Can you sleep with your arms straight?!

[Mitebiteatnite]

Bizarre question, I know. I've just been diagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome. Basically the same as carpal tunnel syndrome, but in my elbow. The physiotherapist has told me to sleep with my arm straight, but I can't! I've tried all week and it just doesn't work. I naturally bend my arm in my sleep, even if I've fallen asleep with it straight. She suggested wrapping a towel round my elbow before bed, but it just sort of slides off.

I wake up 2 or 3 times a night in agony and I'm getting fed up of it now. DH has offered to duct tape my wrist to my thigh but I'd rather not be that extreme, thank you very much.

Can anyone sleep with their arm straight? Am I an arm-bending freak or is it just normal?!

Having just thought about it, no, I don’t think I do. At least not as I’m getting to sleep or when I wake up, they’re always bent.

No. My default sleep position is the foetal.

On the rare occasion I sleep in any other position, my arms still bend.

Get a brace (like this one https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07N9B6ZX5)?

Nobody can stop their arms bending in their sleep! I'm surprised your physio didn't recommend a brace from the start.

I fall asleep on my back with my arms straight like a corpse and often wake up with pins and needles from not moving. No idea how or why.

You can get a CIMT (constraint induced movement therapy) elbow brace or splint. Ask your GP about it.

The physio did mention a splint, but I already wear one on my wrist a night for carpal tunnel and she said she didn't really want to 'strap me all the way up'

Duct tape it is....