Experts Warn Certain Sleeping Positions Could Increase Risk Of Blood Clots & Heart Problems

Sleeping in certain positions may increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis, heart attacks and strokes according to experts.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that develops within a deep vein in the body, usually in the leg.

The condition is believed to be the result of sedentary behaviour. However, experts now say that along with cold and hot weather, the position you sleep in can also increase your risk of blood clots.

The most pressing concern with blood clots is the risk that they’ll travel to the lung, which kills hundreds of thousands of people each year according to a report in The Express:

“Certain sleeping positions may be conducive to the formation of risky clots.

The body usually lies horizontally in bed, so there is rarely enough gradient impact blood flow to the limbs.

When someone sleeps upright, however, problems may arise if blood flow is hindered.

Harvard Health writes: “Sleeping sitting up in a recliner […] could in some cases raise your risk of deep vein thrombosis.”

A blood clot in a limb can occur if your arms or legs are both bent motionless for hours.

“But provided you are comfortable and can recline back slightly, there should be few risks to sleeping upright, assuming it doesn’t interfere with your ability to get a good night’s sleep.”