Arthritis
How to get out of bed with Arthritis
Step-by-step guides for getting out of bed when you have Arthritis. Practical methods from real bed mobility guides.
Quick answer
With MS or neurological weakness, muscles fatigue quickly and can spasm if you push too hard. Using gentle momentum, good body positioning, and low-friction tools like the Snoozle Slide Sheet lets you slide and turn with less force. Start from your strongest side, bend your knees, and use small rocking motions instead of big, effortful pushes.
Key steps
- 1.In frailty and very low strength, the highest fall risk is the final move from sitting at the bed edge to standing, not just the turn in bed.
- 2.Safe standing requires staged preparation: good sitting balance, feet under knees, a forward lean (“nose over toes”), and a short, committed push using legs and arms together.
- 3.Turning and shuffling towards the edge are much easier if the trunk can slide instead of being dragged; a Snoozle Slide Sheet can reduce friction and skin shear for these in-bed movements.
- 4.During the actual stand, you need friction, not sliding, so the Snoozle should not be under the thighs at the edge or used to lift or drag you off the bed.
- 5.Frailty is different from simple back pain or stiffness: the main problem is low power, slow reactions and easy fatigue, so movements must be broken into small, rest-friendly stages.
- 6.With one very stiff arthritic knee, the aim is to stop asking that knee to drive movement and instead use your better leg, arms and trunk.
- 7.Turning in bed is easier when you roll your trunk and pelvis first and let both knees follow together, rather than lifting the stiff leg separately.
- 8.Getting from lying to sitting is usually safest when you lower both legs together as you push up with your arms, using your legs as a counterweight.
Icelandic-designed · Sold in pharmacies
Snoozle Slide Sheet
A home-use slide sheet that reduces mattress friction so you can reposition sideways instead of lifting. Made from comfortable fabric — not nylon, no handles. Designed for you, not for a caregiver.
- ✓Less friction when turning — less effort, less pain
- ✓Comfortable fabric you can sleep on all night
- ✓Handle-free — quiet, independent, self-use
Trusted by Vörður insurance for pregnant policyholders. Recommended by Icelandic midwives and physiotherapists.
In-depth guides
Bed Mobility
Getting Safely from Bed to Standing When You Feel Very Weak
This article is for people who feel generally frail or very low in strength and are worried about falling when they stand up from the bed. It explains how to turn in bed, move towards the edge, and then stand up in small, realistic stages that match what your body can actually do right now. We focus closely on the most dangerous moment – the last part, when you go from sitting at the edge of the bed to standing – and how to make that safer using bed setup, body position and timing. You will also learn how a low‑friction Snoozle slide sheet can reduce effort and painful shear while you move in bed, without being used for lifting or risky transfers.
Bed Mobility
Getting In and Out of Bed with One Stiff Knee: Practical Home Strategies
Knee osteoarthritis changes how every small movement in bed feels, especially when one knee is very stiff and the other is only slightly better. Rolling, sliding your legs and pushing up to sit can all trigger sharp, protective pain. This article walks through how to move in bed and get out of bed step by step, using your stronger leg, your arms and gravity more intelligently. We look closely at the hardest moments in turning and in getting to the edge of the bed, and how to soften them using micro-movements, bed setup and the Snoozle Slide Sheet. Many people try to “just push through” with their painful knee, only to end up more sore and more frightened of movement. Here you will find safer alternatives that reduce effort, reduce shear on the skin around the knee and hip, and give you more control even on difficult mornings. You do not need to be strong or flexible to use these ideas. The goal is not perfection; it is to find the least painful, most repeatable way for you to move in and out of bed on most days.
Bed Mobility
How to Get Out of Bed Safely with Inflammatory Arthritis Morning Stiffness
Morning stiffness from inflammatory arthritis can make getting out of bed very painful and exhausting. Using slow, controlled micro-movements, good pillow support, and a Snoozle Slide Sheet to reduce friction can help you roll, sit up, and stand more safely without sudden pain spikes.
Sleep Comfort
Mastering Safe Night-Time Movement with Hypermobility: How to Turn and Get Out of Bed Without Pain
People living with hypermobility or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) often struggle with night-time movements that most take for granted—turning in bed, repositioning, and getting out of bed can trigger pain, joint instability, and fatigue. This difficulty stems from joint laxity and fragile connective tissues that require careful, controlled movement to avoid injury. This article provides a clear, step-by-step guide on how to move safely in bed, reduce strain, and improve comfort during the night, using simple techniques and the Snoozle Slide Sheet, a low-friction slide sheet designed specifically for home use.
Sleep Comfort
How to Overcome Night-Time Freezing in Parkinson’s: Practical Bed Mobility Tips with Snoozle Slide Sheet
Night-time rigidity and freezing in Parkinson’s can make turning in bed and getting out of bed slow, painful, and exhausting. This guide explains why freezing happens, what typically goes wrong when you try to move, and how to use small, segmented movements to turn and get up more safely. It also shows how a low-friction Snoozle Slide Sheet can reduce resistance so you can reposition with less effort and strain, without lifting or risky transfers.
Sleep Comfort
Effortless Bed Mobility with Knee Osteoarthritis: How to Move and Get Up Without Aggravating Pain
Knee osteoarthritis causes stiffness, swelling, and pain that make simple movements like turning in bed or getting out of bed challenging and painful. People with this condition often struggle with increased discomfort, fatigue, and disrupted sleep due to difficulty repositioning themselves. This article provides practical, step-by-step guidance on how to move safely and efficiently in bed, reduce strain on the knees, and use simple tools like the Snoozle Slide Sheet to make these daily tasks easier and less painful.
Sleep Comfort
Effortless Bed Mobility for MS: Using Momentum and Snoozle to Move Without Pain or Fatigue
Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or neurological weakness often means muscles tire quickly, making simple movements in bed feel overwhelming and painful. This article explains why bed mobility is so hard with MS, what commonly goes wrong, and how to use momentum and positioning to move more easily. It also shows how to safely use the Snoozle Slide Sheet as a low-friction tool to reduce strain, protect your skin, and conserve energy while turning or repositioning in bed at home.
Sleep Comfort
How to Safely Get Out of Bed with MS and Neurological Weakness Using Snoozle Slide Sheet
People living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or neurological weakness often struggle with impaired balance, spasticity, and muscle weakness that make simple movements in bed—like turning or sitting up—hard and sometimes risky. This guide explains what typically goes wrong, then gives clear, step-by-step instructions for turning, sitting up, and getting out of bed more safely. It also shows how a low-friction Snoozle Slide Sheet can reduce effort, protect your skin, and help you move with less pain and fatigue. All strategies are designed for safe, in-bed repositioning at home, not for lifting or transferring between surfaces.
Sleep Comfort
How to Move and Get Out of Bed with MS: Using Momentum and Snoozle Slide Sheet to Reduce Fatigue and Pain
Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or neurological weakness often means that even small movements in bed can cause rapid muscle fatigue, pain, and increased inflammation. This article addresses the common struggle of turning, repositioning, and getting out of bed safely and efficiently at home. We focus on teaching practical, momentum-based strategies coupled with the use of a low-friction tool, the Snoozle Slide Sheet, that makes movement easier, reduces strain, and helps preserve energy.
Sleep Comfort
Effortless Bed Mobility for Those Living Alone with Pain and Low Energy: Practical Bedroom Planning and Movement Strategies
Living alone with chronic pain and low energy makes even simple movements in bed a daily challenge. The struggle to turn, reposition, or get out of bed can increase pain, fatigue, and frustration. This article teaches practical, step-by-step movement techniques and bedroom setup tips to reduce energy cost and protect the body. It also introduces the Snoozle Slide Sheet, a low-friction aid designed specifically to help you move smoothly in bed without strain or risk of injury.
Frequently asked questions
How is getting out of bed with frailty different from just having a bad back?▼
With a bad back, pain is usually the main barrier, but your muscles still have enough strength and speed to catch you if you wobble. With frailty, the main problem is low power and slow reactions throughout the body. That means you may not be able to correct a loss of balance once it starts, even if there is little or no pain. Movements need to be broken into smaller stages with pauses, and you often need help from the environment (bed height, supports, slide sheet) to make up for the lack of muscle strength.
Can I use a Snoozle Slide Sheet to help me stand up from the bed?▼
No. Snoozle is designed to reduce friction for turning and repositioning while you are lying or partly sitting on the bed. It is not a lifting or transfer device and should not be used to pull you to standing or to slide you between bed and chair. During the actual stand you need your thighs and bottom to grip the bed edge and your feet to grip the floor, so it is safer to sit just in front of the Snoozle area before you stand.
What if I feel dizzy or faint when I sit or stand up from the bed?▼
If you feel dizzy on sitting or standing, move more slowly and add extra pauses. First, roll to your side and wait. Then come up to sitting and rest with your feet on the floor for at least 30–60 seconds before you try to stand. If dizziness is new, severe, or getting worse, contact your doctor, as it may be related to blood pressure, medication or another medical problem. If you actually faint, have chest pain, or severe breathlessness, call emergency services.
How high should my bed be to make standing safer with frailty?▼
Ideally, when you sit at the edge, your hips should be at least level with or a little higher than your knees. If the bed is too low, your knees sit higher than your hips and your legs have to work much harder to lift you, which is difficult with low strength. You can often improve this by using a firmer mattress or topper, bed raisers, or a different bed base. A physiotherapist or occupational therapist can measure and advise on a safe height for you.
Is it safer to have someone pull me up from the front when I stand?▼
Being pulled up from the front is usually not safe, especially if the helper is much stronger than you. It can pull you off balance towards them, and if they lose their grip you may fall forwards. It is safer for a helper to stand to the side, support you at the trunk or hips if needed, and encourage you to lean forward and push through your own legs. If you regularly need hands-on help to stand, ask for a professional assessment to see whether equipment or different techniques are needed.
Should I always get out of bed on the side of my better knee?▼
It is usually easier and safer to have your better knee closer to the bed when you stand, so it can take more of the push. For many people with a right stiff knee, that means lying on the left side and getting out from the right-hand edge of the bed, so the left leg is inside and can bend more. However, your room layout and habits also matter; a physiotherapist can help you test which side feels most stable for you.
Is it okay to use my hands to lift my stiff leg onto the bed?▼
Yes, using your hands or a strap to help lift the stiff leg is often a good strategy, as long as you are not forcing the knee into a painful bend. Support under the calf or ankle usually feels better than pulling at the foot alone. Combining hand support with a slide sheet like Snoozle under your thighs can reduce the effort and the strain on your back.
Will using a slide sheet like Snoozle make my legs weaker over time?▼
Using a slide sheet does not make your muscles weaker; it simply reduces the friction between you and the mattress. This can actually allow you to move more often and more confidently, which is better for joint health than avoiding movement. You are still using your muscles to guide and control the motion; you are just not fighting against the mattress as much.