Lifestyle Desk:- Sudden numbness in hands, tingling sensation in fingers or feeling like ants are walking in hands while sleeping at night is a common problem. Many times people ignore it considering it to be a wrong sleeping position. Actually, this can happen due to sleeping on the same side for a long time or due to pressure under the arm. However, if this problem occurs repeatedly or persists for a long time, it may also be a sign of some health problem. Let us know what could be the reasons for hand numbness at night and how it can be prevented.
wrong sleeping position
The most common reason for hand numbness at night can be wrong sleeping pattern. When you sleep with your arms under your head or have body weight on your arms for a long time, there can be pressure on the nerves. This may affect the blood flow in the hands and lead to numbness or tingling.
What to do – Do not keep your hands under the body while sleeping. Change your position and keep your hands in a comfortable position.
carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which there is pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. This may cause numbness, pain or tingling, especially in some parts of the thumb, index finger, middle finger and ring finger. Many people feel its symptoms more at night and may even lose sleep.
If you are facing such problems again and again, it is important to consult a doctor.
pressure on neck veins
Problems with the bones of the neck or surrounding discs can put pressure on the nerves going to the hands. In such a situation, tingling, numbness, pain or weakness may be felt in the hands. Some people also complain of pain in the neck and shoulders. If you experience persistent pain in the neck or weakness in the hands along with numbness in the hands, get a medical examination done.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 is essential for the normal functioning of nerves in the body. Due to its deficiency, symptoms like tingling, numbness and weakness may appear in the hands and legs. However, vitamin B12 deficiency cannot be diagnosed based on hand numbness alone. If needed, the doctor may advise blood tests.
Diabetes and nerve related problems
Diabetes can damage nerves if not controlled for a long time. This is called diabetic neuropathy. In this, burning, tingling, pain or numbness may be felt in the hands and feet. In addition, some other diseases and medications can also affect the nerves.
What to do to prevent hand numbness?
Do not keep your hands pressed under the body while sleeping.
Avoid sleeping with your wrist bent too much.
While using mobile or computer for a long time, take rest in between.
If you have diabetes, pay attention to controlling blood sugar. In case of frequent numbness, seek doctor's advice instead of taking medicines or vitamin supplements on your own.
When is it necessary to contact a doctor?
If numbness in hands occurs repeatedly, persists, pain increases or grip begins to weaken, get checked by a doctor. If there is sudden numbness of the hand along with bending of the face on one side, difficulty in speaking or weakness on one side of the body, then it can be a sign of stroke. In such a situation, seek emergency medical help immediately.