Health Library Explorer
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings Contact Us
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.
Click 'Topic Index' to return to the index for the current topic.
Click 'Library Index' to return to the listing of all topics.

A Safer Way to Get Out of Bed

Something as simple as getting out of bed correctly can help to ease strain on your back and prevent injury. Follow these steps to protect your back when you get out of bed:

  • Move yourself close to the edge of the bed while still lying on your back.

  • Bend your knees upward and flatten your feet on the bed. If possible, raise the head of the bed.

  • Roll onto your side closest to the edge of the bed, keeping your knees together. Keep your shoulders in line with your hips. Don't twist your spine as you roll.

  • Once you're on your side, use both hands to push yourself up into a sitting position. Let the weight of your legs swinging to the floor help you move.

  • When you're sitting up, take a moment to rest and take deep breaths, if needed, particularly if you're feeling lightheaded.

  • When you're ready to stand up, lean forward. Use your legs and arms to push yourself up to a standing position. Tighten your stomach muscles to help keep your back straight.

  • Once you're standing, straighten both of your legs at the same time. 

Online Medical Reviewer: Rahul Banerjee MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
Date Last Reviewed: 4/1/2023
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Powered by StayWell
About StayWell | Disclaimer | Terms of Use

Our web site is designed to provide general information to educate users about programs and services, which may be available through our hospitals. The web site is not intended to provide medical advice nor should the information be used to attempt to determine the presence, absence or severity of any illness or medical condition which may be perceived or experienced by the user of this site. If you have or suspect you may have an illness or condition which you believe requires medical attention, we recommend you call your primary care physician. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency please call "911" (or your local medical emergency number) or seek immediate care from the nearest hospital Emergency Department. The provision of information to users of this web site is not intended as an inducement or to otherwise influence a person's decision to order or receive any item or service from a particular provider, practitioner or supplier that is reimbursable under Medicare, a state healthcare program (e.g., AHCCS) or any other healthcare plan.

Physicians are members of the medical staff at each facility, but are independent contractors who are neither employees nor agents of Tenet Florida Coastal Division; and, as a result, Tenet Florida Coastal Division is not responsible for the actions of any of these physicians in their medical practices.