What causes numbness in the arms during sleep?
Jan 23, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Introduction
In general, numbness in the arms during sleep may be caused by prolonged pressure, exposure to cold, Raynaud's phenomenon, multiple sclerosis, cervical spondylosis, or other related conditions. Symptomatic management typically involves general treatments and medication. It is recommended to perform arm-stretching exercises regularly in daily life, such as making circular movements with the arms or extending and clenching the fists, which can help strengthen muscles, improve blood circulation, and alleviate symptoms.
Generally, numbness in the arm during sleep may be caused by prolonged pressure, cold exposure, Raynaud's phenomenon, multiple sclerosis, cervical spondylosis, and other factors. Symptomatic management such as general treatment and medication may be needed. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended to receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Prolonged Pressure
If the body remains on one side for an extended period during sleep, one arm may experience prolonged pressure, leading to abnormal local blood circulation and ischemia, resulting in numbness. Symptoms typically improve once the pressure is relieved. Adjusting sleeping posture to avoid prolonged pressure on the arm is recommended. Massaging the affected area may help improve blood circulation.
2. Cold Exposure
Sleeping in a cold environment with the arm exposed to low temperatures may slow blood flow and cause insufficient blood supply, resulting in numbness, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as coldness and stiffness in the arm. It is recommended to keep the arm warm and increase the ambient sleeping temperature.
3. Raynaud's Phenomenon
Raynaud's phenomenon is primarily triggered by cold stimulation, emotional fluctuations, or autoimmune diseases. It involves an exaggerated response of peripheral blood vessels to cold or emotional stimuli, causing vascular spasms that impair blood circulation and lead to arm numbness. Symptoms may include pallor and cold sensation in the fingers. It is recommended to use medications such as nitroglycerin patches, amlodipine tablets, and prazosin hydrochloride tablets under medical guidance.
4. Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease primarily caused by immune responses, viral infections, genetic factors, and other combined influences. It may lead to inflammation and demyelination in the white matter regions of the central nervous system, impairing nerve signal transmission and causing arm numbness, often accompanied by symptoms such as visual disturbances and balance problems. It is recommended to follow medical advice to use medications such as recombinant human interferon beta-1b for injection, glatiramer acetate injection, and dimethyl fumarate enteric-coated capsules to alleviate symptoms.
5. Cervical Spondylosis
Chronic strain or degeneration of the cervical spine may lead to cervical spondylosis. This condition may cause herniated discs or bone spurs that compress nerve roots, disrupt nerve signal transmission, and cause arm numbness, often accompanied by symptoms such as neck pain and shoulder discomfort. It is recommended to use medications such as aceclofenac tablets, Jingfukang granules, and mecobalamin tablets under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.
It is also recommended to perform regular arm-stretching exercises, such as making arm circles and extending and clenching the arms, which can help strengthen muscles, improve circulation, and relieve symptoms.
