Why Do Hands Go Numb While Sleeping: Has it ever happened that you woke up at night and felt that your hand has become completely numb, as if there is no life in it? This happens to many people and it is not a very rare problem. According to research, about one-third of adults feel numbness and tingling in the hand, wrist or arm at least once a week while sleeping. This condition is called nocturnal paraesthesia in medical language. In most cases this is not a serious problem, but if it starts happening repeatedly or persists for a long time even after waking up, it may be necessary to consult a doctor.

Why does this kind of problem occur?

According to sleepfoundation, an organization providing information about health, the most common reason for hand numbness while sleeping is pressure on the nerves. When due to some reason the vein gets pressed or the blood flow reduces for a while, a tingling or pins and needles like feeling starts in the hand. This is a kind of signal from the body that some part is under pressure and there is a need to bring it in the right position.

Wrong position is also responsible

Many times wrong sleeping position also becomes the reason for this. If you sleep with your wrists bent, keep your hands under your head, rest your head on your arm or put your body weight on your hands, then there can be pressure on the nerves. In some people, wrong height of the pillow or wrong position of the neck and spine can also increase this problem. In such a situation, the blood flow to the hand reduces for some time and the hand starts feeling numb.

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These also cause problems

Sometimes numbness of hands can also be a sign of other nerve related problems. For example, in peripheral neuropathy, the nerves do not function properly, due to which numbness or burning sensation may be felt in the hands and legs. Diabetes, vitamin deficiency, infection, side effects of some medicines or excessive alcohol consumption can also be responsible for this.

How to protect?

If your hands feel numb when you wake up, there is no need to panic. Usually, this problem is cured within a few minutes by changing the position of the body, lightly moving the hands and legs or slowly stretching the fingers. Light massage or keeping hands under lukewarm water also improves blood circulation and reduces tingling. However, if this problem is happening again and again or you feel pain and weakness, then it is better to get checked by a doctor.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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