If you wake up with “tingling in the arms,” a spine specialist says your sleeping position is the likely cause. A chiropractor has identified stomach sleeping as one of the worst positions for your body, explaining that it can lead to “irritation of nerves.”
The expert cautioned that the primary issue is that stomach sleeping “makes you have to twist your neck to one side for an extended period.” This prolonged rotation can strain neck muscles and, more seriously, compress the nerves that run down your cervical spine. This nerve compression is what can cause tingling or numbness in your arms.
The specialist also highlighted the “unnatural” arch this position creates in the lower back. This hyperextension puts undue stress on the lumbar region, leading to stiffness and pain. “Many people who sleep in such a position develop stiffness in the neck and lower back,” he stated.
The expert also warned against the tight fetal position, noting that it “rounds the spine too much.” This posture over-stretches back muscles, tightens hip flexors, and restricts deep breathing, leading to its own set of problems, including chronic mid-back pain.
The best way to sleep, the specialist advised, is to maintain the spine’s natural curve. He recommends lying on your back with a small pillow under your knees, or on your side with a supportive pillow between your legs. These neutral positions distribute weight evenly and prevent the nerve irritation caused by “bad” postures.
