Stroke Recovery
How to sleep on your side with Stroke Recovery
Step-by-step guides for sleeping on your side when you have Stroke Recovery. Practical methods from real bed mobility guides.
Quick answer
Use your stronger side to lead every turn. Reach the strong arm across your body in the direction you want to roll, let the strong leg push gently against the mattress, and roll your body as one unit. Position the weak arm before you start so it does not trail behind or get trapped.
Key steps
- 1.The stronger side leads every turn — it creates the momentum that carries the weaker side.
- 2.Position the weak arm before you start. Never let it trail behind during a roll.
- 3.Reach across with the strong arm and push with the strong leg to initiate the turn.
- 4.Roll as one unit. Do not try to move the weak side separately.
- 5.If spasticity hits mid-turn, stop and wait 10-20 seconds. Do not fight through it.
- 6.Support the weak arm on a pillow when side-lying to protect the shoulder from subluxation.
- 7.To get out of bed: turn to strong side, scoot to edge, legs off, push up to sitting, pause, stand with support.
- 8.Use the strong leg to hook and guide the weak leg off the bed edge.
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
Frequently asked questions
How do I turn in bed after a stroke with one-sided weakness?▼
Use your stronger side to lead. Reach the strong arm across your body, push with the strong leg, and roll as one unit. Position the weak arm across your chest before starting so it does not trail behind or get trapped.
Which side should I turn toward after a stroke?▼
Turning toward the strong side is easier and safer for night-time turns. Your strong arm pulls you over and the weak side ends up on top where gravity holds it. Practise turning toward the weak side during the day for recovery purposes.
How do I protect my weak shoulder when turning in bed after a stroke?▼
Always position the weak arm before the turn — across your chest or beside you. When side-lying, support the weak arm on a pillow so the shoulder is not compressed or hanging. Never use the weak arm to push up.
What do I do if my weak side spasms during a turn?▼
Stop and breathe. Wait 10-20 seconds for the spasm to ease. When you restart, move at half the speed. Spasticity is usually triggered by fast or unexpected movement and settles with patience.
How do I get out of bed after a stroke?▼
Turn onto your strong side facing the edge. Scoot to the edge. Let the strong leg slide off, then hook the weak ankle with the strong foot to guide it down. Push up to sitting with your strong arm. Sit for 30 seconds, then stand using support on the strong side.
Does a slide sheet help with turning in bed after a stroke?▼
Yes. After a stroke, the strong side must generate enough momentum for both sides. A slide sheet reduces mattress friction so the strong side's push carries the whole body through the roll without stalling halfway.
Should I use a bed rail after a stroke?▼
A bed rail can help with getting up and provide a sense of security against rolling off the edge. Ask a physiotherapist or occupational therapist to assess your specific needs and recommend the right setup for your bed.