When we say your hands “fall asleep,” we’re referring to a tingling sensation, numbness, or paresthesia. In medical terms, this condition may also include pins-and-needles sensations or even muscle weakness.
Hand numbness can be:
- Temporary (acute): Happens occasionally and resolves quickly
- Chronic (persistent): Occurs frequently or continuously
Paying attention to when and how often it occurs is essential, as it could indicate a more serious underlying problem.
Common Causes of Hand Numbness
1. Nerve Compression
One of the most frequent causes is pressure on the nerves running through your arms and hands—especially the median nerve. This often happens due to poor sleeping posture or resting your arm on a hard surface for too long.
