The habit of sleeping while sitting can ruin you! It can cause potential harm.
Many times, while working on a chair, during train or flight journeys, one may feel sleepy and tend to doze off. However, did you know that sitting for prolonged periods and sleeping can be harmful to your health? Sleeping is beneficial for our body as it repairs and rejuvenates our muscles and provides relief from fatigue. However, everyone has their own way of sleeping. Some people prefer sleeping on their stomachs, while others like to sleep on their backs. Some people even tend to doze off while sitting. However, you may not know that sleeping while sitting can also have some harmful effects. Can it even cause death? Let’s find out in detail.
Harmful Effects of Sleeping While Sitting:
1. Stiffness in joints:
Sitting in the same position for a long time while sleeping can also cause stiffness in your joints. Not only that, but sitting and sleeping for long periods of time can also cause tension in the leg veins. Additionally, staying in the same position for too long can cause a lack of movement in the body, which can lead to stiffness.
2. Decreased Blood Circulation:
Due to sleeping in the same position for a long time, there may be a blockage in your blood vessels. Along with this, there may also be a problem of numbness in the feet as blood flow may get restricted, causing difficulty in walking.
3. Back Pain:
If you also have a habit of sleeping while sitting, then you may also suffer from back pain. Sleeping while sitting can cause deformation of your spinal column, which can lead to back pain and swelling in the back.
Benefits of Sleeping while Sitting
Sleep is essential for our health, and while it is generally considered harmful to sleep while sitting, sometimes it can also prove beneficial for us.
1. Comfortable for Pregnant Women:
Pregnancy comes with various challenges for women, and finding the right sleeping position can be a daunting task. However, sitting and sleeping can be quite comfortable for them.
2. Relief from Sleep Apnea:
Many people experience difficulty breathing while sleeping. However, sitting and sleeping can keep their muscles relaxed, allowing them to breathe more easily. This can help alleviate obstructive sleep apnea.
3. Relief from Digestive Problems:
Sitting and sleeping in the right position can help alleviate many gastrointestinal problems. Improper sleeping posture can lead to issues like constipation and gas, which can be prevented by sitting and sleeping in the right position.
Can sleep in a sitting position for a long time cause death?
While there is no conclusive evidence of any significant harm caused by sleeping in a sitting position for long periods of time, prolonged sitting can lead to blood pooling in the legs, which can cause swelling, pain, and other complications. If left unaddressed for a long time, this condition can even lead to death. Therefore, it is important to take breaks and move around to prevent blood clots and other health complications associated with prolonged sitting or sleeping in a sitting position.
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