A viral social media trend promising the ultimate solution to uncomfortable airplane napping has ignited an intense debate among travelers, medical professionals, and airline staff about safety, health risks, and in-flight etiquette. Videos widely circulating on TikTok show passengers pulling their legs into their seats and securing them with seat belts. The position effectively creates a curled, fetal-like position that supposedly offers better sleep during flights.
While some travelers swear by the hack’s comfort benefits, particularly on long-haul journeys, flight attendants have been actively shutting it down, with many passengers reporting being instructed to return to conventional seating positions moments after attempting the trending posture. The unusual sleeping arrangement has prompted aviation experts to question whether the position compromises passenger safety during turbulence. At the same time, medical professionals raise concerns about the increased risk of blood clots from compressed leg positions.
Medical Experts Flag Potential Health Risks Linked To Viral TikTok Trend
Health professionals have raised concerns about the viral sleeping position, particularly regarding circulation issues and the risk of blood clots. Dr. Carole Lieberman, a board-certified psychiatrist with experience in airline passenger care, told Fox News Digital that the position could pose risks, saying that “this trend is very dangerous because it keeps the legs in a tightly compressed position.”
Dr. Lieberman warned that deep vein thrombosis can cause pulmonary embolisms, which can be deadly. She also cautioned that pressing the legs against the abdomen can impair digestive function or put strain on the cardiovascular system, potentially causing arrhythmia.
Even passengers who tried the trending position reported practical discomfort, with one creator admitting that while the setup felt cozy initially, “my legs fell asleep pretty fast.” Medical experts generally advise flyers to stretch, move their legs regularly, stay hydrated, and consider wearing compression socks to reduce the risk of blood clots, rather than remaining in a restricted position.
The viral sleeping hack has met resistance from airline staff, with numerous social media users reporting immediate intervention from flight attendants. “I tried to do this, and the flight attendant made me stop,” one commenter wrote on a viral TikTok video. Another shared that they were “yelled at by a flight attendant” shortly after attempting the position.
