I have suffered from Meralgia Parasethica for many years. The cause of my MP has always been a mystery - until now.
In the past couple of months, my symptoms started easing up considerably, and in the past 2-3 weeks they have disappeared, hopefully permanently! I have been mystified as to what's changed. But I just realized the answer and I'd like to share it with others. I'm quite sure this must apply to some other people who are suffering from MP.
My natural sleep position is on my side, with my upper leg hanging over my lower leg and knee touching the bed. I never thought twice about that until recently, when I've been working on my body alignment (for other reasons). Since June, I've been forcing myself to sleep on my side with my knees together instead. I'm more and more convinced this is what's made the difference.
I can't believe no doctor has ever asked me about my sleep position. But it's logical that this position can easily compress the Lateral Femoral Cutaneous nerve, thus causing MP.
If you sleep on your side, please consider this. I'm more convinced every day that this was the cause, and cure, for my MP! Good luck to all - I sure hope this will help some of you

Dear Jacky P,

Sure glad to hear the news. Accidentally found your cause and eliminating the cause has provided your cure. How wonderful.

There are many ways the LFCN may become compressed and relieving the compression will abate the symptoms. So glad that it was a simple adjustment of your sleep position.

Wishing you the best.

Dear Hopeless
Thank you so much for your kind wishes. I just hope that others will find the same relief I have found. I am so thankful after so many years dealing with MP. I wish you the very best and hope you too will find your cure. Take care
jacky

I sleep in fetal position sometimes and never took it seriously but have been trying to stop. I thought it was just my sitting position at my desk but sleep position could be contributing to it. I will take this more seriously. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Hello Thaler. Just to be clear: From my experience, I think the fetal position is fine as long as the top leg isn't hanging over the bottom leg. I believe the latter is what caused the nerve compression in my case.
By all means, though, try different sleep positions. Just keep in mind, it took quite some time before I saw results. That's why I didn't make the connection for awhile.
Best of luck to you!

I want to say a massive Thank you to JackyP. I have suffered with MP for many years and in a state of major despair a few nights ago I happened upon this thread. I have since started to change my sleeping position (mine was exactly as you said that yours used to be- one leg up and knee on the mattress) I have had a drastic change in the few nights I have slept with knees together and a pillow in between knees. Still tingling but not nearly as bad.
After seeing so many Neurologists and having so many MRIs I am also shocked that no one asked about my sleeping pattern.
I am 33 years old and couldn’t believe that I felt such pain and symptoms with no known cause.
So, JackyP, if you can still see this. THANK YOU!