Sleep & Paresthesia: The Truth about Numbness While Sleeping

Ever woken at night to discover your hand feeling numb or asleep?

You might have paresthesia. It’s a feeling you’ve experienced when your arm or leg “falls asleep” after sitting in an awkward position for too long. This common occurrence happens because of pressure on a nerve and typically goes away once you change position.

People may experience occasional, brief episodes of paresthesia during sleep without realizing it. However, if paresthesia persists, it could indicate an underlying medical issue that needs attention.

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Here are some important points to know about paresthesia:

• Paresthesia can be caused by various conditions like stroke, diabetes, or multiple sclerosis.
• If it’s caused by a pinched nerve, the symptoms can come and go or be constant, and they might be reversible.
• Treatment options for paresthesia depend on its underlying cause.
• It’s crucial to see a doctor if you experience ongoing paresthesia, especially if it’s new, constant, or not linked to any other known cause.

Before we dive into detail, let’s understand what paresthesia is!

What Is Paresthesia, A Sign Of a Serious Health Problem?

Paresthesia is when you feel a burning or prickling sensation, often in your limbs, hands, or feet. Some people describe it as pins and needles or like their skin is crawling or numb. It can happen suddenly and without warning, but it’s usually not painful.

Paresthesia can affect different parts of your body and can occur without any obvious cause. It’s a common experience that everyone goes through at some point. Usually, it’s nothing to worry about and just part of how our bodies function. However, sometimes, it could be a sign of a medical problem.

Let’s have a look at the 2 main forms of paresthesia!

Temporary Paresthesia

This type is quite common and, as the name suggests, doesn’t stick around for long. For instance, if consider paresthesia in leg, you might experience a fleeting tingling or pins-and-needles sensation in your leg after sitting in a certain position for too long.

Once you change positions and stretch your leg, the feeling should return to normal.

Transient paresthesia can occur when you accidentally bump certain parts of your body against hard objects. For instance, hitting your elbow against something can cause a sudden tingling or sharp pain along your ulnar nerve, commonly referred to as “hitting your funny bone.” This nerve runs along the lower part of your upper arm bone, known as the humerus.

Other transient paresthesia causes include:

1. Dehydration.
2. Formication, which is a sensation resembling bugs crawling on your skin.
3. Hyperventilation.
4. Migraines.
5. Nerve compression syndromes, like carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome, can become ongoing if they are moderate or severe.
6. Panic attacks.
7. Renaud’s syndrome.
8. Seizures.
9. Whiplash.

Persistent Paresthesia

This occurs when the tingling or numbness persists and doesn’t go away on its own. It’s typically a sign of underlying issues that may require medical attention. Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome are examples of relatively minor causes of persistent paresthesia.

However, it can also be caused by more serious problems like poor circulation or nerve damage.

Persistent paresthesia causes generally fall into specific categories:

1. Circulatory Causes: This category involves issues with blood circulation that affect nerve function, leading to paresthesia. For instance, conditions like thoracic outlet syndrome or chronic Reynaud’s syndrome can cause this type of paresthesia.
2. Nervous System Causes: Neurological issues involving the brain, spinal cord, or nerves throughout the body can lead to paresthesia. Examples include brain tumors, nerve damage from injuries, herniated disks, or diseases like peripheral neuropathy.
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3. Metabolic and Endocrine Causes: Certain metabolic or hormonal imbalances can result in paresthesia. Examples include diabetes-related nerve damage, electrolyte imbalances, or deficiencies in vitamins like B1, B5, B6, and B12.
4. Infectious Diseases: Diseases that affect the nerves or brain can also cause paresthesia. These include conditions like encephalitis, meningitis, Lyme disease, or infections caused by viruses such as herpes simplex or HIV.
5. Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases: Conditions where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues can lead to paresthesia. Examples include lupus, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause nerve-related symptoms.
6. Toxic Effects: Exposure to toxins or poisons can harm the nervous system, resulting in paresthesia. Examples include arsenic or lead poisoning, chemotherapy, alcohol-related neuropathy, or venomous bites from animals.
7. Other Causes: Various other conditions unrelated to the above categories can be paresthesia causes, such as organ-related issues or rare disorders like amyloidosis or porphyria. Uremia, a condition related to kidney failure, is another potential cause.

If you’re experiencing persistent paresthesia, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Your sleep habits could also be responsible for paresthesia! Let’s examine it together!

Link Between Sleep and Paresthesia

Paresthesia during sleep, commonly known as a tingling or numbness sensation, can often be attributed to one’s sleeping posture. It can cause pain and numbness in the arms and hands while sleeping. Factors such as extended elbows, arms positioned away from the sides, or wrists flexed while sleeping can put pressure on nerves in the limbs, leading to temporary paresthesia.

This sensation typically subsides once the sleeping position is adjusted. Thus, understanding how sleeping positions can impact nerve pressure is crucial for promoting better sleep quality and avoiding discomfort during the night.

We will address this topic in more detail later on. Let’s first delve into the potential symptoms of paresthesia!

What are the Symptoms of Paresthesia?

Paresthesia causes a sensation of numbness, tingling, or burning, can affect various parts of your body. Commonly, it impacts the hands, arms, legs, and feet. Whether temporary or long-lasting, paresthesia may lead to discomfort and difficulty in movement.

When paresthesia strikes, you might experience symptoms such as weakness or feeling cold. In chronic cases, it may even cause stabbing pains and affect your coordination.

If you’re experiencing paresthesia or suspect a pinched nerve, you might notice:

• Tingling or a “pins and needles” sensation.
• Aching or burning pain.
• Numbness or reduced sensation in the affected area.
• The feeling that the area has “fallen asleep.”
• Prickling or itching sensations.
• Hot or cold skin.
• A crawling or itching feeling on the skin.

These symptoms can be constant or come and go intermittently. While they typically occur in the affected area, they may also spread or radiate outward. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to understand what paresthesia causes them so you can address them effectively.

Paresthesia Causes You Must Know!

1. Nerve Damage

Nerve damage in the arm can cause feelings of numbness, tingling, or burning in a specific area. When nerves outside the brain and spinal cord are damaged, it’s called peripheral neuropathy.

Various factors can lead to nerve damage, including:

• Injuries
• Alcohol abuse
• Autoimmune disorders
• Certain medications like chemotherapy drugs
• Bone marrow disorders
• Infections such as Lyme disease and HIV
• Tumors pressing on nerves

2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common nerve disorder caused by pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the wrist. This paresthesia causes more likely to occur in females, people with diabetes or obesity, and certain occupations.

This condition can cause pain and numbness in the arms and hands, especially at night.

For more information, read on!

3. Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetes can lead to nerve damage, known as diabetic neuropathy. High blood sugar levels and fats can injure nerve endings over time, causing numbness and tingling in the feet and legs and sometimes in the arms and hands.

4. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Numbness and tingling are common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Depending on where spinal lesions occur, these sensations can affect various body parts including the arms, legs, hands, feet, and face.

5. Stroke

Strokes and transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes) can cause numbness and tingling in the arms. These paresthesia causes can affect nerve function and lead to changes in sensation, including tingling or numbness in the arms or legs.

6. Risk Factors

Certain lifestyle factors can increase the risk of nerve compression and numbness in the extremities, such as:

• Jobs involving repetitive hand or arm motions
• Sleeping on one side
• Diabetes

7. Vitamin Deficiency

Lack of certain vitamins, like Vitamin B, can cause issues such as anemia and tingling in the extremities. People at higher risk for Vitamin B deficiencies include vegetarians, vegans, adults over 50, and those with certain digestive disorders.

8. Radiculopathy:

Radiculopathy happens when nerves in your spine get squeezed, irritated, or inflamed. This can occur due to:

• A bulging disk pressing on a nerve.
• Narrowing of the canal that carries the nerve from your spine to your extremity.
• Anything that puts pressure on the nerve as it leaves the spine.

When it affects your lower back, it’s called lumbar radiculopathy. This can make tingling or weakness in your leg or foot, and in severe cases, it can lead to weakness in your legs due to pressure on the sciatic nerve, a large nerve starting from your lower spine.

Cervical radiculopathy affects the nerves controlling sensation and strength in your arms. Symptoms may include:

• Chronic neck pain
• Tingling in the arms
• Weakness in the arms or hands.

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Now that you understand your symptoms and the possible causes that can lead to paresthesia, let’s talk about the risks so you can be more aware!

Is Paresthesia Dangerous? Know the Risk!

Temporary tingling or numbness can happen to anyone. As you get older, you might be more likely to develop radiculopathy, a condition where nerves in your spine are compressed. Certain factors can increase your risk, including:

• Doing repetitive movements that squeeze your nerves, like typing or playing sports such as tennis.
• Having poor eating habits and heavy alcohol consumption leads to low levels of essential vitamins like B-12 and folate.
• Living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
• Having an autoimmune disorder.
• Having a neurological condition such as multiple sclerosis (MS).

If you’re experiencing persistent tingling or numbness, it’s important to seek advice from your doctor. These symptoms might indicate an underlying medical issue that requires attention. Your doctor can provide the necessary guidance and treatment to address any concerns you may have.

Now, let’s focus on treating paresthesia to provide you with additional assistance!

Paresthesia Treatment and Care

How is paresthesia diagnosed?

During the diagnosis of paresthesia, be ready to discuss your medical history, including any repetitive activities you engage in and the medications you are taking, whether they are over-the-counter or prescribed.

Your doctor will take into account any existing health conditions you have to aid in their diagnosis. For instance, if you have diabetes, they will assess whether nerve damage, known as neuropathy, could be a factor.

Expect your doctor to conduct a thorough physical examination, which may include a neurological assessment. They may also order blood tests and other lab work as a part of paresthesia treatment, like a spinal tap, to rule out certain conditions.

If there’s suspicion of a neck or spine issue, your doctor might suggest imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans.

Depending on the findings, they may refer you to a specialist like a neurologist, orthopedist, or endocrinologist for further evaluation and treatment.

To know more about paresthesia and neuropathy, read on!

Now, let us discuss the treatment of paresthesia!

How is paresthesia treated?

Some tingling sensations, like when your limb falls asleep, usually don’t require treatment. However, other types of tingling may need attention. Paresthesia treatment options vary based on the cause of the tingling, so it’s best to consult your healthcare provider. They can advise you on possible treatments and recommend the most suitable ones for your situation.

Let’s have a look at some possible treatments!

Paresthesia treatment options vary depending on what’s causing it. If there’s an underlying medical condition behind the symptoms, addressing that condition typically helps alleviate the paresthesia.

• Rest and Bracing:

Sometimes, resting the affected area and using a brace to support it can help. This gives the tissues a chance to heal properly. Your healthcare provider can recommend the best approach for your situation. For instance, if you have a pinched nerve, rest is often advised.

It’s important to avoid activities that compress the nerve to allow for proper healing. This might involve resting or using a brace or splint to limit movement in the area. For example, wearing a wrist brace can help if you have carpal tunnel syndrome. However, prolonged use of a brace can lead to other issues, so it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s recommendations.

• Physical Therapy:

Physical therapy aims to strengthen the muscles around the affected nerve, which can help relieve compression and prevent future issues. Strong muscles can also enhance flexibility, range of motion, and mobility.

• Medications:

Certain medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen sodium (Aleve), or steroid injections can be prescribed as a part of paresthesia treatment to alleviate pain, swelling, and inflammation. For long-term paresthesia associated with conditions like fibromyalgia, drugs such as pregabalin (Lyrica) or duloxetine (Cymbalta) may be helpful.

• Surgery:

If other treatments don’t provide relief, surgery might be necessary to alleviate pressure on a pinched nerve. This could involve procedures like releasing the carpal ligament, removing bone spurs, or addressing a herniated disk in the back. The specific type of surgery depends on your symptoms and their underlying cause.

It’s essential to emphasize the importance of proper paresthesia treatment, especially in severe cases. Understanding the risks associated with not treating the condition is crucial. Let’s find out!

What are the possible complications or risks of not treating it?

Most causes of paresthesia need treatment. Many of these conditions, especially several circulation-related and neurological causes, are dangerous or life-threatening without treatment. Other conditions that cause it, while not dangerous, are disruptive and can negatively affect your quality of life without treatment.

You should talk to a healthcare provider if you have paresthesia that affects the same body part on both sides, such as your hands or feet. You should avoid paresthesia treatment at home and talk to a provider if you frequently have paresthesia that isn’t posture/body position-related. They can tell you what’s causing your paresthesia and whether or not it needs treatment.

Let’s explore ways to prevent paresthesia together!

Prevention

Preventing and treating arm numbness during sleep depends on what’s causing it.

For instance, adjusting your sleeping position to be less restrictive might help. If you’re concerned about carpal tunnel syndrome, wearing a brace or doing specific exercises could be beneficial.

Regular exercise can lower the chances of experiencing numbness during sleep, especially for people with MS.

If a lack of vitamin B is causing your arms to feel numb, a healthcare professional can suggest supplements or dietary changes to address the deficiency.

Ensuring proper sleeping posture is another important aspect of preventing paresthesia. Let’s take a look!

Sleeping Posture and Paresthesia

Individuals may sometimes experience brief tingling sensations during sleep without even realizing it. This can happen because of how they’re positioned while sleeping. For instance, if you sleep with your arm under your head or body, it might cause your arm to “fall asleep” due to pressure on a nerve.

Some sleeping positions that can lead to this tingling sensation, known as paresthesia, include:

• Sleeping with your elbows stretched out.
• Lifting your arms away from your body while sleeping.
• Positioning your forearms with your hands facing upwards.
• Keeping your wrists bent.
• Sleeping on your stomach with your hands above your head.

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Thus the position of the hand while sleeping meaning whether it is outstretched or under the pillow is important to consider. These cases of tingling are usually harmless and go away when you change your sleeping position, relieving the pressure on the nerve.

Let’s have a look at some tips to improve your sleep and alleviate numbness!

Tips for Better Sleep

• Alongside a balanced diet and regular exercise, consider adding a B complex vitamin with B1, B6, and B12 to help ease neuropathy symptoms and support nerve health.
• Stick to a consistent bedtime and wake-up routine—it’ll help regulate your body’s internal clock!
• Incorporate calming bedtime habits, like reading for 20 minutes or listening to soothing music, to relax your mind before sleep.
• Cut back on caffeine intake—avoid coffee, tea, and energy drinks after noon to prevent disrupting your sleep patterns.
• Skip alcohol and heavy meals before bedtime, as they can interfere with your sleep quality and digestion. Opt for light snacks like plain biscuits, toast, or fruit if you need a bite before bed, leaving at least 2-3 hours for digestion.
• Sip on herbal teas known for their calming effects, such as chamomile, lavender, or valerian root, to promote better sleep. You can even find teas specifically formulated to aid sleep!
• Give your eyes a break from screens—blue light emitted by devices can interfere with your body’s natural sleep hormone production. Turn off TVs and smartphones a couple of hours before bedtime to help your body unwind and prepare for sleep.

Learn more sleep tips for better sleep habits!

If following treatment and improving your sleep doesn’t ease your symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with a doctor.

When Should I Be Worried about Numbness? When to Call the Doctor?

The outlook for people with paresthesia

Temporary tingling or numbness usually goes away within a few minutes. However, if you’re experiencing these sensations frequently or they persist, you might have chronic tingling or numbness.

Chronic tingling or numbness can disrupt your daily life, especially if the symptoms are severe. It’s important to identify the cause. Don’t hesitate to seek another opinion or consult a specialist if needed.

The severity and duration of chronic tingling or numbness depend on its cause. Treating the underlying condition can often alleviate the problem.

If your current treatment isn’t effective, inform your doctor so they can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

When should I worry about paresthesia or get it treated by a healthcare provider?

It’s important to seek medical help, especially if you also have:

• Problems with your vision
• Numbness or tingling in your face
• Trouble speaking
• Difficulty coordinating movements, like walking
• Unexplained weakness or pain

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If you think your tingling might be due to a medical issue, medication, or alcohol use disorder, it’s best to talk to a healthcare provider.

Paresthesia might signal underlying medical issues, some of which could be serious or even life-threatening. It’s vital to seek advice from a healthcare provider if you experience paresthesia in the same part of your body on both sides.

Seek advice if it occurs alongside other symptoms like weakness, loss of function, or balance problems that interfere with your daily life, even if you don’t think the symptoms are related.

By talking to a healthcare provider, they can assess your paresthesia and any associated symptoms. Once they’ve done that, they can offer insights into what might be causing your paresthesia and provide guidance on how to manage it.

FAQs on Sleep and Paresthesia

Q1. What is the main cause of paresthesia?

• Paresthesia can result from conditions that affect the central nervous system, such as stroke, transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes), multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, and encephalitis. Additionally, pressure from a tumor or vascular lesion against the brain or spinal cord can lead to paresthesia.

Q2. How do you confirm paresthesia?

• Doctors diagnose paresthesia by reviewing the patient’s medical history, conducting a physical exam, and running different tests. These tests may include blood tests to check thyroid and liver function, measure electrolyte and vitamin levels, screen for toxins, and look for signs of inflammation.

Q3. What is paresthesia vs neuropathy?

• Unusual feelings like tingling, itching, burning, or cold, as well as sensations like skin crawling or reduced feeling, are known as paresthesia. These symptoms typically stem from nerve damage, a condition called neuropathy. If nerve damage persists, it can cause numbness (loss of sensation) or paralysis (loss of movement and sensation).
• Learn to know more about neuropathic pain!

Q4. How do you treat paresthesia?

• The treatment for your paresthesia will vary depending on its cause. It’s possible that you might need to boost your vitamin B levels. Your healthcare provider might also adjust or discontinue any medications that are contributing to your symptoms. In cases of persistent paresthesia, nerve medication could be beneficial in providing relief.

Q5. What are the red flags for paresthesia?

• Tingling sensations, known as paraesthesia, are frequently experienced and are usually temporary and harmless. People often seek medical attention if they suddenly feel tingling over a broad area, like an entire limb or their face, fearing it might be a stroke.