Waking up with numb hands may seem like a minor inconvenience. However, if it occurs frequently, it could indicate underlying nerve damage. What are the reasons behind numb hands during sleep, and when should you seek medical advice? Find out more in this article.

Causes of Numb Hands While Sleeping

Numbness or tingling in the hands upon waking can range from mild to serious causes. Identifying the reasons for this condition can help determine appropriate treatment.

Here are some common causes:

Restricted Blood Flow

Certain sleeping positions can exert prolonged pressure on the hands, restricting blood flow. This limited circulation results in numbness and a tingling sensation.

Nerve Compression Due to Sleeping Position

Unconscious sleeping positions can lead to pressure on nerves, reducing blood flow to certain areas. This often causes numbness or tingling in the wrist, elbow, or arm. Common positions that may contribute include:

• Resting your head on your lower arm
• Placing hands under your face or body
• Sleeping on your stomach
• Side sleeping with arms underneath the body
• Using a pillow that misaligns your spine

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome arises from compression or pinching of the median nerve in the wrist. It can lead to numbness, tingling, and pain in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger.

This condition is often caused by repetitive activities like typing or using tools, as well as certain health conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or wrist tumors. In addition ot repetitive activities, other medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatism, tumors or cysts in the wrist can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Depending on the location of damages, it can cause various symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, loss of sensation, sharp pain, and impaired motor skills such as difficulty typing or gripping.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve health. A deficiency can result in numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and coordination problems, such as difficulty holding or manipulating objects.

Treating Numb Hands While Sleeping

The treatment for numb hands during sleep depends on the underlying cause. Common approaches include:

• Adjusting your sleeping position
• Taking pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications
• Using a wrist splint during sleep
• Receiving corticosteroid injections
• Undergoing surgery in severe cases of nerve damage

If home remedies such as adjusting your sleeping position or using a splint fail to resolve the issue, or if you experience the following symptoms, consult a doctor:

• Persistent numbness throughout the day
• Numbness in other areas, such as the shoulders, neck, or back
• Numbness in both hands or localized to a specific part of one hand
• Muscle weakness
• Reduced reflexes in the arms or legs
• Pain in the hands or arms

Although numbness in the hands upon waking is often harmless, persistent or worsening symptoms may require medical evaluation. Use the consultation feature in the Ai Care app, available on the App Store or Play Store, to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare professional.

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