What causes numbness of the lips during sleep at night, and what should be done about it?
Jun 06, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
Numbness of the lips during sleep at night may be caused by physiological factors, or pathological conditions such as allergies or trigeminal neuralgia, and treatment should be targeted according to the specific cause. In addition to the relatively common causes mentioned above, other possible causes include acute cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, and stroke. If any discomfort symptoms occur, prompt medical evaluation and timely treatment are recommended.
Numbness of the lips during sleep at night may be caused by physiological factors, or by pathological factors such as allergies or trigeminal neuralgia. Targeted treatment should be provided according to the specific cause. The detailed analysis is as follows:
I. Physiological Factors
If large amounts of spicy or irritating foods are consumed before bedtime, capsaicin stimulation may lead to a sensation of lip numbness during sleep. This is usually not accompanied by other discomfort and generally does not require special treatment.
II. Pathological Factors
1. Allergy
If the lips come into contact with allergens such as pollen or dust mites during sleep, an allergic reaction may occur, typically manifesting as lip numbness, facial swelling, and skin redness. Symptoms can be relieved by taking medications such as loratadine tablets or levocetirizine hydrochloride tablets as directed by a physician.
2. Trigeminal Neuralgia
Sensation in the lips is innervated by the trigeminal nerve. When a patient has trigeminal neuralgia, sensory and autonomic dysfunction in the affected nerve area may occur, potentially leading to the aforementioned symptoms. Relief may be achieved by taking vitamin B6 tablets, vitamin B12 tablets, or other medications as prescribed by a doctor.
In addition to the above relatively common causes, other conditions such as acute cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, or stroke may also be responsible. If any discomfort occurs, prompt medical evaluation and timely treatment are essential to avoid delays in managing the underlying condition.
