Chaise lounge chairs are suitable for your back since they have a footrest that decreases pressure on the lumbar.
Even with all its luxurious features, you should never stay seated in a chaise for hours at a time.
The human body needs exercise, and prolonged periods of sitting can harm the spinal cord.
If you wish to get the best experience for your back, you’ve come to the right place!
What Is The Best Sitting Position On A Chaise Lounge?
The best sitting position on a chaise lounge is with your back pressed against the back. Having your legs stretched in front of you helps relieve stress on your lower back as long as you maintain good posture. Avoid slouching or dangling your legs over the edge for the best results.
Chaise lounge sofas are a convenient combination of chairs and couches. These chairs were originally invented in France in the 1700s and branded as a luxury item for the rich.
The purpose of these couches was for the rich to rest comfortably without needing to return to their bedroom. The original name in French was “Chaise Longue,” which translates as long chair.
However, they heard the name “Chaise Lounge ” when it arrived in Brittain. The term has stuck ever since.
Nowadays, these chairs are a favorite for afternoon reading and resting. They come in several designs, but they have changed significantly since the 1700s. These chairs are typically shaped similarly to lounging chairs with an extended front.
Having your legs extended in front of you when seated is healthier than having them hang down.
According to Healthline, extending your legs in front of you decreases pressure on the lower back.
It also increases blood flow in your legs and decreases varicose veins. So, chaise lounges are preferable for sitting to traditional chairs and sofas.
However, there are other ways you can improve your back health, even more, when seated:
- Never slouch your shoulders
- Avoid leaning forward
- Keep legs extended
- Roll a towel or blanket and place it behind your lower back
- Avoid leaning in one direction
- Use pillows to support your body
It’s important to remember that remaining seated for a long time is always a bad idea. According to the Mayoclinic, prolonged sitting has been linked to:
- Heart attacks
- Blood clots
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
If you’re sitting down to read or relax and worry you might stay too long, try setting a phone timer!
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How Long Is Too Long For Sitting On A Chaise Lounge?
Sitting for more than 4 hours without stretching your legs is not recommended. If you must sit in your chaise lounge for hours, ensure you avoid slouching and crossing your legs. The more you restrict blood flow, the more your body will suffer.
Some people don’t have a choice regarding how long they remain seated. It’s possible you must work for hours or have a physical disability that prevents you from walking.
Whatever the cause, it’s vital that you move your body in any way you can. If you’re working, set a timer for 4 hours to signal you to take a 10-minute break.
If you’re disabled, adopt a seated workout regime to keep your joints, back, and body healthy.
The More Life Health channel has a great video demonstrating several exercises you can do while seated!
Can I Sleep On A Chaise Lounge Without Hurting My Back?
You can rest or nap on a chaise lounge without harming your back or spinal cord. However, making the chaise lounge, your permanent sleeping place is not recommended. Even though they’re very comfortable, they can harm your joints and back over prolonged periods.
Human backs are more fragile and prone to injury than other animal species. This is because, unlike most animals, we walk upright on two feet.
According to Live Science, our bipedalism causes us to suffer many back injuries and aches because of the pressure on our lumbar.
You might be wondering why this evolutionary adaptation was adopted despite these setbacks. This upright, bipedal position gave us a leg up in the evolutionary arms race. It enables us to run faster than our predators and see our prey easily in the African savanna.
Although, to us, modern humans, this adaptation causes us several common issues. This includes several fracture points and a susceptibility to wear and tear.
Our sleeping space is essential to our back health and well-being. Sleeping on a chaise lounge is harmless if it’s only for a short nap.
If you wish to rest on this specialized sofa for less than an hour, you should be fine.
The best ways to rest on your chaise lounge include:
- Propping your neck on a pillow
- Do not rest your neck at an angle on the back of the chair
- Allow your legs to stretch out fully
- Lie on your side or back for the best results
Don’t switch your nightly sleeping schedule to this couch, though. Your back requires the support and design of a proper mattress to rest from the day.
What Fabric And Cushion Should I Choose For My Chaise Lounge To Support My Back?
The best fabric and cushions for your back on your chaise are leather or other tightly knit materials. Firm cushions offer lower back support while being soft enough to prevent lower back pressure. Faux leather, cotton, and knitted cushions are suitable substitutes for leather.
Ergonomics is a familiar term for any office HR personnel. This phrase is commonly used to refer to the creation of a human-centered office environment.
The goal is to make the chairs, desks, and all other aspects of the workplace as user-friendly as possible.
It considers the everyday aches and pains faced by people working for hours in one position.
However, this term has since been adopted by home decor experts to refer to creating a human-centric house.
Some features you should look for in your chaise lounge include:
- Firm couch cushions
- Footrest equaled to the height of the chair
- At least one pillow for back support
- Upholstered material, leather, or tightly weaved material
- Wooden frames
Ergonomic furniture is made from supportive materials with adjustable positions. Chaise lounges that recline are better than standard chairs since they relieve pressure on the lumbar.
The body isn’t meant to be kept in one position for prolonged periods. If you can find an adjustable angle, your back will thank you.
Wooden frames are usually considered better for back support than metal or plastic. Whereas plastic is too weak, metal frames are too firm and might dig into your legs and back.
Conclusion
The Chaise lounge has come a long way over its more than 300-year history. Although originating as a sign of elitist power and authority, it’s now a staple in many modern homes.
It’s never a good idea to stay seated for an extended time, but getting the right chair will prevent back pain. Chaise lounges are an excellent choice for anyone hoping to give their lower back a break.
We hope this article helps you find the right chaise lounge for your home and back!
Sources
Merriam Webster: ‘Chaise Lounge’ or ‘Chaise Longue’?
Healthline: What Are the Benefits of Elevating Your Legs?
The Vein Institute: Sitting All Day? Tips to prevent varicose veins
The Mayoclinic: What are the risks of sitting too much?
YouTube: More Life Health: Whole Body Chair Exercise For Seniors (30 Minutes) | More Life Health
