Khaberni - It starts off simply each morning, as tingling in the fingers and stiffness in the shoulders. You stretch your arms a bit until the sensation returns, and then you convince yourself that you "slept in the wrong way." However, doctors warn that the problem is not transient, but may be due to the sleeping position itself.
Sleeping with arms bent and pressed to the chest, known on social media as the "T. rex" position, might seem comfortable, but with repetition, it pressures the nerves in the elbow or wrist, and weakens blood flow.
Sleep medicine specialist, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, says that this position can lead to continuous numbness and stiffness in the shoulders, and even to permanent nerve damage if it persists for weeks or months.
Orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Matthew Bennett, warns of chronic pressure similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, resulting from keeping the elbow bent throughout the night. He adds that symptoms may begin with simple tingling and then progress to weakness in grip or dropping the phone for no apparent reason.
Physical therapist, Kieran Sheridan, sees these cases daily and describes them as a "warning message from the nervous system." If numbness continues after waking up, or is accompanied by extended pain along the arm, then a doctor's visit becomes necessary.
Interestingly, this position is not only linked to physical habits but also to psychological states. Psychologist, Judith Merayo Barredo, indicates that anxiety and chronic stress automatically push the body into defensive positions during sleep in search of a sense of security.
According to experts, the solutions are simple but effective, and the most important ones include wrapping a small towel around the elbow to prevent deep bending, using a pillow between the arms, or hugging a long pillow to keep the arms in a neutral position. It is also recommended to practice breathing and relaxation exercises before bed to calm the nervous system.
