Back Safety: Getting Into and Out of Bed

Good posture protects your back when you sit, stand, and walk. It is also important while getting into and out of bed. Follow the steps below to get out of bed. Reverse them to get into bed.

Roll Onto Your Side

1. Roll Onto Your Side

• Keep your knees together.

• Flatten your stomach muscles to keep your back from arching.

• Put your hands on the bed in front of you.

Raise Your Body

2. Raise Your Body

• Push your upper body off the bed as you swing your legs to the floor.

• Keeping your back straight, move your whole body as one unit. Don't bend or twist at the waist.

• Let the weight of your legs help you move.

Stand Up

3. Stand Up

• Lean forward from your hip and roll onto the balls of your feet.

• Flatten your stomach muscles to keep your back from arching.

• Using your arm and leg muscles, push yourself to a standing position.