Plane Passengers' Napping Technique Goes Viral, but Expert Calls It 'Dumbest' Idea Ever (Exclusive)

Plane passengers feel they've found the ultimate in-flight sleep position, but experts strongly advise against it

A travel trend that's been going viral on social media is being called out by experts for being dangerous.

The trend — which sees travelers fold their legs up to their chests and fasten their seatbelts around their ankles — is supposed to help travelers get comfortable rest on long flights.

TikToker @BrookeDoesEverything is one of the TravelTokers who praises the trend, which she says she figured out as a longtime frequent traveler in the pre-internet days.

"I fly two to four times a month, all flights that average more than four hours," Brooke tells PEOPLE. "When I was a kid, I would play around all the time to find a comfortable way to sit, and I found one that worked. I have been doing the seatbelt hack since I could remember."

Brooke explains the method is helpful "because it allows you to relax and not throw a limb onto your very close neighbor."

"It’s also one of the best ways to put your feet up without grossing anyone out," she adds.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Related: Airport Worker Shares Travel Hack That Will Help Stop Your Luggage from Getting Lost

Brooke says she's aware that flight attendants and other air travel experts advise against the trend.

"I, of course, do not do this during takeoff or landing. Only when we have reached cruising altitude and people are moving about the cabin," she stresses. "When there is turbulence I definitely click in properly out of fear."

Brooke believes that other travelers will continue using the seatbelt method because of the limited space airlines allot each passenger.

"With the airlines constantly making the distance between the seats in front of us smaller and smaller, it’s getting harder and harder to rest your head on the tray table without your neighbor jamming their seat back into your head," she says.

Still, a number of experts have spoken out against the trend, including Dr. Michael Breus (PhD, FAASM), Founder of The Sleep Doctor.

“This appears to be one of the dumbest ideas I have ever seen. If there is an emergency, I'm guessing both legs get broken, and if there is even mild turbulence, it could be another issue — probably a head injury," he says.

Dr. Breus adds, "Sleeping on a plane is not rocket science," suggesting a number of tips for better rest, from using an eye mask to taking a light sleep aid.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.