Arm Numbness While Sleeping

As the name suggests, arm numbness while sleeping refers to a condition wherein, the affected person experiences a loss of sensation in his arm. The condition may also affect other parts of the body such as the hands, fingers and shoulders, as well. There could be many factors which are known to result in such kind of a condition. Some may be mild medical conditions, while some may be severe. The feeling of numb arms while sleeping may be accompanied by other symptoms. Common ones include burning sensation, weakness, tingling and a sharp pain. If the numbness occurs suddenly and is accompanied by paralysis, confusion, dizziness, difficulty in talking or severe headache, then the affected person must reach for immediate medical help. More about this condition on arm numbness while sleeping follows...

Causes of Arm Going Numb While Sleeping

Most commonly the condition of arm numbness while sleeping results from sleeping with the arm beneath the body, or sleeping with the arm under the head. Even wearing straps for a prolonged period, can cause numbness. All such activities cause a lack of blood supply to the arm, resulting in pain and numbness in the area. This, however, resolves on its own, once the arm is kept in a normal position. Bites from insects, animal bites or toxicity from seafood could also cause such numbness.

Apart from these, there are several medical conditions which may cause arm numbness while sleeping. Common conditions include low temperatures, alcoholism, seizures, carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical disc syndrome, type 2 diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Raynaud's disease, transient ischemic attack, deficiency of vitamin B-12 in the diet, or an injury to the spinal cord.

A condition known as amyloidosis (disorder which is resulted due to the deposit of amyloid in organs or tissues) and injury to the brachial plexus are also responsible for causing the arms going numb while sleeping. Conditions such as cervical spondylosis, neck injury, herniated disk, enlarged blood vessels, tumors, broken shoulder-blade, ganglion cysts, Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, Sjogren's syndrome, syphilis and vasculitis are also included in the list of causes. Sometimes, the numb hands while sleeping may also be the result of a side effect of chemotherapy drugs or radiation therapy.

Treatment of Numb Arm While Sleeping

One must make his/her way to a doctor or emergency if he/she is not able to move his limbs or has lost his/her bladder control. Even symptoms such as change in vision, difficulty in walking or slurred speech, demands for immediate medical help.

The treatment of arm numbness while sleeping, is about identifying the underlying causes and taking appropriate measures to deal with them. For example, for some underlying causes such as carpal tunnel syndrome, a few arm exercises would be recommended. It is important that you let your doctor know about your medical history. The treatment procedures may include the use of non-steroid anti-rheumatic drugs, and rest. Some patients may also be recommended to go for physical therapy. It aids in strengthening the muscles of the arms and improving the range of motion.

To end this write-up with a few prevention tips for arm numbness while sleeping, it is advisable that you avoid keeping your arm over the chair back. Doing this harbors the risk of permanent injury of brachial plexus. Also, try not to sleep with your hands under the head or placing the arms beneath the stomach. This sleeping position, as mentioned earlier, is one of the common causes of numb arms while sleeping. While you are recovering from the condition, avoid to work with mechanical screwdrivers. While working with the computer, do not place your elbows on the desk for prolonged period. And as a final self-care measure, make use of warm gloves in low temperatures.