Dealing with restless sleep can be challenging. There are so many factors that can cause this issue including anxiety, grief, stress, pain, and underlying health conditions.
However, having your arms falling asleep at night is also often just a fluke occurrence.
So why does this happen and how do you fix it? We’ve got the answers for you.
Poor Sleeping Position
Sleeping in a position that does not allow proper circulation can lead to the arms or other areas not getting enough blood flow. To counter this, people should try and sleep in proper positions that support and keep their arms relaxed. This includes:
- sleeping on one side
- with arms bent at the elbow
- the back slightly lifted
They should also place a pillow in between the arms and torso area so that the arms are not pressed against the body. Additionally, people can try and stretch out or massage the affected area to ease any numbness or tingling sensations.
Pressure on Nerves
Having your arms or legs fall asleep during the night can be an annoying predicament. This usually happens because too much pressure is being placed on a nerve, which cuts off the circulation of blood. Common causes for this are sleeping in an uncomfortable position or laying on a limb for an extended period of time.
To solve this problem, try avoiding sleeping in the same position each night and changing up the pillows you use. If necessary, use a body pillow to keep your limbs from becoming trapped in awkward positions. Additionally, try to sleep on a mattress that evenly distributes weight and provides enough support for proper spine alignment.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a neuromuscular condition that causes arms falling asleep at night. It is caused when the nerves that are located between the collar bone and the first rib become compressed. Common symptoms include:
- tingling sensation
- burning sensation
- pain
It also causes numbness in the:
- neck
- shoulder
- arm
- hand
Activities such as repetitive movement, poor posture, and wearing bags or equipment on the shoulders can increase the risk for TOS. To reduce the occurrence of waking up with numb hands, it is important to improve your posture, wear appropriate-fitting clothing, and take regular breaks from activities that involve repetitive or intensive arm movements.
If symptoms persist, consult with your doctor for diagnosis and treatment options, which may include physical therapy, thoracic outlet decompression surgery, or other forms of medical intervention like seeing a chiropractor from Ribleychiro.com.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that is characterized by tingling or numbness in the hands and arms that is caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. One of the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome is arms fall asleep at night.
Solutions to treat your concerns about waking up with numb hands due to carpal tunnel syndrome include adjusting sleeping positions, taking breaks during activities that cause strain, using a wrist brace, minimizing intake of diuretics, and performing stretches and hand exercises.
Getting Answers: Arms Falling Asleep at Night
Sleep disturbances can be concerning. If you are experiencing arms falling asleep at night, it is best to consult a physician for a proper diagnosis and course of action.
Understanding the causes and solutions can help alleviate this concern. Taking proactive steps now can help you have better sleep in the future. Be sure to reach out for professional help if needed.
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