When your hands feel numb or tingly (often called “pins and needles”), it usually happens because a nerve or blood vessel is temporarily compressed.
This sensation is medically known as Paresthesia.
When the pressure is released, blood flow and nerve signals return, causing the tingling feeling.
Common Causes
Poor Sleeping Position
Sleeping in a position that presses on nerves or blocks circulation can make your hands numb.
Examples:
Sleeping on your arm
Bending your wrists while sleeping
Keeping elbows under your body
Fix:
Change sleeping posture and use a supportive pillow.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
One common medical cause is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which happens when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed.
Symptoms include:
Tingling in thumb, index, and middle fingers
Weak grip
Nighttime numbness
Pain traveling up the arm
People who type, use tools, or repeat wrist movements are at higher risk.
Pinched Nerve in the Neck
Sometimes the problem starts in the neck or spine, such as Cervical Radiculopathy.
Possible causes:
Herniated disc
Neck injury
Nerve compression
This can cause numbness that travels from the neck down to the hand.
