Do you sleep in “T. Rex mode”? Doctors warn: this sleeping position is a silent killer
Every night, without even thinking about it, we adopt a sleeping position that can either heal our body… or quietly damage it. And among all possible postures, specialists have identified one that is particularly harmful: “T. Rex sleeping.”
This term describes the posture where you sleep on your stomach, arms bent, head turned to the side, and spine twisted—just like a miniature T. Rex collapsed on a pillow.
It’s a surprisingly common position, very popular on TikTok—yet one of the worst for your spine.
“T. Rex sleeping”: the posture that destroys head–neck–spine alignment

Sleeping in T. Rex mode forces your body into a full torsion for several hours, whether on your stomach or partially on your back.
Here’s what it causes:
❌ 1. Extreme cervical rotation
The head turned at 90° stretches cervical nerves and compresses neck joints.
❌ 2. Complete spinal misalignment
The pelvis tilts, the lower back arches, and the lumbar spine is compressed.
❌ 3. Restricted breathing
A compressed chest limits lung expansion.
❌ 4. Chronic muscle tension
Muscles must compensate for poor posture all night long.
Result: pain, exhausted mornings, stiffness, headaches, and more.
Why this position feels comfortable… even though it isn’t
T. Rex sleeping is an instinctive posture.
We often adopt it to “curl up” and create a feeling of safety. But that sensation does not reflect what your joints are actually enduring. The brain seeks immediate comfort.
The spine, however, needs neutral alignment—which this posture completely destroys.
The best sleeping positions to avoid pain
A scientific study conducted by Korean researchers and published in 2023 in the Journal of Neurophysiology (1) highlights a key point: proprioception—our sense of where the body is in space—directly affects posture and stability.
In other words, if the T. Rex position feels comfortable, it’s not by chance.
Sleeping fully in T. Rex mode isn’t ideal—but there is a better variation: “T. Rex arm sleeping.” This means bringing the arms inward, close to the chest. By positioning the arms in front of the body, the brain regains reference points. It feels stabilized—relaxation and a sense of safety return.
This sense of security comes from proprioception—even though the posture itself still stresses the spine all night. To improve this position slightly, you can place a small pillow under your knees to reduce lumbar tension.
However, nothing beats…
… Sleeping on your side: ideal for breathing and comfort
✔ Reduces snoring
✔ Improves blood circulation
✔ Relieves cervical tension
✔ Suitable for most body types
But only if you have the right pillow.
The key role of the pillow: your weapon against bad nights
This is one of the most common mistakes: you think you’re sleeping in a bad position… when in reality, your pillow is pushing you into it.
A pillow that’s too flat, too soft, too thick, or unstable:
- misaligns the head
- forces the neck to twist
- unbalances the shoulders
- pushes the body to compensate…
…and fall back into the T. Rex posture.
How a Nappinoo Wellness Pillow helps fight harmful sleeping postures
Thanks to its natural latex, resilience, and stable support, pour pillow:
✔ Naturally realigns the head, neck, and spine
It restores your body’s physiological axis without effort.
✔ Prevents involuntary twisting
Firm yet comfortable support limits forward rolling—and the temptation to collapse onto the stomach.
✔ Stabilizes your position all night long
Once settled, your body stays where it should, reducing painful awakenings—and disturbing your partner less. You stop tossing and turning.
✔ Encourages more wellness sleeping positions
On your back or side, the pillow acts as a postural guide—gently correcting without forcing.
In short: to permanently escape T. Rex sleeping, your pillow is your first ally.
How to quit T. Rex sleeping gradually
Changing a bodily habit is easier than you think. Here’s the recommended method:
-
Switch to side sleeping before trying back sleeping
The transition feels more natural. -
Use a pillow that truly stabilizes your neck
One golden rule at Nappinoo: even a great mattress can never compensate for a bad pillow. -
Place a pillow between your knees (side) or under your knees (back)
This locks the posture in place. -
Listen to your mornings
Pain, fragmented sleep = poor posture.
More comfort, deeper sleep = you’re on the right path.
Conclusion: leave T. Rex behind for restorative nights
“T. Rex sleeping” may feel intuitive, but it is extremely harmful to your spine.
The real solution isn’t just “changing position,” but rebuilding a strong head–neck–spine alignment through:
-
a more suitable position (preferably on your side), and
-
a pillow that supports the neck and prevents collapse.
By correcting posture and investing in proper support, your nights become deeper, your mornings lighter, and your body regains its natural alignment.
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Sources :
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Jin SH, Lee SH, Yang ST, An J. Hemispheric asymmetry in hand preference of right-handers for passive vibrotactile perception: an fNIRS study. Sci Rep. 2020 Aug 7;10(1):13423.