Overview
- Recent coverage highlights that tucking or sharply bending the elbows during sleep raises pressure on the ulnar nerve, worsening cubital tunnel symptoms such as numbness and shooting forearm pain.
- Side sleeping remains the most supportive posture for spinal alignment, with Mayo Clinic advising bent knees and a pillow between the legs to ease back pressure.
- Practical fixes for side sleepers include hugging a body pillow, avoiding resting the head on the forearm, and not holding the elbows at a tight 90‑degree bend.
- Back sleeping can aggravate snoring and acid reflux, according to the Sleep Foundation, despite keeping the arms untucked.
- Stomach sleeping can misalign the spine and strain the neck and shoulders; experts suggest gradual position changes, thinner pillows if needed, and consulting a sleep specialist if symptoms or unrefreshing sleep persist.