What causes numbness in the hands during sleep at night?

Generally, hand numbness during sleep at night may be caused by improper sleeping posture, prolonged use of electronic devices, cervical spondylosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other reasons. Symptomatic treatment such as general therapy and medication may be needed. If symptoms are severe, timely medical consultation and examination are recommended for targeted treatment. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Improper Sleeping Posture

During nighttime sleep, if the arm is compressed or held in an awkward position for a prolonged period, it may lead to poor local blood circulation and nerve compression, thereby causing hand numbness, which may be accompanied by sensations of arm soreness and discomfort. This numbness typically improves after changing positions or engaging in physical activity.

2. Prolonged Use of Electronic Devices

Extended daytime use of electronic devices such as computers and mobile phones may cause fatigue in the wrist and arm muscles, making hand numbness more likely to occur during sleep, potentially accompanied by wrist or arm pain and weakness. It is recommended to take regular breaks, reduce continuous use of electronic devices, and perform appropriate wrist and arm stretching exercises.

3. Cervical Spondylosis

Long-term cervical strain and degeneration may lead to cervical spondylosis, where herniated intervertebral discs or bone spurs compress nerve roots, affecting nerve conduction from the neck to the arms, resulting in hand numbness. Improper neck posture during sleep may exacerbate nerve compression, causing hand numbness, which may be accompanied by neck pain, shoulder stiffness, and arm weakness. It is recommended to use medications such as chlorzoxazone tablets, eperisone hydrochloride tablets, and naproxen sodium tablets as directed by a physician to alleviate symptoms.

4. Raynaud's Phenomenon

Raynaud's phenomenon is primarily triggered by cold exposure, emotional fluctuations, and autoimmune diseases. When exposed to cold or during emotional excitement, excessive constriction of the blood vessels in the fingers may lead to hand numbness, possibly accompanied by pallor, cyanosis, and pain in the fingers. It is recommended to use medications such as nitroglycerin patches, amlodipine tablets, and prazosin hydrochloride tablets under medical guidance for treatment.

5. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. It mainly presents as numbness in the wrist and the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. Symptoms may worsen during sleep due to improper wrist positioning or pressure, and may also be accompanied by hand weakness and pain. It is recommended to use medications such as compound betamethasone injection, lidocaine hydrochloride injection, and mecobalamin tablets as directed by a physician to alleviate symptoms.

In daily life, it is advisable to maintain good sleep habits and avoid local pressure. Additionally, maintaining a regular schedule and engaging in moderate exercise can help reduce the occurrence of discomfort symptoms.

References

[1] Ma Qianzu. Why Does the Hand Feel Like It's Been Pricked After Numbness [J]. Reading, 2022, (86): 48.

[2] Disease Signals Caused by Hand Numbness [J]. People's Political Arena, 2023, (02): 48.