What causes numbness in the hands during sleep?

Generally, hand numbness during sleep may be caused by improper sleeping posture, poor blood circulation, multiple sclerosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical spondylosis, or other conditions. Treatment options include general management and medication. If discomfort persists, it is recommended to seek timely medical care. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Improper Sleeping Posture

When the hand remains in an awkward position for a prolonged period—such as being compressed by a pillow or body weight—the nerves experience continuous pressure, affecting their normal conduction function and causing numbness. The sensation of numbness typically subsides gradually after adjusting the sleeping posture. It is recommended to modify sleeping habits and avoid prolonged compression of the hands.

2. Poor Blood Circulation

During sleep, the body is in a relaxed state and blood circulation slows down. If blood flow in the hands is impaired, insufficient nerve supply can lead to numbness. This is often noticeable upon waking in the morning and typically improves with movement. It is recommended to perform gentle hand massage before bedtime to promote blood circulation.

3. Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is primarily caused by a combination of autoimmune reactions, viral infections, and other factors. The immune system abnormally attacks the myelin sheath of nerves, disrupting nerve signal transmission and causing limb numbness. It may be accompanied by vision problems, muscle weakness, balance disorders, and other issues. It is recommended to use medications such as recombinant human interferon beta-1b for injection, glatiramer acetate injection, and dimethyl fumarate enteric-coated capsules under a doctor's guidance.

4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Excessive or repetitive wrist movements over a long period can cause inflammatory reactions in the transverse carpal ligament and surrounding tendon sheaths and tendons, which may affect the wrist nerves and lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms include hand weakness, numbness, pain, and possibly restricted wrist movement and soreness. It is recommended to use medications under a doctor's guidance.

5. Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis may result from degenerative changes in the cervical intervertebral discs or bone spurs in the cervical vertebrae, leading to compression of the cervical nerve roots. During sleep, improper posture or unsuitable pillow height may increase the burden on the cervical spine, leading to nerve edema and subsequent hand numbness. It may also be accompanied by neck and shoulder pain, dizziness, and other symptoms. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as diclofenac sodium enteric-coated tablets, prednisolone acetate tablets, and compound vitamin B tablets to alleviate symptoms.

It is also recommended to perform simple hand exercises regularly, such as making a fist, stretching, and rotating the wrists, which can help improve hand circulation and strengthen muscles.