Hands go numb when sleeping because of compression of the nerves in the wrist or elbow. This compression is caused by sleeping in a position that puts pressure on the nerve, such as sleeping with the arm bent or tucked under the body.
Have you ever woken up from a deep sleep only to find that your hands are numb and tingly? This strange and uncomfortable sensation can be quite alarming. Nevertheless, it’s a common occurrence that many people experience over the course of their lives. So why do hands go numb when sleeping? To answer this question, let’s explore the underlying causes of this phenomenon.
What Causes Numbness in Hands While Sleeping?
Numbness in the hands while sleeping is a common issue that can be caused by a variety of different factors. It is important to understand the potential causes of this issue, as it can be indicative of more serious underlying health issues. Generally, numbness in the hands during sleep can be caused by compression of the nerves in the neck, the hands being in an awkward position for long periods of time, or a lack of blood flow to the hands.
Additionally, it may be a sign of diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome, or certain vitamin deficiencies. If you are experiencing numbness in your hands while sleeping, it is important to speak with your doctor to determine the cause.
Compression of Nerves
Compression of nerves is a common phenomenon that causes hands to go numb while sleeping. This occurs when the nerves in the hand become compressed or pinched between two surfaces, most often a mattress and a bed frame. This can cause a decrease in blood flow to the hand, leading to a tingling sensation or numbness.
The most common reason for this is sleeping in an awkward position, such as with arms above the head or tucked underneath the body. In addition, sleeping on a surface that is too hard or too soft can also contribute to compression of the nerves. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you choose a mattress that is best suited for your body and sleep position in order to reduce the likelihood of experiencing compression of nerves.
Restricted Blood Flow
Restricted Blood Flow is a common issue that many people experience during sleep. When sleeping, our bodies naturally relax and our blood flow can become restricted, especially in the hands. As the blood flow is reduced, our hands can become numb and tingly.
In order to avoid this sensation, it is important to sleep in a position that allows for proper circulation. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the bed and pillows are not too soft, as this can prevent our arms and hands from getting enough oxygen and can lead to restricted blood flow. By ensuring that our sleeping position is comfortable and supportive, we can help reduce the risk of our hands becoming numb or tingly when sleeping.
Vascular Compression
Vascular compression is an often uncomfortable phenomenon that can occur when sleeping. It occurs when a nerve is compressed or squeezed due to the body’s position. When this happens in the hands, it can cause numbness, tingling, and sometimes even pain.
The most common cause of this compression is when the arm is bent or placed under the head for long periods of time. This puts pressure on the nerves in the wrist and can cause a temporary loss of sensation or feeling in the hands. In some cases, it can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a condition that can cause chronic numbness and pain.
To prevent vascular compression, it is important to maintain a comfortable sleeping position that does not put excessive pressure on the wrists and hands.
Numbness in Arms While Sleeping
Numbness in the arms while sleeping can be a cause of concern for many people. It is often caused by poor sleeping posture or sleeping on a surface that is too soft or too hard. This can put pressure on nerves in the arms, leading to numbness.
Additionally, a medical condition such as carpal tunnel syndrome can also cause numbness in the arms while sleeping. To reduce this discomfort, it is important to try and maintain a neutral sleeping posture, and use a mattress and pillow that are supportive but not too hard. Finally, if the numbness persists, then it is best to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.
Straining of Muscles
Straining of muscles in the hands is a common cause of numbness while sleeping. When the hands are held in an awkward position, the muscles can become tense and tight, cutting off circulation and leading to numbness. For example, if the hands are bent inwards while sleeping, the muscles can become strained and can lead to a lack of blood flow to the hand and wrist.
Additionally, if the arms are positioned above the head, the muscles in the hands and wrists can become overstretched and cause uncomfortable sensations. To prevent this, it is important to try to keep the arms and hands in a relaxed, natural position while sleeping.
Sleeping Positions
Sleeping in certain positions can cause hands to go numb because of the pressure that is placed on the nerves in the arms and hands. When the arms and hands are compressed during sleep, it can restrict the circulation of blood and cause the hands to become numb. This is especially common when sleeping on one’s side, because the arms and arms are often bent and pressure is placed on them.
Additionally, sleeping with the arms above the head can also cause this numbness as the arms are stretched and the nerves are compressed. To prevent this, it is important to be conscious of the sleeping positions and ensure that the arms and hands are not placed in a position that could restrict circulation.
Diagnosis and Treatment
When hands go numb when sleeping, it is usually due to a condition called carpal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. This pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, including repetitive movements, fractures or trauma to the wrist, swelling from arthritis, or even simply sleeping with one’s arms in a bent position for too long. In order to diagnose and treat this condition, it is important to visit a doctor for a physical exam to rule out any other causes for the numbness.
If carpal tunnel syndrome is the cause, a doctor may recommend wearing a splint at night to keep the wrist in a straight position, or they may even recommend surgery to relieve the pressure on the nerve. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions in order to effectively treat the condition and reduce the numbness in the hands.
Preventing Numbness in Hands
When sleeping, it is not uncommon for one to experience numbness in their hands, an uncomfortable sensation that can be difficult to shake off. This numbness is caused by a lack of blood circulation, which is the result of pressure on the nerves in the hands due to lying in an awkward position. To prevent this, it is important to ensure that your hands are not restricted while sleeping, such as by keeping them away from the edge of the mattress.
Additionally, it is recommended to sleep with your arms slightly raised and to switch sleeping positions throughout the night in order to promote proper circulation and avoid numbness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What can I do to stop my hands from going numb when I sleep?
To prevent your hands from going numb while sleeping, try sleeping on your back with your arms at your sides. Additionally, avoid sleeping on your arms or hands and keep your bedroom temperature cool. Furthermore, wear gloves to bed if your hands get cold easily.
Lastly, if your hands continue to go numb, consult a doctor.
2. Could sleeping in an awkward position be the cause for my hands going numb?
Yes, sleeping in an awkward position could be the cause for your hands going numb. Furthermore, if the position you slept in put pressure on a nerve in your arm or hand, it could lead to numbness. Additionally, if you slept in one position for too long, it could also lead to numbness.
3. Could underlying medical conditions be causing my hands to go numb when I sleep?
Yes, underlying medical conditions can be causing your hands to go numb when you sleep. Additionally, various factors such as diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, carpal tunnel syndrome, and nerve damage can lead to numbness in the hands while sleeping. Therefore, it is important to visit a doctor to determine the exact cause of this issue.
