Is it unhealthier to use a computer, sitting in bed than on a chair?

[Oneechan69]

I simply find sitting criss cross on my bed while using a desktop or laptop much more comfortable than a chair. my legs feel relaxed on the mattress, but I always change postures periodically back and forth between lying on my side and sitting up, until I’m tired with either. I don’t know how unhealthy these postures are but I got a feeling it is.

And while we’re talking about this, what’s the ideal posture for using computers for long periods of time?

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

Im no PT specialist but I was told by my physical therapist that standing is better than sitting for your posture and muscle health unless standing causes injury so I use a standing desk. I almost never sit when at my computers anymore for work or personal use. Standing all day allows me to adjust posture and engages my core which is great to fight off a weak & flabby midsection. Subsequently, I can stretch too if I need or jump on my balance board for a bit. If I’m not feeling too good or have a lot of aches, I can always drop down my desk and sit for a while but still, finding a neutral position sitting or standing is the key. Being hunched over criss-cross-applesauce is very not neutral.

That posture you describe I think would kill me lol but I grew up in a culture of chairs. If I grew up in a culture of squatters for example, my core Flexibility would be different and I think that might change or redefine to a degree what a neutral position would be. I’m also fast approaching 50 where if I was 20, that would make things different too, so whether something is unhealthy or not, there really are a lot of factors to take into account.

 

[boswald]

I'm the opposite: I prefer my chair. Whenever I try to stay on a device in bed or something, my back hurts like crazy. Doesn't take long, either.

 

[Letlie]

I think if the topic is about using a computer for long periods of time, there’s really no single “correct” posture. Staying in any position for too long isn’t great. What really matters is keeping your body moving and changing positions from time to time. Whether you’re sitting, standing, cross-legged, or even squatting — none of those are ideal if you stay that way for hours.
So, as long as your setup allows, try to switch it up once in a while! Sit for a bit, then stand, then maybe sit again. And I totally agree with what someone mentioned above — don’t forget to engage your core! That’s super important too, haha.

 

[Ruggy]

I think most of us like to lie down with a computer at least some of the time, but something the experts do warn about is confusing the body about sleeping when lying down.
They say that if you spend a long time on a bed using a computer you might lose the association between bed and sleep and therefore find it much harder to sleep.
Just something to watch out for.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I think most of us like to lie down with a computer at least some of the time, but something the experts do warn about is confusing the body about sleeping when lying down.
They say that if you spend a long time on a bed using a computer you might lose the association between bed and sleep and therefore find it much harder to sleep.
Just something to watch out for.

Most of us? I never use a computer lying down. Not even on my lap.
Only when at a desk with a full size keyboard, mouse and a couple of screens.

Getting up and moving around often is the key. Doing some stretches wouldn’t hurt either.

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

Most of us? I never use a computer lying down. Not even on my lap.
Only when at a desk with a full size keyboard, mouse and a couple of screens.

Getting up and moving around often is the key. Doing some stretches wouldn’t hurt either.

I injured my lower back messing anround and my doc sent me to PT and the therapist gave me these stretches to do each day to keep me flexible. They can be done standing or sitting or laying down even, so three sets that stretch the same muscle Group. I still do them. No more back pain.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I injured my lower back messing anround and my doc sent me to PT and the therapist gave me these stretches to do each day to keep me flexible. They can be done standing or sitting or laying down even, so three sets that stretch the same muscle Group. I still do them. No more back pain.

Stretches are important to agreed. I do some every day. I have scoliosis in my neck so it’s especially important for me.

 

[Certificate of Excellence]

It was immediate relief for me. I walked in hunched over unable to touch my toes and walked out able to bend over and pick things up off the ground with almost no pain - there was no significant pain. I’m sold on stretching.

 

[max2]

Most of us? I never use a computer lying down. Not even on my lap.
Only when at a desk with a full size keyboard, mouse and a couple of screens.

Getting up and moving around often is the key. Doing some stretches wouldn’t hurt either.

Standing desks are good too.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Standing desks are good too.

I’ve tried them but I think it depends on your role. Working in spreadsheets which is what I do mostly, it doesn’t really work for me. If I’m just talking on the phone then sure.

But unlike most of my colleagues at lunchtime I go for a walk or a run. Most of them just sit on the same device or a different one.

 

[max2]

I’ve tried them but I think it depends on your role. Working in spreadsheets which is what I do mostly, it doesn’t really work for me. If I’m just talking on the phone then sure.

But unlike most of my colleagues at lunchtime I go for a walk or a run. Most of them just sit on the same device or a different one.

It is both. You can use desk standing or sitting.

 

[edubfromktown]

Most of us? I never use a computer lying down. Not even on my lap.
Only when at a desk with a full size keyboard, mouse and a couple of screens.

Getting up and moving around often is the key. Doing some stretches wouldn’t hurt either.

No glowing screens in my bedroom (in an effort to maintain decent sleep quality).

I kick back on a couch while on some work meeting calls otherwise, sitting in a chair on standing.

 

[Apple fanboy]

No glowing screens in my bedroom (in an effort to maintain decent sleep quality).

I kick back on a couch while on some work meeting calls otherwise, sitting in a chair on standing.

Generally if I’m in a meeting I’m either presenting or just working on one of my other screens. I never work on my laptop screen. A pair of 27” screens at home (4 days a week) or in the office (1 day a week).