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Waking up to find your hand or arm has “fallen asleep” is usually nothing more than a mildly annoying experience. The most common reason for this sensation during sleep is pressure on a nerve in your arm. However, there are several underlying causes of this pressure, leading to numbness or tingling in your hands or arms upon waking.
The medical term for numbness caused by pressure on a nerve is paresthesia. Typically, sensation returns to the affected area once the pressure is relieved. However, if this occurs frequently or if sensation doesn’t return, it might indicate nerve damage or an underlying medical issue. Persistent numbness should be evaluated by a doctor.
Causes of Numbness in Hands or Arms at Night
- Sleeping in the Wrong Position
- Pressure on a nerve from sleeping with your arm under your head or body can cause numbness. Adjusting your sleeping posture can prevent this issue.
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- Repeated pressure on the ulnar nerve, often due to bending the elbow during sleep, can lead to numbness in the hand and fingers. Keeping your elbow straight or using supportive aids can help.
- “Saturday Night Palsy”
- This occurs when prolonged pressure on the radial nerve compresses it, often due to sleeping against a firm object after heavy alcohol consumption.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Pressure on the median nerve at the wrist can cause numbness in the hand, especially at night. Ice packs and wrist braces are helpful remedies.
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- Lack of B12 affects nerve health, leading to numbness or tingling in hands and feet.
- Diabetes
- Diabetic neuropathy can result in permanent nerve damage if not managed properly.
