Attention! If you sleep in this position you can “damage the nervous system”

ANDwith her arms folded and placed next to her chest – the famous position T-Rex it may seem comfortable to sleep, but for the nervous system may not represent exactly the same comfort.

While it seems a warm and even harmless position, experts reveal to the Huff Post some of the associated risks: You may be “damaging the nervous system”.

Sleeping in this position or adopting it for a few minutes may be insignificant to health. However, the problem arises when you end up sleeping all night at this angle – the first signs are given by the body tingling.

What is this position associated with?

In some cases it is only explained by the preference of comfort. However, Judit Merayo Barredo, a clinical psychologist, indicates that this is tending to be a protective position associated with trauma and conditions of some patients.

Even when they slept during the reference time for good sleep, these patients experienced a “muscle tension, attached jaw and a feeling of emotional weight when waking up”, he says. 

In these moments, this posture causes the body to enter “in self-protection even when there is no threat”. 

What happens when you sleep with your arms in T-Rex's position?

“ When she sleeps with her arms folded and collected, she can press the nerves of her elbows and wrists,” says Raj Dasgupta, Sleep Doctor at Sleepopolis. 

The specialist also mentions that this can “decelerate blood flow and make the arms numb or tingling” and therefore, by adopting this position frequently, it can also “strengthen the shoulders and make them stiff and sore.”

Matthew Bennett, an orthopedic surgeon adds that it is common to develop a similar nervous irritation on the wrist, much like the carpal tunnel syndrome.

What are the first warning signs?

Physiterapist Kieran Sheridan, founder of GulfPhysio, states that the sensation most described by patients is that of “dead arm” or need to shake hands right after waking up. “This is the body saying that the nervous system is not happy”, explain.

If this happens often or you start to feel a greater weakness in your arms during the morning, Raj Dasgupta, suggests you seek medical help.

According to these experts main warning signs include “acute pain coming down the arm, difficulty holding some objects or even dropping the phone more frequently”.

How can this condition be treated?

Bennett clarifies that most cases, when identified early, can be managed quickly: “Most respond well to early treatments.”.

Nevertheless, it ensures that the best form of treatment is to readjust sleeping positions.

But how can you re-educate the body to avoid this position? 

Given that this is an almost involuntary movement, Bennett suggests that you wrap a towel around your elbow and can attach it to an elastic band. “This creates a soft barrier that makes deep flexion uncomfortable, but at the same time without waking it”.

For those who sleep on the side, Sheridan suggests other approaches:

• Place a cushion or folded towel between your arms and chest to prevent you from wrapping them completely.
• If you sleep on your back, lean on your arms next to your body or on a pillow next to your legs. The arms must remain straight or only slightly bent. Don't put them under the body or the pillow.

“ Keeping your arms open allows for better circulation, less nervous compression and faster muscle recovery,” Sheridan explained.