The Causes Of Numbness In The Hands During Sleep
We are sleeping and, in the middle of our rest, we suddenly wake up due to numbness in the hands or fingers.
Other times, when we open our eyes, we have the feeling that someone has come in the night to cut our ends.
Why is this feeling of numbness in the hands due ? Read on to find out more!
Numbness of the hands
Cramps and numbness in the hands are unpleasant sensations when we sleep and at any other time of the day.
If it happens from time to time it’s not a problem, but if it becomes a rule rather than an exception, perhaps you need to pay more attention to these symptoms.
The two sensations can affect any part of the body, although the most frequent areas are the extremities: hands, feet, arms and legs.
The most frequent symptoms are tingling and the sensation of pricks, as if we were being stabbed with dozens of needles or pins. Some people also complain of burning.
The main causes of numbness in the hands while we are sleeping or lying down are:
- Staying in the same position for a long time (sleeping without moving).
- A slight injury to the hands (for example, a bump suffered during the day).
- Neck injury affecting the fingers, hands and arms.
- Daily activities that involve flexing and extending the wrist, such as making an effort or manipulating tools that vibrate or exert pressure.
- Water retention (mainly due to menopause, pregnancy or being overweight).
- Vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Use of certain drugs.
- Damage or pressure to a nerve in the hand or wrist.
Damage to the wrist and numbness of the hands
About 3% of the population feel they have one or both hands asleep at night, at least once a week.
There are those who go to the doctor for a complete diagnosis and those who, on the other hand, consider it “normal” until the discomfort increases and decide to consult a specialist.
When there is damage to the wrist, not only numbness in the hands and night cramps can occur, but also a lack of strength in grasping or lifting certain objects or great pain in making certain movements.
For example, things fall out of your hands or you lack flexibility in doing everyday activities. If this problem is not treated in time, over the years, it can lead to a lack of sensitivity.
In order to know if the problem of hands falling asleep at night is a consequence of a nerve disorder, it is necessary to consult a doctor. It is also important to know the exact area where you are experiencing pain or discomfort.
The fingers that are most affected by cramps or that become numb during the night only the thumb, index and middle finger.
If these are the symptoms, the problem has a name and there is a lot of data and research about it: it is called carpal tunnel syndrome , also known as “secretary syndrome”.
In medical terms, the definition is that of peripheral neuropathy that develops when the median nerve (which runs from the forearm to the hand) is under pressure.
The wrist nerve is responsible for the sensitivity and movement of the hand and fingers. When compressed it generates various symptoms, including numbness in the area in question.
Why does it happen when we sleep?
Sometimes people with carpal tunnel syndrome experience numbness in the hands at any time of the day, but these get worse at bedtime.
This is because the nerve has been working for several hours and, when it tries to “rest”, it strains.
If the symptoms involve the ring and little fingers, then the problem is ulnar nerve pressure, particularly in the elbow area. For example, if you have an accident and fall on your elbow, you will feel a kind of “electricity” in that area.
This nerve is responsible for moving the area between the collarbone and the first rib. Blood vessels also come into play and for this reason numbness is worth analyzing thoroughly.
Usually it is a congenital problem, the consequence of repetitive movements (for example, when playing tennis) or the habit of keeping the shoulders forward.
What to do when your hands fall asleep?
If you experience symptoms of numbness in the hands, pain, heat, tingling, especially during the night, there is a great possibility that it is carpal tunnel syndrome or an ulnar nerve problem.
In both cases, we recommend that you go to your doctor for a thorough examination.
Over time, if the pain is left untreated, it will become unbearable and present itself throughout the day as well.
The risk of suffering from these problems is greater in women, due to the activities they carry out every day (both at home and outside).
The inability to distinguish between hot and cold is itself a serious consequence, as is atrophy at the base of the thumb.
However, in order not to go to these extremes, we recommend some basic exercises that aim to rest the carpal tunnel so that it is not too tight.
- Just take a small rubber ball in the palm of your hand (found in toy or pet supply stores).
- Close your fingers around the ball and squeeze lightly.
- Repeat the exercise several times, maintaining the pressure before returning to the starting position.
Try to do this exercise at least once a day.
You can take advantage of the “downtime” of the day, such as when you are on the bus or subway to go to work or home, in line at the bank or supermarket or while you are waiting for your child to leave school.
Also take advantage of the moments when you are watching a movie, reading a book or taking a hot bath. The important thing is to do this exercise every day for a few minutes.
The nerve will strengthen and you will immediately notice that the feeling of hands falling asleep during the night will decrease.
