Your arms should generally be in a relaxed, neutral position, either by your sides, slightly in front of you, or hugging a pillow to support alignment, avoiding pressure points by not tucking them under your body or pillow to prevent numbness and pain, with positions like the starfish (arms up) or log (arms down) being common, but alignment and comfort are key.
Comments Section Just sleep however feels most comfortable on your back, don't overthink it. A lot of people sleep with their arms across their chest, funeral style. You don't want too much bend at your elbow because you risk putting your hands to sleep. Honestly, any way that is comfortable to you is fine.
10 hours before bed: No more caffeine. 3 hours before bed: No more food or alcohol. 2 hours before bed: No more work. 1 hour before bed: No more screen time (shut off all phones, TVs and computers).
The unhealthiest sleeping position is generally considered to be sleeping on your stomach (prone position), as it forces your neck to twist and flattens the natural curve of your spine, leading to neck, back, and shoulder pain, numbness, and poor sleep quality. An overly curled fetal position is also harmful, causing joint stiffness and restricted breathing, while sleeping on your back can worsen snoring and sleep apnea for some individuals.
Why Might Neurodivergent People Sleep with Dinosaur Hands? For many neurodivergent individuals, this sleep posture serves as a form of comfort and regulation. The act of curling one's hands inward may provide a sense of security, akin to wrapping oneself in a protective cocoon before drifting into sleep.
Right-Side Sleeping: Often the Safest for the Heart
This position places the heart higher than the rest of the body, reducing strain and making breathing easier.
Sleep quality and regeneration
In addition, sleeping on the right side may worsen breathing, especially for people with sleep apnea or snoring. Studies have shown that changing sleep position to the left side can reduce the frequency of sleep apnea episodes by improving airflow through the airways.
While there's no single "rarest," the Stomach (Prone) position is often cited as the least common, with only about 7-10% of adults preferring it, followed by the Starfish (back with arms up), which is also uncommon (around 5-7%), though it's a popular back-sleeping variation. Other less frequent, but notable, positions include the Log (side sleeper with straight limbs) and T-Rex arms (neurodivergent self-soothing).
There are several reasons why you sleep with one leg bent up, also referred to as the figure 4 sleeping position. It may provide stability in bed, help with temperature regulation, or ease discomfort from pain or medical conditions.
Most healthy adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night, though the exact amount depends on your age, activity level, and health status. It's important to stick to a consistent sleep schedule, going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day.
On average, Japanese sleep about 7 hours and 20 minutes a night, - the least among 33 OECD member countries. And the number of insomniacs is growing. But even as more people suffer from insomnia, help can be hard to find.
Sleeping with “T-rex arms” is a common habit that has resonated in parts of the neurodivergent community online. Some TikTok users say that bending their wrists and tucking them close to their bodies helps create a sense of comfort or manage sensory overload.
Arms by Your Sides
Resting your arms down alongside your body is one of the most natural positions for side sleeping. It keeps your shoulders and neck in a nice, neutral line—less chance of pinching a nerve or waking up feeling twisted.
The unhealthiest sleeping position is generally considered to be sleeping on your stomach (prone position), as it forces your neck to twist and flattens the natural curve of your spine, leading to neck, back, and shoulder pain, numbness, and poor sleep quality. An overly curled fetal position is also harmful, causing joint stiffness and restricted breathing, while sleeping on your back can worsen snoring and sleep apnea for some individuals.
Best Sleeping Positions for Longevity
The healthiest sleeping position often depends on individual needs, but side sleeping (especially the left side) is generally favored for reducing back/neck pain, aiding digestion (acid reflux), improving circulation, and helping with sleep apnea by keeping airways open, while back sleeping is great for spinal alignment but can worsen snoring and reflux. Stomach sleeping is usually discouraged due to neck and back strain.
While it might look a little strange, sleeping with a pillow between your knees can be excellent for your sleep health. From back pain relief to better sleep posture, an extra pillow for your legs has tons of benefits for side sleepers. Plus, it's downright comfortable.
The truth is, the starfish sleeping pose varies from person to person. While back sleeping positions can increase back pain for some sleepers, and sleeping with your arms up can place unnecessary pressure on the shoulder nerves, some people find the starfish sleeping position to be very comfortable and painless.
Common symptoms of heart attack while sleeping
Chest pain: You will be suddenly jolted awake. Shortness of breath: You feel as if you can't catch your breath. Cold sweats: Sudden cold sweating for no apparent reason.
Side sleeping is generally considered the best position for breathing. Sleeping on your side naturally keeps your airway open. As a bonus, it's often recommended because it can also keep your neck and spine aligned to reduce back pain.
How can we lower our stroke risk?