Finger Numbness at Night

Numbness, which is medically referred to as paresthesia, refers to a partial or complete loss of sensation in any part of the body. Numbness in fingers is something many people complain about. Though paresthesia is not a disease in itself, it might be a symptom of a medical condition. Though tingling in fingers is generally associated with poor blood circulation, other medical conditions could also be responsible for finger numbness at night. In this article, we will look into the causes of numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers at night and ways to tackle this problem.

Why Do Fingers Turn Numb at Night?

A variety of factors ranging from medical conditions to lifestyle-related issues could be responsible for causing numbness in fingers while sleeping. Here are some of the common conditions that may give rise to numbness in one's fingers or arms.

Repetitive Hand Movements
One of the most common causes of finger numbness is excessive use of the hands. We use our hands throughout the day, whether we are eating, typing or holding objects, the muscles in the hands are always at work. Such repeated finger movements can put undue pressure on the nerves and tire out the muscles. This can give rise to finger pain and numbness. Construction workers, carpenters, hairdressers, musicians or those who indulge in playing sports such as golf, tennis or rowing are quite susceptible to repetitive stress injuries.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common causes of numbness in fingers. Carpal tunnel is a small space in the wrist through which the median nerve and tendons pass. Not only does this median nerve facilitate the movement of the wrist, it is also responsible for the sensations felt around the wrist and fingers. When the median nerve gets compressed, one experiences numbness in the index finger or numbness in hands or arms. This could be caused due to repetitive hand movements, wrist injuries, obesity, pregnancy or conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism or rheumatoid arthritis.

Pinched Ulnar Nerve
A pinched nerve in the arm could also cause numbness. Compression of ulnar nerve that runs behind the elbow on the inside of one's arm, can also cause finger numbness. This nerve is responsible for giving sensation to the little finger and a part of the ring finger. Sleeping with the elbow bent could lead to a compressed ulnar nerve.

Neuropathy
While nerve damage due to injuries could lead to finger numbness, certain medical conditions could also be responsible for nerve damage. Diabetic neuropathy is one such condition that causes numbness and tingling of extremities. It is a complication of diabetes. When the blood sugar levels get very high, it can injure the nerve fibers. If it affects the nerves that give sensation to the fingers, one is likely to suffer from numbness in the fingers. Peripheral neuropathy could also be caused due to alcohol abuse.

Other Causes
As mentioned earlier, poor blood circulation is one of the most common causes of numbness. A reduced supply of oxygen to the extremities could be responsible for tingling sensation in fingers. A limited flow of oxygen-enriched blood to the hands could be caused due to various medical conditions. Poor dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle could also cause poor blood circulation. At times, numbness might be caused due to extreme cold. Exposure to cold can cause the blood vessels in the hands to constrict. This leads to a reduced supply of blood, which in turn, causes finger numbness. Constriction of blood vessels could also be caused due to Raynaud's syndrome. Thoracic outlet syndrome is another condition wherein the blood vessels or nerves around the thoracic outlet get compressed. This gives to pain and numbness in the fingers and arms. A vitamin deficiency or use of certain drugs could also cause numbness in fingers.

Treatment of Numbness in Fingers

Since paresthesia can be caused due to a wide range of reasons, the treatment will vary depending on its underlying cause. Poor blood circulation commonly causes numbness and tingling in hands which is why one must try to improve blood circulation. This can be achieved by leading an active life. Following a healthy diet will also help. Those suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome must try to rest their hands as much as possible. Repetitive strain can cause damage to tissues, muscles or tendons, so, one must take breaks. Using a wrist brace at night can help in healing the damaged muscles and tissues. Performing certain exercises can also help. Numbness in hands or fingers could also be attributed to one's sleeping posture. Sleeping with curled arms or bent elbows could lead to compressed nerves, so correct your sleeping posture. If medical conditions such as diabetes, neuropathy or peripheral vascular disease is responsible for causing finger numbness, drugs or other suitable treatment options must be used to treat the condition.

If your fingers turn numb at night, it would be best to get yourself medically examined soon. Drug therapy combined with certain lifestyle-related changes will definitely help in treating this annoying condition.