Difficulty Getting In and Out of Bed? Expert Solutions for Safe, Easy Movement

Waking up should feel refreshing, not uncomfortable or stressful. However, if you have reduced mobility, a long-term health condition, or generally wake up feeling achy and stiff, getting in and out of bed can be a challenge. 

If this is something that affects you, you’re not alone. Difficulty getting in and out of bed is something many people live with, but luckily, there are practical ways to make it easier. 

In this Opera Beds guide, we explore safe techniques, simple exercises, and supportive solutions, including how adjustable beds can make a meaningful difference to your daily routine.

Why is it difficult to get in and out of bed?

If getting in and out of bed feels harder than it used to, there’s usually a clear reason behind it. Common causes include:

• Joint stiffness after lying still overnight

• Muscle weakness or reduced mobility

• Back, hip, or knee pain

• Conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, or sciatica

• Reduced balance or confidence when standing

After a night in one position, your muscles and joints naturally stiffen, which can make movements like sitting up or standing feel more demanding.

The good news is that small adjustments, both in how you move and the support you use, can make a big difference.

How to get out of bed safely (step-by-step)

Using the right technique can reduce strain and help you feel more stable. Here, we explore the ‘log roll’ technique, which can help you avoid twisting your spine and reduce pressure on your back and hips while you get out of bed.

1. Roll onto your side first – Rather than sitting straight up, roll onto your side with your knees slightly bent.

2. Move your legs off the bed – Gently swing your legs over the edge of the bed.

3. Push up with your arms – Use your arms to push your upper body into a seated position.

4. Pause before standing – Sit for a moment to regain balance, then stand slowly.

How to get into bed more comfortably

Getting into bed safely is just as important as getting out. To do so, make sure you take your time and move in stages to avoid sudden strains. This could look like:

1. Sitting down on the edge of the bed 

2. Lowering yourself onto your side using your arms for support

3. Lifting your legs onto the bed one at a time

4. Rolling gently into your preferred sleeping position

Simple exercises to make getting in and out of bed easier

Improving strength and flexibility can make everyday movements feel more manageable. Even a few minutes of stretching can help to reduce stiffness and improve your confidence and mobility. 

Gentle stretches to try:

• Knee-to-chest stretch that can loosen your lower back

• Seated leg lifts can build strength in your thighs

• Ankle rotations improve circulation and mobility

• Pelvic tilts to support core strength

Helpful aids for getting in and out of bed

If movement feels difficult, the right support can make a significant difference. Adjustable bed accessories and bedding can all alleviate some of the stress of getting in and out of bed, making mobility more manageable. 

Bed grab rails

As the video below explains, our bed grab rails provide stability and assistance when getting out of bed, supporting mobility and preventing falls by giving users a secure surface to steady themselves. 

Slide sheets

Slide sheets reduce friction between your body and the bedsheets, making it easier to get out of bed. Instead of sitting up in the middle of your bed, for example, slide sheets enable you to move to the edge of the bed with minimal effort, helping you sit up. 

While slide sheets can reduce your need for assistance from a carer, they can be helpful to carers if they need to turn you over. 

Another benefit of slide sheets is that they can prevent friction on the skin, which may limit the effect or risk of pressure sores. 

How adjustable beds make getting in and out of bed less difficult

If you’re regularly struggling, an adjustable bed isn’t just a convenience; it can transform your daily routine. Opera’s range of adjustable beds combines modern technology with sleek, homely designs to provide ultimate comfort and support.

As well as having back and leg rest adjustment, our beds come with innovative features to enhance your sleep experience, including:

• The Zero-Gravity Position – This feature elevates your legs and reclines your upper body, reducing pressure on your spine and promoting relaxation and improved circulation. Read more about how zero gravity can help you sleep. 

• Anti-Snore Mode – Gently raises the head of the bed to open airways, helping to reduce snoring and improve sleep quality

Each of our beds comes with an easy-to-use handset, enabling you to adjust the bed’s position, so with the touch of a button, you can: 

• Raise your back to a seated position

• Adjust your legs to reduce pressure on joints

• Find a comfortable position before standing

• Reduce strain on your back and core muscles

For those who struggle with getting on and off the bed, our Motion Elevation Kit is the perfect accessory. 

This innovative kit allows any Opera adjustable bed to raise up to 60cm, making it easier to transition in and out of bed. It’s an ideal solution for those who need extra support but may not require a full profiling care bed.

Our adjustable beds are designed to meet your needs without compromising on style, so you get all of the benefits and functionality of a hospital bed, without it feeling too clinical.

How profiling beds can make getting in and out of bed less difficult 

Profiling care beds can be adjusted in several ways, including at the head and feet, to optimise comfort, alleviate pressure, and improve circulation. 

These beds can also be raised and lowered to different heights, so you can adjust the bed to make getting in and out easier. Profiling care beds can also tilt, helping you move from a lying to a seated position with minimal effort, reducing the strain and risks that might otherwise be associated with getting out of bed. 

How rotating chair beds can make getting in and out of bed less difficult 

Rotating chair beds are specifically designed to help you go from lying down to a seated position, gently turning and positioning you outward so you can stand or get into a wheelchair without assistance or unnecessary strain. 

As well as transitioning from a bed to a chair, Opera RotoBeds have adjustable height settings, so you can find the ideal level for easy access 

Expert insight: Getting in and out of bed

Our expert, Barbara Franks, is a fully qualified occupational therapist with extensive experience in recommending aids and equipment to meet people’s needs across a wide range of conditions. 

Here, Barbara explains the risk associated with getting in and out of bed, and how adjustable beds can provide 

“In many cases, the challenge isn’t just standing up, but moving safely from lying to sitting without putting strain on your back, hips, or shoulders.

“An adjustable bed can support this transition by gently raising your upper body into a seated position, which reduces the effort needed to sit up and helps the body move in a more controlled, natural way. 

“This can alleviate pressure on joints and muscles, making it more comfortable to prepare for standing. Adjustable beds can also be raised or lowered to a suitable height, so you can place your feet flat on the floor before standing, to improve your stability when getting up.

“Alongside the bed itself, small additions such as grab rails or supportive seating nearby can offer extra reassurance. These features give people something steady to hold onto, helping them feel more confident and reducing the risk of slips or falls.

“Comfort also plays a key role. Being able to adjust your position throughout the day can help reduce stiffness and make movement easier when it’s time to get up.

“Over time, these changes can support independence, reduce reliance on others, and make your daily routines feel far more manageable at home.”

Small changes that can make a big difference to how you get in and out of bed

Alongside technique and equipment, a few simple adjustments can help:

• Make sure your bed is at the right height (your feet should rest flat on the floor when sitting)

• Keep essentials within easy reach

• Use supportive pillows to maintain alignment

• Avoid rushing – give yourself time to move safely

When should you seek extra support?

If you’re consistently finding it difficult, feel unsteady, or are at risk of falling, it may be worth speaking to a healthcare professional or occupational therapist who can recommend tailored exercises or equipment to support your needs.

Regain confidence and comfort

Difficulty getting in and out of bed can feel frustrating, but it doesn’t have to stay that way.

With the right techniques, gentle exercises, and supportive solutions like adjustable beds, you can make everyday movement safer, easier, and more comfortable.

Browse our full range of adjustable hospital beds to find the right bed for you or your loved one, or use our bed selector tool for recommendations based on your needs. 

Alternatively, for additional guidance and support, contact our friendly customer service team.