What Causes Hand Numbness When You Sleep?
Do you often wake up with your hands experiencing a tingling, prickling sensation or have your hands fallen asleep due to numbness? If so, you may be dealing with sleeping-related hand numbness or a condition known as hand sleeping. This common sleeping-related condition often causes numbness, tingling, or pins and needles sensations in the hand or fingers during sleep.
What Causes Hand Sleeping?
Hand sleeping can be caused by many different things. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- Compressed Nerves: When your hand is placed in an awkward position while sleeping, such as on your arm, the pressure that is placed on the nerves can cause your hand to go numb.
- Poor Circulation: Restricting muscle and nerve circulation in your hand or arm when you sleep can cause hand sleeping.
- Allergies and Asthma: Certain allergies, such as dust mite allergies, as well as asthma can also cause hand sleeping as a reaction.
How Can I Stop Hand Sleeping?
Since hand sleeping is a common problem, here are a few tips to reduce the likelihood of experiencing hand numbness during sleep.
- Be sure that your sleeping environment is comfortable and does not cause you to place your hand in an unnatural position.
- Be sure to wear loose clothing when sleeping.
- Elevate your head and shoulders to prevent circulation issues.
- See an allergist if allergies or asthma may be causing your hand numbness.
When hand sleeping occurs, it is often only temporary and can be solved fairly quickly by shaking or massaging the affected hand. If this does not resolve the issue, discuss it with your doctor in order to identify any potential underlying causes.
4. Are there any medications that can help to alleviate the numbness in my hand when I sleep?
Yes, there are several medications that may be beneficial in relieving the numbness in your hand when you sleep. Examples include anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, nerve pain medications, and anti-inflammatory medications. Your doctor may also be able to recommend other medications that may help.
2. Is there a medical condition associated with my hand going numb when I sleep?
Yes, there is a medical condition associated with your hand going numb when you sleep. The medical condition is known as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). CTS is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Symtpoms of CTS include numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the fingers, especially when your hands are bent or held in certain positions while you sleep. If you experience any of these symtpoms, you should see your doctor to confirm a diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment.
1. What could be causing my hand to go numb when I sleep?
This could be caused by a variety of conditions including carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, nerve damage, or a pinched nerve in your neck or shoulder. If this symptom persists, it is important to seek medical advice for a definitive diagnosis and treatment options.