What causes numbness on the back of the hand during sleep?

Mar 19, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lv Zhiqin

Introduction

In general, numbness in the back of the hand during sleep may be caused by improper sleeping posture, prolonged repetitive hand movements, carpal tunnel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, cervical spondylosis, or other related conditions. Symptomatic management may involve general treatments, medications, and other approaches. It is recommended to perform simple hand exercises, such as stretching the hand muscles and joints, before bedtime and after waking up, which can help promote blood circulation.

Generally, hand numbness during sleep may be caused by improper sleeping posture, prolonged repetitive hand movements, carpal tunnel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, cervical spondylosis, and other factors. Symptomatic management such as general treatment and medication may be needed. If symptoms are severe, timely medical consultation and following medical advice for treatment are recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Improper Sleeping Posture

During sleep, maintaining the same posture for a prolonged period, especially when compressing the hand or arm, may affect local blood circulation and cause numbness in the back of the hand. Usually, no other symptoms are present, and symptoms can be quickly relieved by changing posture. It is recommended to perform appropriate hand exercises to promote blood circulation and alleviate the numbness.

2. Prolonged Repetitive Hand Movements

Engaging in extensive hand activities during the day, such as typing or playing musical instruments, can lead to hand muscle fatigue and tension, which may compress nerves, especially the ulnar and median nerves, causing hand numbness during sleep. Symptoms such as reduced hand strength and decreased finger flexibility may also occur. It is recommended to take regular breaks and perform hand massages, which can help alleviate hand numbness during sleep.

3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a nerve compression disorder caused by pressure on the median nerve within the wrist's carpal tunnel, which obstructs nerve conduction. During sleep, blood flow slows down, and wrist volume increases, further exacerbating nerve compression, leading to numbness in the back of the hand. Symptoms such as wrist pain and weakness may also be present. It is recommended to take anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, and celecoxib capsules under medical guidance.

4. Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is primarily caused by the combined effects of autoimmune responses, viral infections, and other factors. In multiple sclerosis, the myelin sheath of the central nervous system is damaged, affecting nerve signal transmission and causing sensory abnormalities. Hand numbness during sleep may also occur, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as blurred vision, limb weakness, and balance disorders. It is recommended to use medications such as glatiramer acetate injection, dimethyl fumarate enteric-coated capsules, and teriflunomide tablets under medical guidance for treatment.

5. Cervical Spondylosis

Poor sitting posture over a long period or constantly looking down at electronic devices may trigger cervical spondylosis. Protruding cervical intervertebral discs or bone overgrowths may compress the nerve roots that control the hands, causing hand numbness during sleep. Symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, and dizziness may also be present. It is recommended to follow medical advice and take neurotrophic medications such as mecobalamin tablets, oryzanol tablets, and vitamin B1 tablets for symptom relief.

It is recommended to perform simple hand exercises before sleep and after waking up, such as stretching hand muscles and joints, which can help promote blood circulation.

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What illness does it indicate when the left hand becomes numb during sleep?

There is generally no such saying as "left hand numbness during sleep is a symptom of a specific disease." Left hand numbness during sleep may be caused by improper sleeping posture, cervical spondylosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, insufficient cerebral blood supply, and other reasons. Management should be based on the specific situation. If left hand numbness occurs frequently during sleep and persists without relief, or is accompanied by other uncomfortable symptoms, timely medical attention is recommended.

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What causes numbness in the hands during sleep?

Under normal circumstances, hand numbness during sleep may be caused by improper sleeping posture, prolonged pressure on the arm, carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical spondylosis, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, or other similar causes. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, one should avoid prolonged periods of bending the head forward or working at a desk, and should regularly exercise the neck, shoulders, and arms to relieve muscle tension.