A medical professional has issued a stark warning about a particular sleeping position that could leave you suffering from a debilitating chest condition. In a clip shared on TikTok, Doctor Suraj Kukadia outlined why lying one way during sleep should be avoided at all costs.

His guidance followed another user's hospital bed warning, where she cautioned: "This is your warning not to sleep on your stomach". Dr Kukadia, widely recognised as Dr Sooj online, highlighted the danger of developing costochondritis - inflammation occurring where ribs connect to the central chest bone (breastbone).

The NHS cautions that this condition can trigger severe chest pain, particularly during movement or breathing. Dr Sooj clarified: "Thankfully, not all chest pain comes from the heart.

"This creative was diagnosed with costochondritis. So 'costo' means ribs, 'chondros' is for cartilage and 'itis' just means inflammation.

"So it's when the cartilage attaching your ribs to your breastbone gets irritated and it gets inflamed, and this can cause a sharp, stabbing chest pain. It usually gets worse when you press on your chest, if you're twisting or if you do deep breaths, because your ribs expand as you breathe in."

He added: "Sleeping on your stomach can trigger it because the chest is compressed for hours and that pressure can irritate the rib and cartilage joints. These are called the costochondral joints.

"Now, adding in poor posture and heavy lifting during the day can give you the perfect recipe for costochondritis."

However, it can be treated. Dr Sooj explained: "But luckily, treatment is pretty straightforward. It centres around rest, anti-inflammatories, if they're suitable for you, and gentle stretching of the chest wall, whilst avoiding positions that can squish your chest."

This advice is supported by experts from Amerisleep who recommend that those suffering from costochondritis should "avoid" sleeping on their front. Instead, they suggest sleeping on your back or side, provided it doesn't cause discomfort.

According to the NHS, costochondritis may result in sharp pain in the front or side of your chest. The pain may intensify when:

• You move your upper body


• You lie down


• You breathe deeply


• You press the middle of your chest

The NHS recommends dialling 111 if you suspect you have costochondritis. It said: "It is important to get chest pain checked to rule out other more serious conditions."

You should call 999 immediately if you experience sudden chest pain that:

• Spreads to your arms, back, neck, or jaw


• Makes your chest feel tight or heavy


• Begins with shortness of breath, sweating, feeling sick or being sick


• Lasts longer than 15 minutes

These symptoms could indicate a heart attack.