Doctors Named the Most Dangerous Sleeping Position: It Causes Pain and Numbness.

According to ТСН: Sleep specialists warn that the usual sleeping position can lead to neck, back pain, and numbness in the limbs.

Dr. Deborah Lee, sleep expert and health specialist, talked about the worst sleeping positions and those that promote body recovery. Among popular positions are 'soldier', 'pencil', and 'fetal'. Recently, a 'T-rex' position has emerged on social media, where a person sleeps on their side with their arms bent and pressed to their chest.

The names of the positions depend on the position of the back, arms, and legs, but not all of them are equally beneficial for health.

'In general, sleeping on your back or side is better than sleeping on your stomach. These positions allow the muscles to relax and recover at night,' explained Deborah Lee.

She also noted that during sleep, it is essential not to create excessive pressure on the joints and muscles, as the position can influence conditions like acid reflux, sleep apnea, and chronic pain.

Side Sleeping: 'T-rex' Position

The 'T-rex' position, also known as 'sleeping with dinosaur arms', involves sleeping on your side with your arms bent near your chest. Although sleeping on the side is generally considered better, this variation can be harmful.

According to the doctor, this position often arises subconsciously from anxiety or a sense of threat. It creates an illusion of comfort and safety but can lead to nighttime paresthesia – tingling and numbness in the arms.

Sleep medicine specialist Raj Dasgupta stated that regular sleep in the 'T-rex' position can lead to nerve compression in the elbows and wrists, disrupt blood circulation, and cause pain and stiffness in the shoulders.

Side Sleeping: 'Pencil'

A safer alternative is the 'pencil' position – when a person sleeps on their side with arms beside their body, without bending at the elbows and wrists. This is a natural and anatomically correct position. For comfort, it is recommended to use a special pillow for side sleeping.

Experts note that sleeping on the side promotes proper spinal alignment, reduces pressure on the joints, and improves blood circulation. According to the Mayo Clinic, this position also decreases the load on the internal organs.

Fetal Position

Another common variation of side sleeping is the fetal position, where the knees are pulled up to the chest. This is one of the favorite positions among adults, which can reduce snoring and alleviate back pain, as well as be comfortable for pregnant women. However, excessive bending of the body can cause joint stiffness and complicate deep breathing.

Sleeping on the Back

Sleeping on the back, face up, is often recommended for reducing joint pain, although it can worsen neck pain and symptoms of sleep apnea. There are two main variations – 'soldier' (arms along the body) and 'coffin' (arms folded on the chest). The 'soldier' position is better, but to reduce the load on the lower back, it is recommended to place a pillow under the knees.

Sleeping on the Stomach

The most harmful position is recognized as sleeping on the stomach, as it complicates breathing, distorts the spine, and creates excessive load on the cervical region. It is particularly dangerous for people with lower back pain.

Experts advise allowing the body to change positions during the night and paying attention to the signals of the body. If a person regularly wakes up with numbness or pain in their arms, it may indicate blood circulation disorders due to incorrect positioning.

Experts summarize that the right position, a comfortable mattress, and an appropriate pillow not only help achieve better sleep but also avoid pain and discomfort throughout the day.

Understanding the importance of the correct position during sleep can significantly impact the quality of your rest. Choosing appropriate positions and circumstances will improve not only nighttime sleep but also overall health. Therefore, it is essential to experiment, find comfortable positions, and listen to your body's needs.