Legs Fall Asleep on the Toilet? Heres what Your Body is Trying to Tell You

Why Your Legs Fall Asleep on the Toilet

"This happens when we strain to push during a bowel movement, increasing pressure within the abdomen and raising the spinal column's pressure," Dr. Sonpal says. "This pressure can sometimes cause the spinal discs to move against nerves in the spine, leading to numbness, weakness and tingling" in the legs and feet, he explains.

How to Prevent Pins and Needles in Your Legs

While pins and needles on the john isn't something to stress over, there are ways to tamp down the tingling in your legs and feet when on the toilet.

Tip

If youre experiencing persistent numbness, you should seek the help of a medical professional, as this could be a sign of an underlying medical issue.

1. Dont Hunch

"Hovering in a hunched over position can be hard on the pelvic muscles, preventing the colon from fully relaxing and passing stool effortlessly," Dr. Sonpal says.

And the longer it takes for you to go, the more likely you'll experience the tingling in your legs.

"The best way to prevent losing feeling in the legs and feet is to sit in the proper, relaxed position," which, according to Dr. Sonpal, is upright with your knees higher than your hips.

2. Dont Linger

Dr. Sonpal recommends you "avoid spending longer than five to 10 minutes on the toilet seat, and if you are straining to pass the stool, get up and try again in 15 minutes."

Remember, "bowel movements should be easy, quick and effortless," says Dr. Sonpal, adding that you might need to incorporate more fiber and water into your diet to loosen up and soften stool.

3. Get a Toilet Stool

"Squatty potties can help the rectal canal be more open, which means less straining, easier bowel movements and less time spent on the toilet," Dr. Sonpal says.

4. Try a Toilet Cushion

Toilet cushions or padded toilet seats "can also give the buttocks and pelvic region more cushion, improving blood flow to the feet," Dr. Sonpal says.

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Read more on: livestrong