Why Do Your Hands Go Numb While Sleeping?

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night only to find your hands feeling numb and tingly? It's a strange sensation that can leave you puzzled and concerned. In this blog post, we will discuss the possible reasons behind this numbness, what you can do to prevent it, and when it's time to seek professional help. It’s time to tackle those sleepless nights.

Why Does The Numbness Happen While Sleeping?

Numbness in your hands occurs when the nerves or blood flow to your hands is either compressed or restricted. This can happen while you're sleeping, as various sleeping positions may put pressure on your nerves and blood vessels. As a result, your hands become numb and tingly until proper blood flow is restored.

Typical Causes of Numb Hands in Sleep

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects the median nerve running through your wrist. This nerve can become compressed, causing numbness and pain in your hands, which may worsen during sleep when your wrists are bent for long periods.

Nerve Entrapment

The ulnar nerve runs through your elbow, and when it is compressed, it can cause numbness in your hands, particularly affecting the pinky and ring fingers. This condition is often known as "cubital tunnel syndrome" or "cellphone elbow."

Incorrect Sleeping Position

Sleeping in awkward positions where your arms are bent, twisted, or positioned above your head may result in nerve compression and numbness in your hands.

1. The Fetal Position: Sleeping in a tight fetal position, with your arms tucked under your head or body, can compress the nerves in your arms and hands, increasing the likelihood of numbness.

2. Overhead Stretch: Sleeping with your arms stretched out above your head or resting on top of your pillow can put pressure on the nerves running through your shoulders and arms, leading to numbness in your hands.

3. Arm-under-the-pillow: Placing your arm under your head or pillow might seem comfortable, but it can cause nerve compression in your shoulder and elbow, resulting in numbness in your hands.

4. Prone position (face-down): Lying on your stomach with your arms bent and tucked underneath your body may compress the nerves in your arms and hands, causing numbness.

5. Side-sleeping with an arm under the body: Sleeping on your side and resting your body weight on one arm can compress the nerves and blood vessels in that arm, leading to numbness in your hands.

Circulation Issues

There are several circulation-related conditions that may make an individual more prone to experiencing numbness in their hands while sleeping. Some of these conditions include:

1. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): PAD affects the blood vessels, causing them to narrow and reducing blood flow to the limbs. This can result in numbness and discomfort in the hands and feet during sleep.

2. Raynaud's Phenomenon: This condition causes blood vessels in the extremities to overreact and constrict in response to cold temperatures or stress. This constriction decreases blood flow and can lead to numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.

3. Diabetes: Long-term, uncontrolled diabetes can cause damage to blood vessels and nerves, resulting in poor circulation and an increased risk of numbness in the extremities, including during sleep.

4. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): DVT occurs when blood clots form in the deep veins of the arms or legs, resulting in restricted blood flow and potential numbness in the extremities. Although DVT is more common in the lower extremities, it can affect the arms as well.

5. Vasculitis: This is an inflammation of the blood vessels that can cause them to narrow or close off, reducing blood flow to certain areas of the body. In some cases, this can result in numbness of the hands during sleep.

If you suspect any of these circulation conditions are causing numbness in your hands while sleeping, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Prevention and Solutions

Proper Sleeping Position

Make sure to adopt a sleeping position that allows for a neutral wrist and elbow alignment. Avoid sleeping with your hands under your head or with your arms in extremely bent positions.

Adjust Your Sleep Environment

Consider using a body or cervical pillow to help maintain a comfortable position during sleep. A well-supportive mattress can also alleviate pressure points on your arms.

Stretching and Exercise

Regular stretching and exercise that targets your arms, wrists, and shoulders can help to improve blood circulation and nerve function. Consult with a physical therapist if you're unsure about the best exercises for your specific condition.

Wrist and Elbow Braces

Using a wrist and/or elbow brace while sleeping can help maintain a neutral position for your joints, therefore preventing numbness in your hands.

Numbness in hands while sleeping is a common yet often disregarded concern. Understanding the potential causes and adopting preventive measures can significantly improve your sleep quality and overall well-being. However, it is important to consult a medical professional if the numbness persists or worsens, as it may be indicative of an underlying health issue. So, take control of your sleep health and tackle those numb hands once and for all.

Have you ever experienced numb hands while sleeping? How did you deal with it? Share your experiences in the comments below!