Getting up to use the bathroom at night may seem routine, but a quick slip or trip could have lasting consequences. Roughly 1 in 4 older adults experiences a fall each year, and these often happen during the nighttime hours.^1,2 A safe bedroom can lower your risk of injury and support your health and independence as you age.

In our bedroom safety guide, you’ll learn how to:

• Pinpoint common hazards
• Choose the right bedroom safety products and features
• Create a healthier sleeping environment

Many of these changes are simple and inexpensive, but they can have a big impact, helping you move around with more confidence (and even sleep more soundly).

Bedroom Safety: Falls Prevention Checklist

What are common bedroom safety hazards for older adults?

Your bedroom should be a place to rest and recharge.

“Taking a few minutes to identify areas to increase support can help prevent accidents and make everyday tasks easier,” said Emily Nabors, a falls prevention expert and Associate Director of Innovation for NCOA's Center for Healthy Aging. “There are steps you can take to reduce the risk of falls when getting in and out of bed, walking to the bathroom, or even reaching over to turn on a lamp.”

Common bedroom safety hazards include:

• Slippery floors, like hardwood or tile
• Furniture that blocks walking paths
• Loose throw rugs that can slide or curl up
• Electrical cords stretched across walkways
• Poor lighting, especially in hallways and staircases
• Clutter, like boxes and shoes on the floor
• Beds that are too high or too low
• Small pets that may get underfoot
• Frequently used items stored out of reach

“Addressing these obstacles is especially important if you have limited mobility and strength or conditions that affect your vision or balance,” Nabors said.

How can older adults prevent falls in the bedroom?

Many bedroom falls happen when people get up during the night. Poor lighting, rushing to the bathroom, dizziness after standing up, and cluttered walkways are all common culprits.

You can help protect yourself by making a few practical changes that don’t require much time, effort, or expense:

• Clear a path: Maintain a clear path between your bed and the bathroom. Get rid of loose rungs or secure them with non-slip backing. Wipe up spills on the floor right away.
• Light it up: Use a nightlight so you can clearly see where you're walking. Swap out old, dim bulbs with bright, non-glare lightbulbs. Make sure staircases are lit (top and bottom). Motion-activated lighting or lighting with remote triggers (such as when you clap your hands) can make it easier to turn lights on. Consider keeping a flashlight handy on your nightstand.
• Keep essentials close by: Place a lamp, your glasses, and a your phone within easy reach of the bed (like on a nightstand). This helps you avoid climbing and stretching.
• Take it slow: When you're ready to get out of bed, try sitting up first, counting to 10, and standing up slowly before walking. This is especially important if you take medications that can cause dizziness (e.g., SSRIs, benzodiazepines, blood pressure medications such as diuretics).
• Check your footwear: Wear secure, non-slip slippers that cover your whole foot. Avoid wearing socks on smooth floors.

If you've fallen before or you feel unsteady when walking, let your health care provider know. They might suggest a medication review or a hearing or vision exam. You might also be referred to physical therapy to help lower your risk for falls.

Bed safety and accessibility products

Your bed plays a bigger role in your safety than you might think. The right height, mattress, and bedroom safety equipment can make it easier to get in and out of bed and reduce the strain on your back, hips, and knees.

If you have arthritis, chronic pain, limited mobility, or balance concerns, a few adjustments to your sleeping setup can help reduce your risk of injuries and keep you more comfortable at night.

What is the safest bed height for older adults?

To ensure a bed is accessible for most people, the top of the mattress should be about 20 to 23 inches from the floor. A bed that's too high can make it hard to get your feet firmly on the floor, while a bed that's too low may require extra effort to stand up.  As a general rule of thumb, you should be able to sit on the edge of the bed with both feet flat on the floor and your knees bent at about a 90-degree angle.

If your bed isn't the right height, bed risers or a lower bed frame can help provide a better fit. Before making changes, make sure the bed remains stable and secure.

Find a mattress that works for your needs. Explore:

• The best mattresses for seniors
• The best mattresses for arthritis
• The best mattresses for sciatica
• The best hypoallergenic mattresses for older adults

What type of bed is best for older adults?

There's no universal "best" bed for every older adult, but certain features can lend greater comfort and mobility:

• An adjustable bed base can raise your head or legs, requiring less effort to find a comfortable sleeping position or get in and out of bed. See our guide to the best adjustable beds.
• Medium-firm mattresses often provide good support for many people with back pain.
• Orthopedic or pressure-relieving mattresses may be helpful for people with chronic pain conditions, arthritis, or limited mobility. If you spend long periods of time in bed, ask your doctor about mattresses designed to help reduce pressure injuries (i.e., bedsores).

What can help me get out of bed more easily?

Several bedroom safety products can provide extra support when getting in and out of bed. For instance:

• Assist handles are sturdy grab bars that attach to the side of your bed to provide added stability. Unlike full-length bed rails, they're designed to help with sitting up and standing rather than keep you from rolling out of bed. Assist handles are generally considered safer than full-length bed rails, some of which have been recalled due to entrapment and fall risks.
• Bed ladders can help you pull yourself up to a seated position when in bed. Work with an occupational therapists to see what is right for you.
• Transfer poles offer a stable handhold from floor to ceiling (tip: look for options with attachable handles that offer more stability).
• Bedside commodes can help minimize the need to walk to the bathroom during the night and lower the risk of falls.
• Reachers or grabber tools can help you pick up dropped items without bending or twisting.

Not every bedroom safety product is a good fit for every person, particularly those with dementia and memory loss. Ask your health care provider for recommendations and follow the manufacturer's installation or usage instructions carefully to avoid injury.

How else can I prevent falls in the bedroom?

Keep the area around your bed free of clutter and leave enough space to move around safely. Items like your cell phone, glasses, medications, and a flashlight should be placed within easy reach.

If you have hardwood or tile floors, consider placing a non-slip floor mat beside the bed to provide better traction when you stand up. Make sure the mat won't slide—buy one with a built-in non-skid backing or get a rubber non-skid mat to place beneath it.

Put a sturdy, stable chair with arm rests in the bedroom to use when getting dressed.

How can I make sure my bedroom is safe for an emergency?

You should have an emergency plan for every bedroom. A few tips:

• Install working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas and test them regularly (If you need assistance, many fire departments will replace and/or install smoke alarms for you).
• If you have hearing loss, consider smoke alarms with strobe lights or bed-shaker alert systems.
• Look for frayed electrical cords, loose plugs, or overloaded outlets, all of which can become fire hazards. Replace damaged cords and use outlets safely.
• If you live alone or are at risk for falls, a medical alert system can help you get emergency assistance quickly. Many wearable devices have a button you can press for help, and some even offer automatic fall detection.
• Keep your cellphone beside your bed, fully charged, so you can call for help if needed.

Make sure your doors and windows can be opened easily in case you need to leave quickly during a fire. Avoid blocking exits with furniture, and know at least two ways to get out of your home if an emergency occurs. If you use a walker or wheelchair, make sure your escape routes are wide enough and free of obstacles.

Other safety measures to think about

Creating a safer bedroom goes beyond preventing falls. Air quality, humidity, and home security can also affect your health and quality of life.

Air quality

Poor indoor air quality can make allergies and chronic breathing conditions (like asthma) worse. Replace your HVAC filters regularly and vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture to reduce dust and allergens. If outdoor air quality is poor or you have respiratory conditions, a portable air purifier with a HEPA filter can help remove airborne particles from your bedroom.

Humidifiers or dehumidifiers

Dry air can irritate your nose and throat. On the other hand, too much humidity encourages mold and dust mites—things you definitely do not want in your bedroom.

A humidifier is an easy way to add moisture to the air during dry winter months, while a dehumidifier helps remove excess moisture in high-humidity weather or damp climates. Be sure to clean your unit regularly (follow the manufacturer's instructions) to prevent mold and bacteria from growing inside.

Locks and windows

Check that your bedroom windows and locks work properly and can be opened quickly if you need to leave during an emergency. If you live alone, consider a video doorbell or monitored home security system for added peace of mind. If you like to sleep with a window open for fresh air, make sure the screens are secure and the opening isn't large enough to create a fall risk.

Are there professional services that can help with bedroom safety?

Yes. If you're concerned about bedroom safety, there are professionals and organizations that can help you spot hazards and recommend improvements:

• An occupational therapist can evaluate how you conduct your daily activities in your home and suggest environmental and behavior changes that make everyday activities safer and easier.
• A physical therapist can evaluate your balance, strength, and walking ability and recommend exercises and strategies to help you move about more safely at home.
• Evidence-based falls prevention programs like A Matter of Balance, Stepping On, FallScape, and Bingocize® are specifically designed to help older adults reduce their risk of falling. Learn more about these programs, including how to choose the right one for you.

If you need major home modifications, such as widening doorways, remodeling, or installing bedroom safety equipment, look for contractors who have experience with aging-in-place or universal design projects.

Do you have low income? You may be able to get government financial assistance to help improve your home's safety and accessibility. Learn about the Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants program.

Also, housing non-profits that have aging in place programs for low income populations include Rebuilding Together and Habitat for Humanity. Each state has an Assistive Technology program that helps older adults access low and high tech products and devices, some states have tax credits for accessibility improvements, and many other local, state, and federally funded or non-profit programs. Learn more about what's available in your state.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What's the safest height for a bed?
A standard recommended bed height is between 20 to 23 inches, measured from the floor to the top of the mattress. But generally, the safest bed height allows you to sit on the edge of the mattress with both feet flat on the floor and your knees bent at roughly a 90-degree angle. This makes it easier to get in and out of bed safely.

What are the most common bedroom injuries?
Falls are the top cause of injury for Americans age 65 years and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)²—and that includes falls in the bedroom. Many happen while getting out of bed, walking to the bathroom at night, or tripping over rugs, cords, clutter, or pets.

Each year, falls send about 3 million older adults to the emergency department. Falls are also the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries and can result in serious fractures, including broken hips, arms, and ankles.³

Are adjustable beds safer than a standard bed?
An adjustable bed isn't automatically safer. But it can help people with arthritis, back pain, limited mobility, and certain medical conditions get in and out of bed more easily. Choosing the best adjustable bed depends on many factors, like your health and personal preferences.

Photo coypright Mary Fowler for NCOA use only

Sources

1. Audrey P. Stegman, et al. From dropping to falling: Nocturnal blood pressure decline and fall risk in older adults. Journal of Physiotherapy. Sept. 24, 2025. Found on the internet at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12487591/

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Older Adult Falls Data. Feb. 26, 2026.

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Facts About Falls. Jan. 27, 2026. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/facts-stats/index.html