By Deborah Bamisaye
“Omo, I no know wetin dey happen o! My hands go completely numb every night – like they’re trapped in ice or something – shaking them just so I can feel – even if it is a single finger. I wake up nervous and shouting, ‘Blood of Jesus! Blood of Jesus!!’”
“That sounds terrifying! Have you thought about how you’re sleeping?
“Sleeping?”
“Yes, sometimes the way we curl ourselves up or rest our arms cuts off circulation or traps nerves.”
“Really? I had no idea sleep could do that. I thought it was something serious, maybe a disease!”
“Most times, it’s just a simple fix. Change your sleep position, and those frozen hands should vanish for good.”
Sleeping Position and Hand Numbness
Hand numbness during sleep is commonly caused by pressure on nerves or blood vessels due to certain sleeping positions. Positions like sleeping on the stomach with hands under the head, sleeping on the side with bent wrists or arms, or resting the head on the forearm can compress nerves (especially the ulnar, median, or radial nerves) or restrict blood flow, leading to numbness or tingling sensations in the hands. This nerve compression can often resolve by changing to a sleep position that reduces pressure on the arms and wrists, such as sleeping on the back with arms at the sides or on the stomach with straight wrists.
Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or ulnar tunnel syndrome can exacerbate hand numbness but the sleeping posture is the most frequent cause when numbness occurs only at night. If numbness is persistent or occurs with other symptoms, medical evaluation is definitely advised.
The best sleeping positions for better sleep without numbness focus on reducing pressure on nerves and improving circulation:
· Sleep on your side (especially the left side): Side sleeping is widely recommended because it helps prevent pressure on nerves and blood vessels that can cause numbness. The left side sleep can also aid circulation and reduce acid reflux. To avoid numbness, keep your arms relaxed and avoid curling wrists tightly or tucking hands under the pillow. Supporting your arms with pillows can reduce nerve compression.
· Sleep on your back with arms at sides: Sleeping on the back with arms resting loosely at your sides avoids nerve compression common with arms overhead or under your head. Use a supportive pillow to maintain a neutral neck alignment and place a small pillow under your knees to relieve lower back pressure.
· Avoid stomach sleeping: This position often requires twisting the neck and placing pressure on the arms or wrists, increasing the risk of nerve compression and numbness.
· Use ergonomic pillows: For side sleeping, use a pillow that fills the space between your neck and shoulder to keep your head and spine aligned to prevent strain on nerves.
· Elevate legs if needed: Elevating the legs slightly with a pillow can improve circulation and reduce pressure on veins.
These adjustments help minimize nerve compression and promote better blood flow, reducing numbness during sleep and improving blood flow and sleep quality in the overall.
If numbness persists, medical advice should be sought for further evaluation and treatment options.
Let’s see the submission of some doctors about sleep generally:
1. Dr. Olatunji S. Olaoye – A specialist in Sleep Medicine, trained and board certified in the US, now partnering with ASFA Specialist Hospital in Nigeria.
2. Dr. Olajide Obembe – A psychiatrist practicing in Nigeria who sees many patients with sleep disorders. He is also a student at the World Sleep Academy.
3. Dr. Oguntolu — Board certified in internal medicine and sleep medicine, with a clinical nutrition interest.
All three and many more doctors in this country do emphasize the significance of sleep health in mental and physical well-being.
Looking forward to nights without hand numbness? So glad that’s what you’ll love! Then go ahead, unlock comfy sleep by resting smarter.
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