What illness might tingling in the head during sleep be a precursor to?

May 15, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
In general, numbness in the head during sleep may be an early sign of conditions such as low blood pressure, anemia, or cervical spondylosis. When sleeping, the head bears the weight of the body; if it remains in a compressed position for a prolonged period, it may impair blood circulation to the head, leading to oxygen and blood deficiency in the scalp, thereby causing numbness. Adjusting sleeping posture appropriately may help alleviate the issue.

Generally, numbness in the head during sleep may be an early sign of conditions such as hypotension, anemia, or cervical spondylosis. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Hypotension

Patients who have undergone surgery may experience reduced circulating blood volume and blood concentration, leading to insufficient cerebral blood supply, which can result in numbness in the head. Under a doctor's guidance, patients may take medications such as ephedrine hydrochloride and diphenhydramine tablets or prednisone acetate tablets for treatment.

2. Anemia

Anemia typically refers to an abnormally low number of red blood cells in the bloodstream, resulting in inadequate oxygen and blood supply to tissues and organs. During sleep, when blood flow fails to meet the normal demands of the head, it may cause localized numbness, headaches, and a sensation of head fullness. Patients may follow medical advice to take medications such as Ejiao Blood Tonic Granules or Wujibai Feng Pills.

3. Cervical Spondylosis

Long-term strain on the cervical spine may lead to degenerative changes. If nerves around the cervical spine are compressed during sleep, it can easily cause symptoms such as limb numbness, stiffness, and pain in the neck and back. In severe cases, scalp numbness may also occur. Patients may follow medical instructions to take medications like indomethacin capsules or acetaminophen tablets to relieve symptoms.

In addition to the above relatively common causes, numbness may also be associated with conditions such as cerebral arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes. If patients experience other discomforts, they should promptly visit a hospital for relevant examinations and receive appropriate, targeted treatments under medical guidance.