Understanding and Treating Numbness in Hands While Sleeping

Understanding Numbness in Hands While Sleeping

Waking up to numbness or tingling in your hands can be alarming. However, there are several potential causes for this common problem.

What Causes Hands to Go Numb While Sleeping?

There are a few possible explanations for numbness in the hands during sleep:

• Sleep position - Sleeping with your hands above your head or under your pillow can compress nerves and restrict blood flow. This compression can lead to temporary numbness or pins and needles sensations upon waking.

• Nerve compression disorders - Carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome may cause numbness or tingling in the hands at night. These conditions involve compression of major nerves leading to the hands.

• Cervical spine disorders - Injury, arthritis, or disc problems in the neck can irritate spinal nerves that connect to the arms and hands. This is another common cause of hand numbness.

• Medical conditions - Some examples include rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Raynauds phenomenon, vitamin B12 deficiency, hypothyroidism, and multiple sclerosis.

Managing Positional Numbness in Hands

If sleeping with your hands over your head or resting on them is causing numbness, try these solutions:

• Use a pillow between your arms to prevent sleeping directly on your hands.

• Avoid sleeping in positions that compress your wrist or elbow.

• Consider using a larger pillow or placing a small pillow under your mid-back to avoid hyperextending the arms.

• Place a soft pillow under your forearms to keep them supported in a neutral position.

Seeking Treatment for Persistent Hand Numbness

If sleeping position changes do not resolve your symptoms, consult your doctor, who may recommend:

• Imaging tests - X-rays, MRI, or nerve conduction studies can help diagnose compressed nerves or spinal issues.

• Blood tests - These can help identify medical conditions like vitamin deficiencies or rheumatoid arthritis.

• Medications - Oral steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or neuropathic medications may provide relief.

• Nerve compression treatment - Surgery, braces, injections, or therapy are used for carpal or cubital tunnel syndrome.

• Lifestyle changes - Losing weight, managing diabetes, quitting smoking, and physiotherapy exercises can help in some cases.

When to See a Doctor

Consult your physician promptly if you experience:

• Frequent or persistent hand numbness not relieved by position changes

• Hand numbness combined with weakness, muscle wasting, or constant pain

• Loss of coordination in the hands or problems grasping objects

• Hand numbness after injury or traumatic impact to the neck, shoulders, elbows, or wrists

• Color changes like paleness or purplish skin in the hands

Seek emergency care if hand numbness occurs with chest pain or difficulty breathing.

Diagnosing Underlying Conditions

To determine the exact cause of hand numbness while sleeping, the doctor will:

• Ask about medical history and risk factors

• Conduct a physical exam of the neck, shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, and hands

• Order blood tests to assess diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, and more

• Use imaging tests like x-rays or MRI scans to visualize the cervical spine and nerve compression

• Arrange nerve conduction studies to measure how well nerves transmit signals

Common Conditions That Cause Hand Numbness While Sleeping

Some specific problems that can lead to numb hands at night include:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - The median nerve gets compressed at the wrist, causing numbness, tingling, and pain in the thumb, index, middle finger, and half of the ring finger.

• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome - The ulnar nerve gets compressed at the elbow, leading to numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers.

• Radiculopathy - Irritation of cervical nerve roots exiting the spinal cord can cause numbness from the shoulder to the hands.

• Diabetic Neuropathy - Nerve damage from high blood sugar levels leads to burning, numbness, and pain, usually in both hands.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis - Inflammation puts pressure on nerves and tendons, causing wrist numbness and finger joint pain.

Treatment Options for Numbness and Tingling in Hands

Treatments will depend on the diagnosed cause but may include:

• Wrist Splints - Braces keep the wrist in a neutral position, relieving pressure on compressed nerves.

• NSAIDS - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen reduce inflammation.

• Steroid Injections - Powerful anti-inflammatories injected directly around irritated nerves.

• Surgery - Severe carpal or cubital tunnel syndrome may need release procedures to decompress nerves.

• Physical Therapy - Stretching, strengthening exercises, and modalities help restore range of motion and function.

Coping with Ongoing Hand Numbness and Tingling

If your symptoms do not fully resolve with treatment, try these self-care coping strategies:

• Take frequent movement breaks if typing causes increased numbness.

• Use wrist rests and ergonomic keyboards when working at the computer.

• Wear fingerless gloves to bed to keep hands warm and improve circulation.

• Gently rub and massage your hands to stimulate blood flow.

• Avoid caffeine, smoking, and cold weather exposure which can worsen symptoms.

Learning to live with chronic nerve-related hand numbness can be challenging. Joining support groups, prioritizing rest, minimizing stress, and focusing on aspects of life you can control will make the symptoms more bearable.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.