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The phenomenon of numbness in the hands when sleeping is common among people. They may experience this sensation without knowing why it happens.
In this article, we will explore the causes behind why your hands may go numb while sleeping and provide tips on how to help reduce the numbness.
Causes of Numbness in Hands while Sleeping
There are many possible causes for why your hands go numb while sleeping:
Sleeping Position
The position in which you sleep can affect blood circulation and cause your hands to become numb. They may go numb if you sleep on your arm or keep your arms in an awkward position.
Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome
Ulnar tunnel syndrome is another condition that can cause numbness in the hands due to ulnar nerve compression, which runs along the inner side of your elbow. If this condition is present, it can cause numbness in the hands while sleeping or during activities that involve repetitive motions, such as typing.
If you are a side sleeper and curl your arms inward while sleeping, you may experience tingling or numbness in the pinky or ring finger on one hand and the respective parts of your palm and back.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
One common cause is CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), which is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the wrist to the hand and fingers, becomes compressed. This compression can cause numbness in any of these areas.
If you experience numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers; pain or tingling radiating to your hand and wrist; and weakness in your hands, you may be dealing with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Diabetes is another cause of numbness in the hands. Neuropathy, a condition that results from damage to nerves caused by diabetes, can lead to numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands.
Diabetic neuropathy has four main types: Peripheral, Autonomic, Focal, and Proximal. The peripheral type typically impacts feet and hands, while the autonomic affects your internal organs. Additionally, focal nerve damage is usually present in the hand, torso, leg, or head, whereas proximal is a rarer form of diabetic neuropathy that affects the hips, buttocks, and thigh area.
Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is a condition that affects the bones and discs of the neck. It can cause nerve compression from the neck to the hands, resulting in numbness or tingling.
Cervical spondylosis can cause various symptoms, ranging from neck and back pain to reduced range of motion. You might experience weakness in your arms, hands, or fingers and difficulty with daily tasks such as tying shoelaces or buttoning shirts. Furthermore, individuals with cervical spondylosis may feel unsteady when walking due to decreased stability.
Alcohol Use Disorder
Excessive alcohol use can lead to decreased blood flow to the hands, resulting in numbness.
If you or someone you know suffers from alcoholic neuropathy, any of the following symptoms could be present: agonizing pain, tingling, and numbness in hands and legs; muscle cramps, spasms, or contractions; weakening muscles; bladder/bowel issues; abdominal bloating; nausea/vomiting episodes; heightened sensitivity to temperature changes and even sexual dysfunction.
Tips to Help Reduce Numbness in Your Hands while Sleeping
Change your sleeping position: Avoid sleeping on your arm or keeping them awkward by changing how you sleep.
Use pillows for support: Placing a pillow under your arms and hands can help reduce pressure on certain nerve pathways, reducing numbness in your hands.
Stretch before bedtime: Doing simple stretches like wrist circles and hand openers can help relax muscles and promote better hand circulation, helping with numbness.
Conclusion:
Numbness in the hands while various factors, including medical conditions such as diabetes or carpal tunnel syndrome, poor sleeping positions, vitamin deficiencies, alcohol use disorder, or medication side effects, can cause sleeping. To help reduce numbness in your hands while sleeping, it is important to make sure you are comfortable when sleeping.
Check with your doctor if you experience any persistent or severe symptoms, and manage any underlying medical conditions. With proper care and attention to symptom management, it is possible to relieve this uncomfortable feeling.
References:
orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome
assh.org/handcare/hand-arm-injuries/Numbness
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15658-radial-tunnel-syndrome
Why Do my Hands go Numb When I Sleep FAQs
When Should I Worry About Hand Numbness?
It is important to speak with a doctor if you experience numbness symptoms that don't seem connected to a common cause, such as sleeping in an awkward position or using your hands too much. They can help diagnose the underlying cause and provide treatment options if needed.
Is it Normal to Wake Up With Numb Hands Every Day?
No, waking up with numb hands every day is not typical. If you experience this frequently, it is important to speak with a doctor, as there may be an underlying cause that needs to be addressed. Additionally, make sure you adjust your sleeping position and use pillows for support if needed. Doing simple stretches before bedtime can help reduce symptoms of numbness in the hands.
How Can I Improve Circulation in My Hands While Sleeping?
A few tips to help improve circulation in your hands while sleeping include: changing your sleeping position, using pillows for support, and stretching before bedtime. Try wearing compression gloves during the day to help promote better circulation. Speak to a doctor if you experience persistent numbness in your hands, as there may be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
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Why Do Your Hands Go Numb When You Sleep? Causes and Solutions
Waking up with numb or tingling hands is common and usually caused by nerve compression during sleep. Here are the primary causes and how to fix them.
Common Causes
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: Sleeping with wrists flexed compresses the median nerve. Causes numbness in thumb, index, and middle fingers. Solution: wrist splint at night ($10–$25).
- Sleeping position: Lying on your arm compresses the brachial plexus. Solution: use a body pillow to prevent arm-under-body positioning.
- Cubital tunnel syndrome: Sleeping with elbows bent past 90 degrees compresses the ulnar nerve. Causes numbness in ring and pinky fingers. Solution: elbow pad or towel wrap.
- Thoracic outlet syndrome: Compression of nerves/blood vessels between collarbone and first rib. See: TOS mattress guide.
When to See a Doctor
If numbness persists during the day, is accompanied by weakness, or occurs in both hands simultaneously (possible circulation issue), consult a physician promptly.
Mattress Connection
A too-firm mattress prevents the shoulder from sinking in during side sleeping, forcing the arm into compression-prone positions. A medium to medium-soft mattress allows proper shoulder contouring.
For arm numbness: pillow solutions | supportive mattresses.
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