Are Recliners Bad for Leg Circulation? Myth or a Fact?

You might have come across the numerous health advantages of sleeping or resting in a recliner and even many individuals have chosen to substitute their mattresses with a recliner altogether in order to gain the benefits for their health each night.

Now we know why one always wakes up fresh and energetic after taking a sleep in a recliner. However, are recliners bad for leg circulation? is a new question that is on everyone’s mind. Therefore, we have decided to address your query through this guide.

Recliners are frequently suggested by physicians and physical therapists when it comes to enhancing the lower limbic blood flow for folks who struggle to move around or stand for extended periods. They are a great source of relief and can be very helpful if utilised properly.

Yet, we know that this is not enough to satisfy your inner self, so let’s get in deep to eliminate your concerns.

Is a Recliner Bad for Leg Circulation?

The answer is Yes, but only if you misused it for a prolonged period.

Although there is a possibility that your recliner is disturbing your blood circulation level, the main contributing factor is that you have been exploiting your recliner.

Your chair can generally lead to circulation issues. People who spend a lot of time sitting could be at risk for circulatory problems. Long-term sitting, especially when done incorrectly or on the improper kind of seat, can constrict the vessels of the circulatory system in your leg muscles, hence reducing blood flow.

The Correct Way to Utilise a Recliner for Improved Circulation

You must utilise the recliner correctly, keeping the ideal balance, to encourage blood flow in the leg. According to research, resting on a chair with your leg raised for twenty minutes is ideal for healthy blood circulation.

1. First, take a comfortable seat on your reclining chair.
2. Ensure there is no space between your lower back and the chair’s lumbar support.
3. Your legs should be a little above chest level when the footrest is adjusted to the proper position.
4. Since your heart doesn’t have to work as hard against gravity to pump blood as it does while you’re standing, this position aids in the heart’s ability to maintain healthy circulation.

Sit Slowly, Get up Slowly-The Way to Go!

The risk of poor leg circulation can be reduced by getting up and taking it slowly in the recliner.

If you have a blood circulation issue, sitting or standing up too quickly can make you feel unsteady and dizzy.

Therefore, using a motorised recliner would be important for safety, sitting slowly and standing up; it would stop you from reclining and getting up quickly. Make your life enjoyable, not uncomfortable.

Things to Avoid When Using Recliner to Maintain Blood Flow in Feets

Without a doubt, improper use of a chair might affect your legs’ ability to circulate blood.

If you find it difficult to avoid the chair, action must be taken to lessen its negative effects. When you should take precautions to prevent issues with your recliner, there are several things you should steer clear of while using it.

• Due to the potential harm to your circulation, you should avoid sitting in the lounger for a lengthy time or in an upright posture.
• A recliner is probably not the best option if you have urine incontinence because it makes getting out exceedingly challenging.
• Leg discomfort might result from prolonged recliner use because the thighs do not get enough blood flow. Do not sit in a sedentary position for longer duration; instead, you must try to get out of the seat every hour for a minimum of ten minutes to relieve strain on your legs.
• Don’t cross your feet. Keep your shoulders back and your feet flat on the ground.
• To support your back and prevent excessive pressure on your lower back, place a footstool under your feet or legs.

Is sitting with your legs dangling or down preferable?

A relaxed day is connected with kicking your feet up. It’s frequently a good idea to elevate your feet while relaxing at a particular angle. By raising your legs against a wall at a 90-degree angle, you may give your body time to rest and heal.

Gravity draws blood toward our feet when we are sitting upright. Gravity helps the blood return to circulation when we stand with our legs at a 90-degree angle to a wall.

In other words, it encourages venous fluid circulation and also returns blood to the heart.

What are the Consequences in Poor Blood Flow?

The network of routes in your body allows blood to circulate throughout each region of your body. The blood flow, however, is either completely halted or slows down if you have weak circulation. Your cells won’t get the oxygen and nourishment they need if your blood supply is restricted.

Let’s examine the typical signs of circulation issues in the legs:

• swelling, especially in the area of your ankles
• Leg ache that is dull or crampy
• The sensation of tingling or numbness in the leg
• The tenseness in your calf muscles, especially after exercise
• Leg pigmentation or varicosities
• Sudden pain in the feet
• Feeling cold, particularly in the toes

Does falling asleep on a recliner result in a blood clot?

If done improperly, sleeping on a chair for an extended time can result in blood clots. When you lie on your back, blood flow is restricted to your lower body, causing aches and pains. Health issues could emerge as a result.

Is it Possible to Restore Proper Blood Circulation in the Body?

Yes, poor circulation can be improved, and exercise is the simplest way to do it. Even thirty minutes of jogging can restore blood flow, so it’s not necessary to spend three hours per day in the gym. Sitting cross-legged and remaining in one position for a good amount of time are a few common reasons for poor circulation. The wisest choice to do is to stay moving throughout the day, which will maintain your blood circulation.

Can Exploiting Recliner Cause Metabolism Issues?

Although reclining chairs are good for your health, staying sedentary for an extended amount of time may have the opposite impact.

People who begin to gain weight run the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Overall cardiovascular disease, hypertension, elevated blood lipids, and type 2 diabetes are all linked to this epidemic condition.

What Health Benefits Does a Recliner Offer?

The benefits of the health of recliners include:

1. Elevating your leg when you rest can improve blood flow if you spend an excessive amount of time standing. There is a reduction in bloating, pain, and weariness.
2. Because the body can circulate blood more easily in this position, inflammation can be naturally decreased.
3. Offer relaxation, calm the neurological system, and reduce tension.
4. A recliner must be utilised in an ergonomically sound position. According to a study, sitting in a 135-degree reclined position can reduce the likelihood of back pain.
5. Even though it’s not advised, sleeping only in a recliner chair may be more comfortable if you experience difficulties falling asleep in a bed.
6. When a person has a medical condition that makes breathing difficult, a semi-reclined posture can help. For example, sleeping semi-reclined position reduces the intensity of sleep Apnea.

Recliner Chair Syndrome

The terms “recliner chair syndrome” and “airplane syndrome” describe a medical ailment brought on by spending too much time squished together in a tiny area. It typically happens on aircraft or in chairs with little legroom. This is due to the fact that these recliners push the body into postures that are not natural to it, which can result in neck issues as well as other types of pain.

Long periods of sitting might aggravate back pain. People frequently slouch and curve their shoulders when reclining, which causes muscle strain. As a result, the body makes an effort to maintain balance. It contracts the tissues on half of the vertebrae while stretching the muscles on the other side.

Wrap Up

One thing to bear in mind is that a reclining chair is ideal for occasional rest breaks. A problem with the circulation in the legs cannot result other than from excessive use or prolonged rest in a recliner.

As a result, make sure that your legs should be directly above your chest level when you adjust the recliner. In comparison to standing, the heart has to work less to pump blood when you’re sitting down. This is also good for your limbs and can improve cardiac output too.