Sleepy legs are a fact of life for aspiring lamas and desk jockeys alike. And most of us have woken up at one time or another with that numbish tingling in an arm or hand. Let’s look at the cause, whether it’s bad for you, and why some people don’t seem to be bothered by paresthesia.
Why does it do that?
Paresthesia, that sleepy-limb sensation, is caused by the compression or irritation of nerves. Most commonly it’s due to a pinched nerve—but it may also be due to a medical condition, injury, or illness.
Is it harmful?
If a limb is like that only for a short while, it’s not dangerous. When the nerve is pinched for a long time you risk long-term damage. And if the tingling does not resolve after 30 minutes, it may have another cause that needs to be investigated. If so, consult your doctor—other possible causes include diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or a herniated disc.
So, what about the Dalai Lama?
Don’t cross your legs or sit still for too long. Want to put more movement in your life? We collected a bunch of fun ideas about how to stay active in your home in our earlier article about Lively Homes.
Meditators often sit in half or full lotus, with one or both legs crossed over the other. We often see people who do sitting meditation getting right up afterward, without needing to wait for their limbs to wake up. They point to things like posture and strengthening exercises, practices like T’ai Chi standing, and keeping your pelvis higher than your knees. Everyone’s body is different, so don’t feel bad if you always find you’re getting those pins and needles. It’s good to remember that you can also meditate while sitting in a chair, standing, lying down, or walking.
Come visit us at Parkside
We are here to help keep your limbs awake with expert chiropractic and massage. Make an appointment, or if you have any questions, contact us.