What causes numbness in both hands during sleep?

Generally, numbness in both hands during sleep may be caused by improper sleeping posture, malnutrition, Raynaud's phenomenon, carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical spondylosis, or other factors. Symptomatic management such as general treatment or medication may be needed. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical advice and undergo corresponding treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Improper sleeping posture

If one maintains an incorrect posture for a prolonged period during sleep, such as having the arms compressed under the body or excessive wrist flexion, it may cause nerve compression, thereby affecting blood circulation and nerve signal transmission in the hands, leading to numbness. This may be accompanied by soreness in the arms or wrists. It is recommended to adjust sleeping posture timely and avoid compressing the arms.

2. Malnutrition

Nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin E, and minerals are essential for maintaining nerve health. Deficiencies in these nutrients may damage nerve tissues and affect nerve conduction, resulting in numbness in the hands, which may be accompanied by other symptoms of malnutrition, such as fatigue and weight loss. It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet and ensure adequate intake of vitamin B12, vitamin E, and minerals.

3. Raynaud's phenomenon

Raynaud's phenomenon is mainly triggered by cold exposure, emotional fluctuations, or autoimmune diseases. In Raynaud's phenomenon, small arteries overreact to cold or emotional stress, causing spasms, which impair circulation in the fingertips, leading to color changes and numbness in the fingers, with possible color variations in the hands. It is recommended to use medications such as nitroglycerin patches, amlodipine tablets, and prazosin hydrochloride tablets under medical supervision.

4. Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. If the wrist remains flexed for a prolonged period during sleep, it may increase the risk of nerve compression, leading to numbness and tingling in the hands, possibly accompanied by pain and swelling in the wrist. It is recommended to use medications such as diclofenac sodium enteric-coated tablets, prednisolone acetate tablets, and compound vitamin B tablets under medical guidance.

5. Cervical spondylosis

Chronic strain and degeneration of the cervical spine may lead to cervical spondylosis. Nerve root compression caused by cervical spondylosis can interfere with nerve signals traveling from the spinal cord to the hands, causing sensory abnormalities and numbness. It may also be accompanied by neck pain, shoulder and back pain, and weakness in the upper limbs. It is recommended to follow medical advice to use medications such as chlorzoxazone tablets, eperisone hydrochloride tablets, and naproxen sodium tablets to relieve symptoms.

It is recommended to slowly rotate the wrists before sleep and upon waking, followed by clenching and opening the fists repeatedly several times to promote hand circulation.