People rub their legs together in bed for a variety of reasons, most commonly as a self-soothing mechanism. It can help calm the nervous system, help people relax, and is used for self-soothing (Worley, 2023). This behavior, sometimes referred to as "cricketing," can be a neutral habit.
Reasons for Rubbing Legs Together in Bed
Here are some of the reasons why people might rub their legs together in bed:
- Self-Soothing: This is a primary reason. The rhythmic motion can be comforting and help reduce stress or anxiety. According to Worley (2023), it's “not inherently harmful but is a personal behavior used to self-soothe.”
- Relaxation: The gentle rubbing can promote relaxation and make it easier to fall asleep.
- Habit: For some, it may simply be a habit they've developed over time.
- Sensory Input: Some individuals may find the sensation of their legs rubbing together pleasurable or comforting.
- Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS): Although less likely to involve conscious rubbing, sometimes the sensation of RLS can lead to movements that resemble rubbing. However, RLS is typically involuntary and accompanied by an uncomfortable sensation.
- Anxiety or Stress: Rubbing legs can be an unconscious way of dealing with underlying anxiety or stress.
Is it Harmful?
Generally, rubbing your legs together in bed is not harmful. As the reference states, it's not inherently harmful (Worley, 2023). It’s similar to other self-soothing behaviors. However, if the leg rubbing is accompanied by other concerning symptoms (e.g., severe discomfort, pain, or it significantly disrupts sleep) it is advised to consult with a healthcare professional.
Analogy to Thumb-Sucking
The provided reference likens rubbing legs together (cricketing) to thumb-sucking in children (Worley, 2023). Both are considered self-soothing behaviors that are generally harmless.
