your budget: There are a variety of recliners on the market, so it’s important to find one that fits your budget.
- Consider your space: Make sure you have enough space in your room for the recliner. You don’t want it to be too big or too small.
- Consider your style: There are many different styles of recliners on the market, so find one that fits your style.
- Consider your comfort: Finally, make sure you select a recliner that is comfortable for you. You don’t want to be uncomfortable in your own home.
These are just a few things to keep in mind when you’re shopping for the best recliner for sleeping after surgery.
Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be sure to find the perfect recliner for your needs.
What to do if you experience discomfort while sleeping in a recliner?
If you experience any discomfort while sleeping in a recliner, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the cause.
There are a variety of potential causes of discomfort while sleeping in a recliner, including musculoskeletal issues, GERD and more.
A healthcare professional will be able to help you identify the cause of your discomfort and recommend the best course of treatment.
Precautions to take while sleeping on recliner post-heart surgery
Precautions that you take while sleeping on a recliner post-heart surgery are:
- Always sleep in an upright position.
- Use extra pillows to support your head and neck.
- Sleep on your back or side, never on your stomach.
- Avoid sleeping on your recliner for more than 2 hours at a time.
- Get up and move around every 2 hours to keep your blood flowing.
- Avoid wearing constrictive clothing while sleeping on your recliner.
- Keep a close eye on your incisions and watch for any signs of infection.
- Follow up with your doctor as directed to ensure a successful recovery.
FAQs – Recliner Sleeping After Surgery
What sleeping position is best after open heart surgery?
Many different factors can affect the best sleeping position after open heart surgery. It is important to talk to your doctor or surgeon about what position they recommend for you.
Some people may find that sleeping on their back is the best position, while others may find that sleeping on their side or stomach is more comfortable.
There are also special pillows and other devices that can help support the chest and lungs after surgery. Ultimately, the best position for you may vary depending on your situation.
Can sleep in a recliner cause blood clots?
There is no definitive answer to this question as there are a variety of factors that could contribute to the formation of blood clots, including but not limited to dehydration, immobility and genetic factors.
However, sleeping in a recliner may increase your risk of developing blood clots by keeping you in a relatively stationary position for an extended period.
It is important to stay hydrated and move around every few hours to keep your blood flowing properly.
Is reclining better than sitting?
It depends on the individual’s situation and preferences. However, in general, reclining may be better than sitting since it allows the individual to rest in a comfortable position while still being supported.
Moreover, reclining may help alleviate the back pain or discomfort that can come from sitting for long periods.
Why does my back feel better when I sleep on a recliner?
There are a few reasons why your back may feel better when you sleep on a recliner. Sleeping on a recliner can take some pressure off of your spine and help to keep your spine in alignment. This can help to reduce pain and stiffness in your back.
Sleeping on a recliner can also help to reduce inflammation in the joints and muscles in your back.
If you have a herniated disc or other back condition, sleeping on a recliner can help to take some of the pressure off of your spine and reduce pain.
Wrap Up
A recliner is a great place to sleep after heart surgery because it keeps the body in a neutral position. This reduces swelling and pain. It also helps keep the lungs clear of mucus.
Sleeping on a recliner after heart surgery may also help you heal and feel more comfortable.
However, always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your post-operative care plan. If you are having difficulty sleeping or find that sleeping in a recliner is not helping, be sure to speak with your doctor.
Thank you for reading our blog post on the benefits of sleeping on a recliner after heart surgery. We hope you found it helpful.