numbness at night

Overview

Numbness at night is when part of your body loses feeling while you are sleeping. It often feels like a 'pins and needles' sensation, or the body part may feel like it has 'fallen asleep.' This usually happens because a nerve is pressed or squeezed, but it can also be a sign of an underlying health problem. Most of the time it is not serious.

Yes. Many people experience numbness at night at least once in their lives. In most cases, it is temporary and goes away when you change position or move.

Numbness at night can happen to anyone, from children to older adults. However, older adults are more likely to have underlying conditions such as nerve problems or poor circulation that may cause numbness.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Tingling or pins-and-needles in your hand, arm, foot, or leg
• A feeling that a body part has 'fallen asleep'
• Weakness in your arms or legs when you wake up
• Burning or dull pain in the numb area

Symptoms in children

• Children can also wake up with numbness, often after sleeping in an awkward position. This is usually not a cause for worry, but if it happens regularly, it is a good idea to mention it to your child's doctor.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may notice numbness at night along with other changes like difficulty walking or balance problems. This might be due to nerve or blood flow changes, and it is worth discussing with a doctor.

Causes

Main causes

• Pressing on a nerve while sleeping, such as lying on your arm or hanging your hand off the bed
• Carpal tunnel syndrome – a condition where a nerve in the wrist is squeezed
• Sciatica – a pinched nerve in the lower back that sends pain along the back of the leg
• Diabetic nerve damage (neuropathy)
• Low levels of vitamin B12 or other vitamin deficiencies
• Poor blood flow from smoking or certain health conditions

Risk factors

• Sleeping habits, like sleeping in an awkward position
• Having diabetes
• Being overweight, which can put pressure on nerves
• Repetitive hand or wrist use during the day
• Normal aging changes in the spine or joints

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Numbness that comes on suddenly and is not related to sleep position
• Numbness in both legs or both hands at the same time
• Numbness that continues even when you change position or get up
• Numbness that affects your ability to walk, speak, or see

Book a routine appointment if:

• Numbness that happens every night or many times a week
• Numbness that is painful or accompanied by muscle weakness
• Numbness with no obvious cause after two or three nights
• Numbness that gets worse over time

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask you about your symptoms, sleep habits, and health history. They will also do a physical exam to check your reflexes, strength, and ability to feel sensations. This helps them decide if you need further tests.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check for diabetes, thyroid problems, or vitamin deficiencies
• Nerve conduction studies, which check how well your nerves carry signals
• Imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan if the doctor suspects a pinched nerve in the spine
• A sleep study if your doctor thinks numbness is linked to something happening during sleep

What to expect at your appointment

The process usually begins with describing your symptoms. You may be asked to keep a diary of when your numbness happens, how long it lasts, and what makes it better or worse. This helps the doctor find the pattern and likely cause.

Treatment

Treatment for nighttime numbness depends on the cause. If it is due to simple pressure on a nerve, changing your sleeping position may be enough. If an underlying condition like diabetes or a pinched nerve is responsible, your doctor will aim to treat that condition.

Self-care at home

• Try sleeping on your back with your arms at your sides or with a pillow between your knees
• Use a cushion or wrist support to keep your wrists in a neutral posture
• Avoid hanging your arm off the bed or bending into awkward shapes while sleeping
• Move your limbs gently when you wake up to help the feeling return
• Take short breaks during the day if you use your hands or wrists a lot

Medical treatments

Medical approaches may include physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve posture, or exercises to free a pinched nerve. Your doctor might also talk about ways to manage an underlying condition like diabetes. Certain medicines can help with nerve pain, but the exact medicine depends on your situation and must be prescribed by your doctor after a proper discussion.

When is surgery considered?

If tests show a nerve is being squeezed by bone or a tight band of tissue, and other treatments have not helped, your doctor may discuss a surgical procedure to relieve the pressure. This is usually considered only after trying less invasive options first.

Living with this condition

Living with nighttime numbness can be frustrating, but there are ways to manage it. Keep a small pillow near your bed to support your arm or leg, and be mindful of your sleeping positions. If you wake up with numbness, shake the limb gently or switch sides.

Lifestyle tips

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your nerves
• If you have diabetes, work with your healthcare team to keep your blood sugar in a healthy range
• Smoking can harm blood flow to nerves – if you smoke, consider getting support to quit
• Set up your workspace to support your wrists and arms, especially if you use a computer a lot

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with enough vitamins, especially vitamin B12, supports healthy nerves. Gentle exercises like walking or stretching can improve circulation and reduce stiffness. Talk to your doctor about what level of activity is right for you if you have any health conditions.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dealing with chronic numbness can cause worry or poor sleep. It is normal to feel concerned. If you are feeling anxious or low, talk to your doctor or someone you trust. If you are in emotional crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, contact your local crisis support line right away. You are not alone, and there are people who can help.

Prevention

Many cases of numbness at night can be prevented by being mindful of how you sleep and taking care of your general health. However, if the numbness is caused by an underlying medical condition, prevention depends on that condition being well managed.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine that prevents numbness at night. However, staying up to date with recommended immunisations can help prevent infections like shingles, which can sometimes cause nerve pain and numbness.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test specifically for nighttime numbness. But regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help catch risk factors like high blood sugar, vitamin deficiencies, or thyroid problems early. Ask your doctor what screening is appropriate for you.

Complications

If left untreated

• Prolonged pressure on a nerve can lead to muscle weakness or loss of muscle mass
• Numbness that continues for a long time may make it hard to notice injuries or burns on the affected area
• If an underlying condition like diabetes is not managed, nerve damage can become permanent

Long-term outlook

With the right approach, most people find relief from nighttime numbness. Whether it goes away with simple lifestyle changes or needs treatment for an underlying cause, the outlook is generally good. Talking to your doctor early can help you feel in control and improve your chances of a full recovery.

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