Why do my elbows hurt when I sleep with them bent?

Bending your elbow while you sleep can squeeze the nerve that runs along your elbow, called the ulnar nerve. This nerve passes through a small space called the cubital tunnel. When you sleep with your elbow bent for a long time, the tunnel narrows, and the nerve can get compressed. This condition is sometimes known as cubital tunnel syndrome, which can cause pain, tingling, or numbness in the elbow and hand. Also, the pressure from a bent elbow can irritate other tissues, like the muscles and tendons, making the pain worse. Some research also shows that sleep positions might delay the healing process in conditions such as tennis elbow. Changing your sleep habits, such as keeping your arms straight or using pillows for support, might help reduce this pressure and ease the pain. Always talk to a doctor for proper advice and treatment if the pain continues or gets worse.