Causes of Numbness in Hands While Sleeping
There are many potential causes of numbness in hands while sleeping. One common cause is carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a condition that occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This can lead to numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the hands and fingers. Other potential causes of numbness in the hands while sleeping include nerve damage, multiple sclerosis, and muscle weakness. If you experience any numbness in your hands while sleeping, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any serious underlying causes.
Risk Factors for Numbness in Hands While Sleeping
There are a few different things that can cause numbness in hands while sleeping. One is nerve compression. This can happen when the wrist is bent for an extended period of time, such as when you sleep with your hands under your pillow. This can put pressure on the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This can cause the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, including numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers.
Another cause of numbness in hands while sleeping is simply poor circulation. This can happen if you sleep in a position that cuts off circulation to your hands, such as with your hands under your pillow or with your arms crossed. This can cause the hands to fall asleep and can lead to numbness.
If you have diabetes, you may also be at risk for numbness in hands while sleeping. This is because diabetes can cause damage to the nerves, which can lead to numbness and tingling.
If you have any of these risk factors for numbness in hands while sleeping, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can help you find the cause of your symptoms and can develop a treatment plan to help you find relief.
Treatment Options for Numbness in Hands While Sleeping
There are several options for treating numbness in hands while sleeping. If you have hand numbness, the first thing you should do is see a doctor to rule out any serious underlying conditions. If your hand numbness is caused by carpal tunnel syndrome, there are a few different treatment options available.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in the wrist. The median nerve controls movement and sensation in the thumb and first three fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome is often caused by repetitive motions of the wrist and hand, such as typing or using a mouse.
There are a few different treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome. The first line of treatment is usually conservative, meaning it does not involve surgery. Conservative treatment options include splinting the wrist, wearing a wrist brace, and taking breaks from activities that aggravate the symptoms.
If conservative treatment options do not relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, there are a few surgical options available. One surgical option is called open carpal tunnel release. This surgery involves making an incision in the palm of the hand and cutting the ligament that is compressing the median nerve.
Another surgical option is called endoscopic carpal tunnel release. This surgery is less invasive than open carpal tunnel release, as it does not involve making an incision in the palm of the hand. Instead, a small camera is inserted into the wrist through a tiny incision. The surgeon then uses special instruments to release the ligament that is compressing the median nerve.
After surgery, patients typically need to wear a splint for a few weeks and may need physical therapy to regain full use of their hand.
If you are experiencing hand numbness, talk to your doctor to see if carpal tunnel syndrome is the cause. If so, there are a few different treatment options available, both conservative and surgical.
Prevention of Numbness in Hands While Sleeping
If you experience numbness in your hands while you sleep, it is important to take measures to prevent the condition from worsening. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common cause of numbness in the hands and wrists, and can be aggravated by sleeping with your hands in an awkward position. Here are some tips to prevent numbness in your hands while you sleep:
1. Use a pillow to support your wrists and hands. This will help keep them in a neutral position and reduce pressure on the nerves.
2. Avoid sleeping on your stomach. This can cause your wrists and hands to bend awkwardly and put pressure on the nerves.
3. Sleep on your back or side. This will help keep your wrists and hands in a more natural position.
4. Stretch your wrists and hands before bed. This will help reduce stiffness and improve blood circulation.
5. Wear a splint at night. This will hold your wrists and hands in a neutral position and help prevent pressure on the nerves.