Khaberni - Hand numbness during sleep is a common symptom that can worry many, especially when it recurs or wakes a person from their sleep. This temporary feeling of pins or numbness is often due to simple causes, such as an incorrect sleeping position, but it can sometimes indicate health issues requiring attention. These causes range from temporary pressure on the nerves to more complex disorders, such as nerve damage, vitamin deficiencies, or underlying diseases, according to the "Health" site.
1. Sleeping posture is one of the most common causes of hand numbness. Sleeping with the hand or arm under the body or pillow, bending the elbows or wrists, or raising the arms above the head can put pressure on the nerves. This can also affect blood flow to the hands, causing numbness or a tingling sensation. This feeling typically disappears once the sleeping position is changed.
2. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which passes through the wrist, is compressed, often as a result of repetitive hand movements, pregnancy, or conditions causing swelling in the wrist or hand, such as arthritis. Hand numbness in the morning is one of its first signs, and as the condition progresses, sufferers may wake up at night due to pain and numbness. Other symptoms include:
- Weakness in the hand that makes it difficult to perform daily activities.
- Pain or tingling that extends from the hand up to the arm.
- A sensation similar to an electrical shock or burning in the hand.
3. Cervical spondylosis develops, also known as neck arthritis, as a result of aging and degeneration of discs and joints. This degeneration can lead to a narrowing of the spinal canal through which the nerves pass, putting pressure on its roots. When this happens, the person may feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands and fingers. Accompanying symptoms include:
- Headaches.
- Muscle spasms in the neck.
- Clicking sounds when moving the neck.
- Weakness in the hands or legs.
4. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord are damaged. It can lead to intermittent numbness and tingling in the hands or chronic nerve damage in some cases. Depending on the type of nerves affected, other symptoms may include:
- Loss of sensation in the hands or fingers.
- Sharp pain.
- Weakness or loss of fine motor skills.
5. Thoracic outlet syndrome occurs when the nerves or blood vessels between the collarbone and the first rib are compressed. Hand numbness is a prominent symptom of this condition. Other symptoms include:
- Changes in hand or finger color.
- Coldness in the hands.
- Swelling of the hands and fingers.
6. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to nerve disorders, especially in the hands and wrists, causing numbness. This may be accompanied by general weakness, fatigue, and difficulty in coordination. This deficiency can be compensated by eating foods rich in vitamin B12, such as fish, meat, eggs, dairy products, and fortified cereals, while severe cases may require the use of dietary supplements under medical supervision.
7. Ganglion cysts are benign (non-cancerous) lumps that may appear on a joint or tendon in the wrist or hand. This cyst may press on adjacent nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or discomfort in the hands and fingers.
8. Diabetes can lead to nerve damage, a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. This type of neuropathy often affects the hands and feet, causing numbness, tingling, and pain that worsens at night. Controlling blood sugar levels through an appropriate diet and medication such as insulin can help prevent these complications.
9. Side effects of medications such as chemotherapy drugs, heart and blood pressure medications, certain antibiotics, and epilepsy medications may cause nerve damage that leads to hand numbness during sleep. This condition may also occur with other symptoms such as:
- Loss of balance.
- Sensations of tingling or burning.
- General weakness.
In many cases, the numbness can be reduced by adjusting the dosage or stopping the medication under medical supervision, so it is always advised to consult a specialist about suitable treatment alternatives.
