At City Mattress, we know that great sleep isn't just about comfort; it's about supporting your overall well-being, too. If you have concerns about circulation or blood clots, it’s important to understand that your individual risk factors matter more than any single sleeping position. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can be associated with extended periods of limited mobility, particularly for people who already have additional risk factors.
While changing your sleep position isn’t a proven way to prevent blood clots, creating a comfortable sleep setup can make it easier to rest, change positions, and follow any positioning recommendations your healthcare provider gives you.
Why Blood Clot Risk Is Important to Understand
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the leg. Limited movement can slow blood flow and is one of several factors that may increase DVT risk. Other risk factors can include recent surgery or hospitalization, pregnancy and the postpartum period, certain medical conditions, estrogen use, previous blood clots, family history, and inherited clotting disorders.
If you have an elevated risk of blood clots, talk with your healthcare provider about appropriate prevention strategies rather than relying on a particular sleeping position.
Sleep Positions and Comfortable Leg Support
1. Sleeping on Your Back with Your Legs Elevated
Some people find that gently elevating their legs provides a more comfortable resting position, particularly if they experience tired or swollen legs. However, leg elevation should not be considered a substitute for medical treatment or a proven method of preventing DVT.
City Mattress Expert Tip: An adjustable base can make it easier to find a comfortable position with your legs elevated. You can also explore a wedge pillow designed to support your legs while resting.
2. Sleeping on Your Side
Side sleeping can be a comfortable option for many people. A supportive mattress and pillow can help keep your head, neck, hips, and shoulders comfortably supported while you rest.
During the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, side sleeping is commonly recommended. If you're pregnant, your healthcare provider can advise you on the most appropriate sleep position for your individual needs.
City Mattress Expert Tip: A supportive, contouring mattress can help cushion your hips and shoulders while you sleep on your side.
3. Find a Relaxed, Comfortable Position
If you naturally curl up while sleeping, focus on staying comfortable rather than trying to maintain a particular position for circulation. Changing positions naturally during the night is normal.
City Mattress Expert Tip: Body pillows or knee pillows can provide additional cushioning and support for a comfortable side-sleeping position.
Focus on Comfort Rather Than Avoiding a Specific Position
There isn’t strong evidence that generally avoiding stomach sleeping, crossing your legs while asleep, or choosing one particular sleep position will prevent a blood clot. Instead, focus on finding a comfortable sleep position and addressing known blood clot risk factors with your healthcare provider.
Ways to Support Healthy Circulation and Reduce Blood Clot Risk
- Stay Active: Regular movement can support circulation. If you’ve been prescribed bed rest or have limited mobility, ask your healthcare provider what movement is appropriate for you.
- Avoid Long Periods of Immobility: During long periods of sitting, such as travel, getting up periodically and moving your legs can help support blood flow.
- Use Compression Stockings Only When Appropriate: If your healthcare provider recommends compression stockings, follow their instructions for when and how long to wear them.
- Know Your Risk Factors: Recent surgery, hospitalization, pregnancy, previous blood clots, certain medications, and some medical conditions can increase DVT risk.
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: If you have concerns about blood clots or have known risk factors, your healthcare provider can recommend prevention strategies appropriate for you.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Contact a healthcare provider promptly if you develop possible symptoms of a DVT, such as unexplained swelling, pain or tenderness, warmth, redness, or discoloration in an arm or leg. Symptoms such as sudden difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing up blood, or an unusually fast or irregular heartbeat can be signs of a pulmonary embolism and require immediate medical attention.
Create a Comfortable Sleep Setup with City Mattress
At City Mattress, our role is to help you create a comfortable and supportive sleep environment. Adjustable beds, supportive mattresses, and thoughtfully chosen pillows can help you personalize your position based on your comfort preferences or recommendations from your healthcare provider.
Whether you're looking to elevate your legs, sleep more comfortably on your side, or simply create a more supportive sleep setup, our Sleep Experts can help you find options that work for you.
Explore our collections today and find the comfort and support you need for a better night’s sleep.