Immobility Can Lead to Blood Clots, So Why Are We Not At Higher Risk While We Sleep?

Sitting still for long periods of time, like when recovering from an injury or during extended travel, can increase your risk for developing a potentially deadly blood clot. 

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So why are we not at higher risk when we sleep?

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Since the blood in your legs has to travel against gravity to get back to your heart, the deep veins in your legs rely on muscle contraction to help blood flow upward. When sleeping, gravity has less of an effect on proper blood flow since your body stays more or less horizontal. Most people also move around slightly when they sleep, which also allows muscles to contract and blood to circulate properly.

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The best way to prevent a blood clot during extended periods of immobility is to get up and walk around often. Or, if that’s not a possibility, flex your feet and calf muscles to encourage the upward blood flow. 

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For higher risk individuals, or when exercising the leg muscles is too difficult or impossible, there are preventative prophylaxis options. The lightweight and portable Circul8 Pro uses pneumatic compression to contract the leg muscles as a safe and drug-free option for effective blood clot prevention. Its low-profile design with no cords or tubes make it a convenient option during recovery or travel. Click here to learn more about the Circul8 Pro. 

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