Do you ever wake up in the morning and find that your hands are completely numb? This can be a very frustrating experience, especially if you don’t know what is causing it. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of waking up with numb hands, as well as some treatment options. Read it through to find out more about this common issue.
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What Is Called “Waking Up With Numb Hands”?
When you awaken with tingling or numbness in your hands, this condition is known as waking up with numb hands. One or both hands may experience this and the fingers may also be impacted.
It’s not unusual to wake up with numb hands. Many people have experienced the feeling that their hand is asleep at some point or another. Numbness and a pins-and-needles sensation are frequently brought on by sleeping in a posture that places pressure on your arm or hand, but it’s not the only possibility. It’s critical to stay alert to other symptoms because numb hands may indicate a more serious medical issue.
Causes For Waking Up With Numb Hands
One of the most common reasons is sleeping in a position that puts pressure on your arms or hands, resulting in decreased circulation and nerve compression. This can happen if you sleep with your arm bent underneath you, or if you have poor mattress support leading to too much pressure on certain parts of your body.
It can also be caused by repetitive motions of the wrist, such as typing on a computer or playing musical instruments or could be a result of other serious medical conditions. Let’s discuss the causes of hand numbness.
Wrong Posture
If you wake up with numb hands, it’s possible that your sleeping position put pressure on your hands. Sleeping on your arm, or hand, or in any posture that exerts pressure on a nerve might cause it. Numbness or pins and needles may be brought on by a brief blood flow interruption. Usually, simply shifting positions is sufficient to alleviate your discomfort.
Obesity
While difficulties from obesity or excess weight may not have directly caused your carpal tunnel syndrome, they can undoubtedly worsen its symptoms and/or contribute to the illness. For instance, many overweight individuals also deal with inflammatory diseases, diabetes, and hypertension, all of which can put unnecessary strain on the median nerve and worsen carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms.
Pregnancy
The physical changes you are going through and the hormones are what are causing the numbness and tingling in your hands. Your body’s release of the hormone relaxin during pregnancy and labor enables your ligaments to stretch. Because of this, the weight of the body may squeeze nearby nerves, causing numbness.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common cause of waking up with numb hands. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into your hand, becomes compressed within the carpal tunnel in your wrist. This compression can lead to tingling and numbness in the fingers and thumb, often waking people up during the night.
Peripheral Neuropathy
The peripheral nervous system is responsible for sending nerve signals back and forth between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. When these signals are disrupted, it’s called peripheral neuropathy, which has a variety of causes. The most common symptoms include numbness, tingling, or pain in the affected nerves.
Doctors will often order imaging tests to check if anything inside the body is putting pressure on the nerves. In some cases, they may also perform nerve tests such as electromyography or nerve conduction studies to identify faulty signals in muscles that could help confirm a diagnosis.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)
TOS refers to a group of disorders that occur when the nerves or blood vessels in your upper chest and neck area become irritated, compressed, or injured. Numbness and pain in your fingers, hand, and forearm are common symptoms of nerve compression. However, you may also experience pain in other parts of your neck, arm, shoulder, or hand.
Diabetes
According to the American Diabetes Association, “about half of all people with diabetes have some form of nerve damage.” This is a more common chronic issue among those that have had diabetes for multiple years. Validated research shows us that controlling blood sugar levels intricate might help prevent or defer major nerve complications.
Other medical conditions include:
- Vitamin B-2 Deficiency
- Ganglion Cyst
- HIV and AIDS
- Hypothyroidism
- Excessive alcohol use, etc
Numb Hands Treatment
If a person has numb hands when they awaken, they should seek help from a professional for a precise diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan, but they can first attempt several remedies at home to reduce the tingling.
Home Remedies
This may include physical therapy, splinting or bracing the affected area, stretching and hand exercises, and applying ice or heat to the affected area, which can provide temporary relief. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct any underlying conditions causing numbness in the hands. It’s important to address these issues as they could potentially worsen.
Medications
Medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin may relieve mild pain and inflammation in your hands, neck, and other body parts. Some topical medications like lidocaine patches or Biofreeze (a type of menthol) can also help reduce symptoms such as pain or tingling in the affected areas.
Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes can also improve symptoms and prevent them from recurring. This may include quitting smoking,
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Practicing proper ergonomics at work or during daily activities
It’s important to take care of your body to prevent future issues and maintain overall health.
Remember that waking up with numb hands can be a symptom of a larger issue. Therefore, it is important to consult with your doctor if the problem persists. Some common causes include carpal tunnel syndrome and sleeping in an awkward position.
Exercises For Numb Hands
Exercise for carpal tunnel syndrome includes:
- wrist stretches,
- squeezing a stress ball,
- finger stretches.
It is important to consult with a doctor or physical therapist before starting any exercise routine for numb hands to ensure proper technique and avoid aggravating the condition.
How To Prevent Numbness In Hand While Sleeping?
If you’re experiencing any numbness or abnormal sensations in your hands, it’s crucial to take measures for preventing the condition. This condition is caused by nerve compression from bent joints. Avoiding extended periods of this joint bending (such as when sleeping) can help serve as a form of prevention.
- By wearing a wrist splint while sleeping, you can help reduce the chances of numbing your hands upon waking. This is because the splint holds your joints immobilized in an ideal position that keeps the carpal tunnel as wide as possible. Consequently, this prevents peripheral nerves from getting pinched within the narrower confines of the tunnel. It also reduces the risks of experiencing tingling or numbness in your hands when you wake up.
- Using a towel around the joints can help keep them straight while you are asleep if you don’t have a wrist splint or brace handy. Simply wrap the joint with the towel (or kinesiology taping if you have it) to provide support.
When Should I Call A Doctor
You should seek immediate medical assistance if the numbness in your hands lasts for longer than a short period of time. It can indicate a severe medical condition.
Seeking quick care is especially crucial if your symptoms are accompanied by any of the following:
- Weakness
- Difficulties moving one or more body parts uncertainty
- Difficulty speaking eyesight loss
- Unexpected drowsiness, excruciating pain
- Other bodily regions become numb
- Paralysis
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Unsteady speech
- losing control of one’s bowels or bladder
- Rash
These are some warning signs that you should not avoid and seek immediate assistance. Otherwise, waking with numbing hands can be difficult to manage. So, do not forget to consult a doctor!
Conclusion
All in all, there are many reasons why you might wake up with numb hands. From sleeping in an uncomfortable position to more severe issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome or nerve damage. If the numbness doesn’t go away or if you have other symptoms too, it’s important to speak to a doctor.
They can help you and give you a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Your body is always giving you signs, so don’t ignore them! Reach out to a professional today!
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