What causes numbness in both hands in the morning?
Sep 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Shichang
Introduction
In general, morning numbness in both hands may be caused by poor sleep quality, cervical spondylosis, nerve compression syndrome, diabetes, cerebral infarction, or other reasons. Frequently experiencing poor sleep at night—such as excessive dreaming, easy awakening, frequent changes in sleeping posture, or having the hands compressed under the body—can lead to soreness and numbness in both hands upon waking the next day. In such cases, it is essential to promptly adjust sleep habits under a doctor's guidance.
Generally, morning numbness in both hands may be caused by poor sleep quality, cervical spondylosis, nerve compression syndrome, diabetes, cerebral infarction, and other reasons. The specific causes are as follows:
1. Poor Sleep Quality: Frequently experiencing poor sleep at night, such as vivid dreams, easy awakening, changing sleeping positions, or placing the hands under the body while sleeping, may lead to soreness and numbness in both hands upon waking the next day. In such cases, it is important to adjust sleep habits promptly under a doctor's guidance, maintain proper sleeping posture, and develop healthy routines.
2. Cervical Spondylosis: Caused by prolonged periods of looking down, frequent exposure to electronic screens, or occupational injuries, cervical spondylosis can cause varying degrees of numbness and soreness in the shoulders, arms, wrists, and hands. Patients should undergo rehabilitation therapy under medical supervision. Treatments such as moxibustion or acupuncture may be helpful, targeting common acupoints like Jianjing (GB21), Fengchi (GB20), and Quchi (LI11). Additionally, patients should cultivate healthy lifestyle habits and avoid excessive fatigue.
3. Nerve Compression Syndrome: This condition, resulting from chronic inflammatory nerve injury, bone or joint trauma, ligament damage, or rheumatoid arthritis, may lead to symptoms such as muscle atrophy, lack of coordination, and radiating pain in certain parts of the limbs. Conservative treatment is typically recommended; however, severe cases may require surgical decompression of bone or fibrous passages under a doctor’s guidance.
4. Diabetes: Diabetes caused by improper diet or unstable blood glucose levels may lead to peripheral neuritis with varying severity. Patients should manage their diet appropriately under medical advice, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and follow prescribed medications such as dapagliflozin or metformin as directed by their physician.
5. Cerebral Infarction: Onset of cerebral infarction is often sudden. If a patient develops symptoms abruptly in the morning, they may experience localized numbness in the body. Such patients must be sent to the hospital immediately for emergency treatment.
In summary, the causes of the above symptoms are diverse. Patients should seek appropriate diagnosis and treatment under the guidance of a healthcare professional and avoid self-medicating blindly.
