What causes numbness in the hands during sleep at night?
Disease description:
I've been having a tingling sensation in my hands while sleeping at night these days, which is particularly uncomfortable. I would like to know the reason why hands become numb during sleep.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Huang Shichang
Hand numbness during sleep at night may be caused by various factors. A common situation is incorrect sleeping posture, such as prolonged pressure on the arms, which can cause temporary nerve compression, medically termed "peripheral nerve compression." In addition, cervical spine problems, such as cervical spondylosis, may also affect nerve pathways, leading to hand numbness and tingling sensations. Long-term computer use or repetitive hand movements may also cause chronic pressure injuries.
Hand numbness may also be associated with certain systemic diseases, such as diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, or nutritional deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B12 deficiency). In rare cases, hand numbness might be an early symptom of more serious conditions such as stroke or multiple sclerosis.
To alleviate this condition, one can try improving sleeping posture, avoiding prolonged pressure on the arms, and performing regular neck and shoulder stretching exercises.
