Waking Up With Numb Hands – What It Means and How Physiotherapy Can Help
Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night with your hand feeling numb or “asleep”? Many people experience this occasionally, and often it resolves with a shake or stretch. But if it happens regularly, it could be a sign that something in your body needs attention.
Why Do Hands Go Numb at Night?
Numbness in the hands is usually caused by pressure on the nerves or restricted blood flow. At night, when we stay in one position for a long time, nerves in the arm, wrist, or neck can become compressed. Some common causes include:
Sleeping position – Lying on your arm or bending your wrist can press on nerves.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Compression of the median nerve at the wrist, often causing numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
Neck issues – A stiff neck or cervical spine problem can irritate nerves that travel into the hand.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome – Compression of nerves or blood vessels in the shoulder/upper chest area.
Other conditions – Diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or circulation problems can also contribute.
When Is It a Concern?
Occasional numbness from sleeping awkwardly is usually nothing to worry about. But you should seek advice if you notice:
Numbness happens every night.
You feel tingling, burning, or weakness in your hands during the day.
You struggle with grip strength (e.g., holding a mug or turning a key).
Symptoms are spreading up the arm.
These could be signs of nerve compression that may need treatment.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
A physiotherapist can assess where the nerve irritation is coming from and guide you with treatment strategies such as:
Postural advice – Adjusting how you sleep, sit, or work at your desk to reduce nerve pressure.
Nerve gliding exercises – Gentle movements that keep nerves mobile and reduce irritation.
Strengthening and stretching – To improve support in the neck, shoulders, and wrists.
Manual therapy – Hands-on techniques to release tension in muscles and joints.
Ergonomic changes – Advice for your work setup to reduce strain on your wrists and neck.
Self-Help Tips You Can Try
Change sleeping position: Avoid sleeping with wrists bent or arms under your pillow.
Neutral wrist support: A soft night splint can help keep the wrist in a neutral position.
Gentle stretches: Move your wrists, neck, and shoulders regularly during the day.
Stay active: Regular exercise improves circulation and reduces stiffness.
Waking up with numb hands can be frustrating, but in many cases, simple changes and physiotherapy can make a big difference. If your symptoms are persistent, getting assessed early is important – the sooner the underlying cause is addressed, the quicker you’ll find relief.
Physiotherapy
We specialise in the treatment and prevention of injuries and conditions. If you are suffering with any health aliments that you feel we could help you with, get in touch today. We provide treatment for a wide age range from 9 years to 90 years old.