Why Do My Legs Fall Asleep on the Toilet? – 2 Reasons

Some individuals find peace in the toilet, especially after responding to the call of nature. If you’re one of them, you may have this question: why do my legs fall asleep on the toilet?

This case is scientifically called ‘paresthesia’, where your legs and feet fall asleep. It sounds strange, but it can happen when there’s too much strain and bad posture.

A drunken man experienced it when he sat on the toilet after taking benzodiazepines. This happening shouldn’t be taken lightly, so read to know the reasons and learn how to prevent it from happening to you.

Reasons Why My Legs Fall Asleep on the Toilet

Why do my feet fall asleep? The answers to this question are as follows.

Reason 1: Too much strain

Some need to exert more effort when pooping, and this action puts a lot of pressure on the spinal colon. This often happens when you are suffering from constipation.

It’s called ‘intrathecal pressure’ that pushes the disc into your spine. The spine also does the same thing on the spinal nerves. When this happens, you will feel weak in the legs, also a little numb, and tingling.

Sciatica is an inflamed sciatic nerve that spreads throughout your lower back and legs. The legs fall asleep on the toilet pregnant women experience is this one. It happens as the lower back pain compresses and inflames the nerves that deliver sciatica pain.

A sciatic neuropathy case happened to a drunken man who took benzodiazepines and was stuck on the toilet for hours. When he woke up, he had back pain and a feeling of numbness and pain in his left leg and buttock. So, only one leg or foot may fall asleep on the toilet.

This condition affects the peripheral blood vessels in the arms, stomach, and legs. When taking the stairs, people who have it experience cramps and stiffness in their hips and legs. They may also have numb or weak legs.

This disorder is known as atherosclerosis, and it is caused by fatty plaque buildup in the arteries. Though this can occur in any artery, fatty plaque tends to build in the arms and legs.

Therefore, this disease is one of the reasons why your legs go numb when sitting on the toilet. Your feet go numb in some instances too.

This issue shouldn’t be taken lightly as amputation of the leg or foot will be required if no treatment is provided.

Reason 2: Bad Posture

Why do my legs tingle when I poop? If you’re free of any disorders, you have to check your posture, which can be related to the toilet height.

To prevent your legs from falling asleep on the toilet, be vigilant in checking the height measurement despite the terms used in the description, like ‘comfort height’ and ‘chair height’.

If the toilet height is high enough, you won’t be inclined to crouch or tilt your knees outwards.

Toilet manufacturers would design toilets that regard the height for the comfort of older people and those who suffer from back and knee problems. Your legs are numb after sitting on the toilet if you do it for a long time.

Some can’t help but prolong their stay on the toilet because they find it hard to release their poop. Doing so will make your legs fall asleep in the bathroom.

How to Prevent Pins and Needles in Your Legs

Instead of going through numerous comments on Reddit, check this part as it’s the summary of necessary steps.

1. Correct your posture

You should know that hunching over doesn’t help to poop so easily. It’s a position that strains the pelvic muscles. Also, it bothers the colon so you have to exert more effort when you poop.

Since you sit down for a longer period, there will be tingles in your legs. The way to get rid of these pins and needles is to have a relaxed sitting position. You’re on the right track when your knees are above your hips.

2. Don’t strain yourself in the same position

If you spend more than 10 to 15 minutes on the toilet, you’ll likely feel the pins and needles in your legs. When you can’t avoid this situation, stand up every 15 minutes to loosen up your legs.

It simply means you shouldn’t be in the same position for a long time as it can strain you. You don’t have to deal with this situation if you add more fiber content to your diet and drink more water. Fiber and diet can soften your stool for smooth discharge.

3. Using a toilet stool

As mentioned, your needs should be over your hips for a squatting position. If you can’t do it with your toilet, use a toilet stool like Squatty Potty. You’ll go without needing a long time.

4. Using a toilet cushion

A toilet cushion supports your buttocks and pelvic area when you sit on a toilet. It improves the blood flow at the same time.

Tip: After you have tried all of these measures and the issue persists, it’s best to see a physician.

FAQs

How do I stop my legs from falling asleep on the toilet?

Improving your blood flow can stop your legs from falling asleep on the toilet. You can do it by following methods.

Heat can soothe your legs and feet as it improves the blood flow in your body. The good news is this effect expands to a wider scope. A better blood flow alleviates inflammation, stiffness, and soreness that cause your legs to fall asleep.

You don’t have to doubt heat therapy as it’s recommended for injuries, dislocations, and fractures. However, it’s unsuitable for individuals with open wounds and blood circulation problems.

Just like heat therapy, massage improves blood circulation. Circular strokes should be done in the concerned areas. The muscles on your legs and feet must be stimulated for better blood flow.

This method doesn’t only stop falling asleep on the toilet, but it gives good sleep, reduces stress, and relieves pain. It’s also a way to check your feet for other issues.

Deep breathing is associated with yoga and is helpful in many ways. While it warms your muscles, it also improves blood flow at the same time. I usually do deep breathing when I sit on the floor Indian style with crossed legs.

Is it normal for the legs to fall asleep on the toilet?

It’s normal for legs to be asleep on the toilet and the weakness, numbness, and stinging sensation on legs and feet usually disappears in a matter of a few minutes.

But when they persist for a long time, you have to see a physician. It can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis, pinched nerve, or neuropathy.

 

Conclusion

Why do my legs fall asleep on the toilet? This article has shown you that it’s connected to your habits when you use the toilet. You have to be very particular with your posture and toilet height for prevention.

It’s usually connected with your legs, feet, back, or the middle area. Hence, straining these body parts will give you pins and needles. But if this case prolongs after you get up from the toilet, it can be a symptom of a disorder or disease.

Read more: Why are my legs purple when I sit on the toilet?