What causes numbness in the hands during sleep?

Hand numbness during sleep may be caused by improper sleeping posture, prolonged arm compression, carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical spondylosis, or peripheral neuritis. It can be improved by adjusting sleeping position, moving the arms, or medical treatment. If hand numbness occurs frequently or is accompanied by pain or weakness, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Improper sleeping posture: Long-term compression of the arm during sleep can obstruct blood circulation, leading to insufficient blood supply and numbness in the hand. Symptoms usually ease after getting up and moving. It is recommended to adjust your sleeping position, avoid prolonged side-lying that compresses one arm, and instead choose supine (back) sleeping or alternate sides.

2. Prolonged arm compression: Placing the arms improperly before sleep—such as under the body or kept in a bent position for too long—can impair nerve conduction and cause hand numbness. It is advised to position the arms naturally extended before sleep and to move them upon waking to promote blood circulation.

3. Carpal tunnel syndrome: Chronic wrist strain increases pressure within the carpal tunnel, compressing the median nerve. Bending the wrist during sleep worsens this compression, causing hand numbness along with finger pain and weakness. Under medical guidance, medications such as mecobalamin tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, or prednisolone acetate injection may be used to relieve symptoms.

4. Cervical spondylosis: Herniated cervical discs can compress nerve roots, and poor neck posture during sleep may aggravate this compression, resulting in hand numbness accompanied by neck and shoulder pain or radiating arm pain. Under medical supervision, medications such as Jingfukang granules, celecoxib capsules, or vitamin B1 tablets may help alleviate symptoms.

5. Peripheral neuritis: Damage to peripheral nerves due to nutritional deficiencies, infection, or other causes can worsen during sleep when circulation slows, leading to hand numbness accompanied by reduced sensation, tingling, or burning in the hands and feet. Follow medical advice to use medications such as vitamin B6 tablets, mecobalamin injection, or gabapentin capsules to improve symptoms.

Daily care includes maintaining proper sitting and standing posture, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, performing moderate neck and wrist exercises, keeping hands warm, and consuming foods rich in vitamins to support nerve health and circulation.