Why are my hands numb when I wake up?

Why are my hands numb when I wake up? We wake up with sleepy hands often due to pressure on the nerve endings in our hands when we sleep.

It can happen when we sleep on top of our arms. Also, when our hand is squeezed too tightly under the pillow.

It's common to wake up with numb hands, and there's usually no cause for alarm. In most cases, it's simply a matter of sleeping in an awkward position.

However, if the numbness persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it could signify a more severe condition. If you're concerned about your numb hands, consult your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

In the meantime, ensure you sleep on a comfortable mattress that provides adequate support.

A good night's sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, so don't neglect your bedding. Investing in a quality mattress can make all the difference in how you feel when you wake up each morning.

Next, I'll discuss this issue and why your hands might numb when you wake up.

Why are your hands numb when you wake up?

 Waking up with numb hands is nothing to worry about. It usually has a neurological origin. In many cases, a tingling sensation may occur from the forearm down to the hand.

This numbness and tingling sensation is called paresthesia and usually affects the arms, legs, and feet.

However, paresthesia can also be caused by an underlying medical condition, so if the numbness persists, it's best to consult a doctor. Rest assured, in most cases, paresthesia is harmless and will resolve independently.

You wake up with numb hands usually due to pressure on your hand's nerve endings during sleep. For example, it occurs when you sleep on top of your arm. Also, when your hand is pressed too tightly under the pillow.

Waking up with numb hands is not severe and usually goes away independently. However, if you experience numbness in your hands that lasts longer than a few minutes, you should see a doctor rule out other possible causes.

If you experience numbness in your hands every night, it is most likely due to poor sleeping posture. Once the pressure is relieved, you should be able to move your hands without any issues. However, if this happens every night, it is best to consult a doctor to rule out any severe conditions.

Causes of numbness on hands

You might feel numbness or tingling if you have pressure in your hand. Next, we will tell you what can cause your hands to feel numb when you wake up.

Lack of blood flow

Poor blood circulation in the hands is one of the most common reasons for tingling, cramping, or numbness. That often happens when we fall asleep with our arms on top of our body, which reduces blood flow and causes these symptoms.  

Migraines

People who suffer from migraines sometimes experience a tingling sensation in the face and pain in the hands or legs.

The pain can be so intense that it leads to loss of mobility in the affected area. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivities to light and sound.

Some people also experience an aura, which are visual disturbances that can last for up to an hour before the migraine begins.

While there is no cure for migraines, many people find relief with over-the-counter or prescription medications.

Some lifestyle changes, such as getting enough sleep, managing stress, and avoiding trigger foods, can also help lessen migraines' frequency and severity.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a disease that damages the median nerve, which can cause repetitive movements of the fingers.

The ligaments pass through the narrow channel of the carpal tunnel, and it tends to become inflamed.

If the pressure in the carpal tunnel nerve increases, it will cause pain that extends from the wrist to the finger and a sensation of numbness in the hand.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition affecting millions of Americans annually.

Despite its prevalence, there is still no definitive cure for the condition. However, various treatments can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

If you think you may suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, you must see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is one of the most common diseases that cause numbness in the hands and arms. It is a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, making them narrow and hard.

That can restrict blood flow, causing numbness and tingling in the extremities. 

Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is essential to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

That means eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. It is also essential to be physically active and to reduce stress.

Smoking and drinking alcohol can also increase the risk of atherosclerosis, so it is best to avoid these habits.

Fluid retention

Fluid retention, also known as edema, can cause the hands to feel numb and tingly.

Edema is often related to a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet. When fluid builds up in the tissues, it can cause discomfort and swelling.

In some cases, the hands may feel numb and tingly due to the pressure of the fluid.

If you suspect that you have edema, it is essential to see your doctor so that they can rule out other potential causes.

Vitamin B deficiency and poor diet

Vitamin B deficiency can lead to deficiencies of certain nutrients, which can make the body feel tired upon awakening or relaxation, causing lethargy and overloading legs and hands.

A poor diet can also lead to deficiencies of certain nutrients, making the body feel tired upon awakening or relaxation, causing lethargy and overloading legs and hands.

Therefore, eating a balanced diet and taking supplements, if necessary, is essential to ensure you get all the nutrients your body needs.

Hands overuse

The overuse of our hands can cause a lot of pain and cramping. That is especially true for those who work on the computer all day or play video games.

The repetitive motions can cause our muscles to tighten up, and the constant pressure can cause our nerves to become inflamed. As a result, we may wake up at night with our hands feeling numb or tingling.

If this is a frequent occurrence, it is vital to see a doctor to rule out any severe medical conditions.

However, we can also do simple things to reduce the strain on our hands, such as stretching and taking breaks throughout the day.

These precautions can help prevent our hands' overuse from causing numbness or pain.

Neck problems

And finally, this hands numbness can also be due to neck problems. If your hand does not receive the necessary signal to wake up, it is normal to feel numbness.

Are there any exercises that can help relieve the numbness?

Several exercises can help to relieve numbness.

• One is to massage the affected area with your fingertips or fingertips gently. This massage will help to stimulate blood flow and improve circulation.
• Another is to flex and extend your joints. This exercise will help to stretch the muscles and improve the range of motion.
• Finally, staying active and avoiding sitting or standing in one position for long periods is essential.

By following these simple steps, you can help to reduce the numbness and improve your overall health.

How can you prevent hand numbness from occurring in the future?

If you experience hand numbness, there are several things you can do to prevent it from occurring in the future.

• First, make sure to wear gloves when exposed to cold temperatures. That will help to keep your hands warm and improve circulation.
• Second, take regular breaks from activities that require repetitive hand motions. That will give your muscles a chance to rest and reduce the risk of inflammation.
• Finally, Stretch your hands and fingers regularly to improve flexibility and prevent stiffness.

These precautions can help prevent hand numbness and keep your hands healthy and functional.

The bottom line

If you're experiencing numbness in your hands, it could signify something is wrong.

In most cases, numbness is caused by compression of the nerves and can be treated with conservative methods like rest, ice, and elevation.

However, if the numbness persists or worsens, it's essential to see a doctor immediately. Please read our articles to learn more about hand numbness and other symptoms. Thanks for reading!

DISCLAIMER: buildyourbody.org does not provide medical advice, examination, or diagnosis.

Medically reviewed and approved by Nataniel Josue M D.