A sofabed is great whenever you need a guest bed for a friend or family member to rest on, neatly blending into the living room or home office. They are also incredibly convenient multi-purpose piece of furniture that works wonders in a studio apartment or other small space where you’re limited on room.
However, like with any bed, the way you sleep has a big impact on your body and can leave you with a lasting ache that doesn’t want to go away. From your sleeping position to the sofabed design, several things impact your sleeping and sitting posture when using a sofabed. Read on to find out the best ways to maintain good posture when using a sofabed.
What is the best way to sleep on a sofa bed with good posture?
When sleeping on a sofabed, bad posture can arise from many things including the mattress being too firm, feeling the bar, feeling the coils and even the position you sleep in.
The best way to sleep on a sofabed depends a lot on what naturally works best for you, whether down to personal preference or a medical condition, each position has its benefits. This being said, the best way for consistent sleep posture more often than not is on your back as it promotes healthier back alignment and reduces pressure on your limbs, neck and back.
Sleeping on your back:
It can be very hard to sleep on your back, especially if you have a soft mattress, however, there are many benefits that make training yourself worth it. Sleeping on your back allows your head, neck, and spine to rest in a neutral position, which reduces the risk of developing muscle pain and tension headaches.
Find the right pillow and neck support
Having a pillow that is both comfortable and supports your head and neck in a natural position is essential for a good night’s sleep. Foam and memory foam pillows are typically a great choice as it allows your head and neck to rest in a conformed position.
Make sure that your head is not over-elevated as that can end up making things worse. A simple trick some people use to avoid this is rolling up a towel and placing it underneath your neck, allowing you to align and not overextend your body.
Lumbar Support
Another way to sleep on your back with ease is to place a lumbar roll or pillow behind your lower back to support the natural curvature of your spine. As there is less pressure, your body is also less likely to roll over, helping you maintain good posture while sleeping on a sofabed.
Not everything will work for you, and finding support can often be a trial-and-error process. It’s important to remember to listen to your body and make any necessary adjustments so you can have a well-rested and dream-welcoming night’s sleep.
It is possible to sleep on a sofabed on your side, however, this can require space-taking tools such as body pillows.
What is the best way to sit on a sofabed with good posture?
Sitting on a sofabed for a long time can often lead to a slouched posture, becoming entranced by what’s on the screen in front of you. One simple and relaxing way to correct this poor form is to place a cushion behind your lower back as an acting backrest, to help maintain your spine and natural curve.
Along with a back cushion, another good way to reduce strain on leg muscles is to place a cushion underneath your knees and have them in a slightly flexed position. Sitting with your feet up for a long time, whether on a recliner or laying parallel, will place strain on your back and neck as your body is in a flexed position, so it’s a good idea to move your position as frequently as possible to maintain a good posture. Make use of the armrests that are available to you; they’re there for a reason and aid in alleviating stress on your back.
Some other ways include using it to just sleep; instead of sitting up on it whilst watching tv or reading, only open the sofabed come the time you need to sleep.
For the best posture possible, only use the mattress section when sleeping and the sofa section for non-sleeping activities such as tv or reading.
Come bedtime, when you need to open up the sofabed, it should be done in the correct way to avoid any potential back strain. Check out our step-by-step guide on how to do so safely.
What are the best stretches for good posture?
As it can take a few weeks to perfect your sleeping posture, you may be feeling sore longer than you had expected. There are a few stretches and exercises you do before and after sleep that will help you feel as refreshed as possible:
- Bear hug (reduces pain and discomfort in your upper back)
- Kneeling lat stretch (relieving pain and discomfort in your back and shoulders)
- Low lunge (stretches hips, thighs and groin)
- Legs-up-the-wall pose (reduce tension in your back, shoulders and neck)
- Neck stretches (reduce tension in your head, neck and shoulders)
- Reclining bound angle pose (reduce tension in your hips and groin)
- Seated forward bend (reduce tension in your spine, shoulders, hamstrings and lower back)
What are the best sofabeds for posture?
At sofabed.co.uk, we customise your sofabed to give you the best sitting and sleeping experience possible. Choose from over 130 upholstery fabrics and optional scatter cushions to create a comfortable seat that fits the style of your living room perfectly.
All of our sofabeds are made to last, whether you need a box-style, chaise, or 3-seater sofabed, you can do so with confidence. Our standard foam mattresses are 70mm thick and designed with high-quality materials, giving whoever is sleeping a good night’s rest. If you require extra support, the upgraded pocket-sprung mattress gives you a 10cm thick mattress that can support a heavier weight load. The mattresses can be changed after purchase, so if you find yourself wanting to upgrade, just drop us a call and the team will be happy to assist you.