How To Be Healthy When Bed-Bound

Being bed-bound is one of the most challenging experiences anyone can go through in their lives. Being still all day (and even developing bed sores) isn’t pleasant. 

However, even if you find yourself in this position, there are still things you can do to be healthy, whether you have an injury, are living with the consequences of old age, or are suffering from a serious infection

Increase Your Range Of Motion

While you might be bed-bound, it is worth exploring options for physical activity if they are at all possible. Moving improves almost every system in the body, allowing you to gain strength. 

One option is to use a caregiver to help you with range-of-motion exercises. These keep muscles toned and supple, preventing them from wasting as much while not in use. 

Some care professionals use a Sara Stedy to get you to stand upright if you are able to do so. The equipment provides support and the knees and hands, reducing the risk of falling over. 

Isometric exercises may also help. These contract your muscles without moving your joints, making them ideal for bed-bound individuals with injuries. For example, you could practice tightening your abdominal or calf muscles. 

​Improve Your Nutrition

The next step is to improve your nutrition with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods support health and recovery by reducing inflammation and assisting the healing process. 

Most healthcare practitioners can advise you on the healthy food you should eat. Some advice will be straightforward, but you might need a pen and paper if things get complicated. 

At the same time, don’t forget to consume plenty of liquid. It’s easy to become dehydrated when you’re bed-bound. Drinking eight glasses of water per day also reduces the risk of urinary tract infections, which might be a problem depending on your diet. 

Take Care Of Your Skin

Of course, you also need to take care of your skin while bed-bound. Otherwise, the risk of bedsores developing goes up exponentially. 

Start by adjusting your position every few hours for pressure relief. Then, play with pads and cushions to see which arrangements suit you best. 

If you can, keep your skin moist with moisturizers. These can reduce redness and soreness by maintaining hydration and skin barrier. Massage them into the skin first so they don’t foul your bedding. 

If you notice a skin problem developing, deal with it immediately. Don’t wait for the irritation to get worse. 

Maintain A Proper Sleep Schedule

Another pro tip while bed-bound is to maintain an effective sleep schedule. And that can be challenging when you’re in bed all day anyway. 

The best way to do this is to set a timer for when you go to sleep and an alarm to wake you up. 

If possible, make the sleeping environment dark and quiet. Getting proper rest will help your body bounce back stronger as you recover. 

Lastly, reduce the amount of screen time you take. Don’t want your phone or computer just before bed.

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