What Makes Your Arms Go Numb At Night?
When one or both arms seem to fall asleep, it may feel as if they are numb or as if the person has pins and needles. The medical term for this feeling is 'paresthesia.' Several reasons can be held accountable for this issue. Some are benign, and others require treatment.
At any time of the day or night, the arms can feel like they are going numb. If a person experiences this sensation often at night, some specific underlying issues might be responsible. This article will let you know what can cause your arms to fall asleep at night, and how to prevent this sensation.
What is Paresthesia?
The US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke describes paresthesia as a "tingling or burning sensation", which most commonly occurs in the hands, feet, or limbs.
What Causes Parethesia?
Most people experience intermittent, brief episodes of paresthesia. Often a person's posture is the cause. For example, the arm may go numb because someone is lying in a position that exerts pressure on a nerve in the limb. Positional paresthesia is harmless and usually occurs when a nerve is under persistent pressure. The feeling should disappear after a person changes position.
The following medical conditions can also cause paresthesia in the arms:
- Peripheral Neuropathy: If you have diabetes and experience paresthesia regularly, nerve damage can be the reason because diabetic patients are at risk of nerve damage. This is termed diabetic peripheral neuropathy and is caused by consistently elevated blood sugar levels. Diabetic neuropathy usually causes tingling and numbness in the feet and legs, but it can also affect the arms and hands. It is estimated that more than 20 million people in the US have some form of peripheral neuropathy.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: If numbness or tingling affects your hands as well, it may be caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. This occurs when the median nerve is pinched or compressed. It can be triggered if you repeatedly perform the same action, such as typing on the keyboard or working on the machine.
- Vitamin B Deficiency: Vitamin B deficiency can lead to many health issues, such as anemia and tingling sensation in the extremities. This tingling sensation is often mistaken as the arm falling asleep. People at risk for developing a B vitamin deficiency include:
- Old people
- Vegetarians
- Patients with pernicious anemia
- People with high alcohol consumption
- Multiple Sclerosis or Stroke:
Conditions that affect the central nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis and stroke, can also result in paresthesia. Tumors or abnormal cell growth, especially those in the spine or brain, can also trigger this condition.
How To Prevent Paresthesia?
It is possible to prevent problems that cause paresthesia in the arms at night. For example,
- Sleeping Posture: Changing your sleeping position is usually enough to relieve your symptoms.
- Exercise: If a person is at risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, wearing a brace or doing exercises can increase your strength.
- Vitamin B-12: If vitamin B deficiency causes your arms to go numb, your doctor may prescribe dietary supplements or recommend dietary changes.
- Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen can help with mild pain and inflammation affecting your hands, neck, and other areas.
The Takeaway & When to See a Doctor
Arms often go numb, especially at night, when a person is lying in a position that is continually pressing a nerve. However, if you notice this sensation frequently, you may need medical attention, especially if you are also experiencing:
- Vision disorders
- Difficulty speaking
- Facial numbness or tingling
- Weakness or unexplained pain
- Difficulty in coordination when walking
If you suspect that your paresthesia is caused by an underlying medical condition, medication, or alcohol over consumption, you should talk to a physician.
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