Do You Have Hands Numb on Waking Up?
Having numb hands on waking up is one of the most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. But it could also mean you slept on your hand or arm for a long time.
If it happens once or twice a month, you have nothing to worry about. It simply means you slept with your arm in a
strained position.
But if your hands are numb when you wake up every morning, then it's likely something different - and more serious.
If you have numb hands on waking up then this article will explain what's going on. It also describes ways to tell if the numbness means carpal tunnel syndrome or just sleeping with strain on your hand & arm.
More importantly this article explains how to fix the problem. But first, here's why you're having the problem to begin with.
Why numbness happens
There are 4 possible reasons why you get numb hands on waking up in the morning. But the most important factor is
how often it happens.
If the problem occurs occasionally (a few times per month) then it's usually nothing to worry about. Actually, it's something most people feel once in a while.
But if the numbness happens every morning, then it needs immediate attention. There are 4 possible reasons for such constant morning numbness:
- Sleeping with your hand directly beneath (and supporting) your head. (A temporary problem.)
- Sleeping with one (or even both wrists) bent at at an extreme angle. (A temporary problem.)
- Sleeping while your elbow (or elbows) were pressed against the mattress. (A temporary problem.)
- You have symptoms carpal tunnel syndrome. (A more permanent problem.)
Each one of these possibilities are discussed below. Obviously, the first 3 are simple enough problems to fix. But having carpal tunnel syndrome is more challenging to fix.
Numbness due to sleeping position
1. Numbness from cradling your head
2. Numbness from bent hand(s)
3. Numbness from pushing on your elbow(s)
4. Numbness from carpal tunnel syndrome
How to fix numb hands
If numbness is caused by a sleeping position
Having numb hands on waking up due to temporary compression of the ulnar or median nerve is easy to fix. Basically, you need to remove the reason for the
nerve compression. This can be most easily accomplished by:
- Adjusting your sleeping position
- Wearing a night splint
- Wearing an elbow protector
1. Adjust your sleeping position
2. Wear a night splint
3. Wear an elbow protector
If numbness is caused by carpal tunnel syndrome
How to fix carpal tunnel syndrome
There are several effective methods to treat carpal tunnel syndrome
without surgery. The methods most often recommended by doctors and therapists are Bracing, Rest, Exercise and Massage. These are four separate and distinct therapies:
Interested in relieving carpal tunnel syndrome?
Learn more about therapy here.
Conclusion
If you occasionally experience numb hands on waking up then it's likely due to how you sleep. If it happens often, you must change how you sleep. However, frequent numbness in the thumb area might be carpal tunnel syndrome causing the hand problem.