The sensation commonly known as “pins and needles” or a hand “falling asleep” is medically termed paresthesia. This temporary tingling, prickling, or numbness often occurs in the hands or feet. It is a common and usually harmless experience, indicating a brief interruption in nerve function.
Restoring Sensation Quickly
When your hand feels numb or tingly, simple actions can quickly restore sensation. Changing your position is usually the first and most effective step, as it removes the pressure. Relaxing your hand and arm, ensuring your elbow and wrist are straight, can help alleviate the compression.
Gentle shaking of the affected hand can also alleviate numbness. This encourages nerves to resume normal function. You can shake your hands as if air-drying them for a minute or two.
Massaging the hand or arm can improve local blood circulation and stimulate the nerves. Applying gentle pressure and rubbing the affected area can encourage sensation to return. Light stretching exercises for the wrist and fingers can also relieve pressure on nerves. For instance, extend your arm with your palm up, then bend your wrist so fingers point down, gently stretching with the other hand. Running the hand under warm, but not hot, water can also increase blood flow and soothe the area.
What Causes the Numbness
The primary reason a hand “falls asleep” is temporary compression of a nerve. Nerves transmit electrical impulses carrying sensory information, such as touch and temperature, to and from the brain. When sustained pressure is applied to a nerve, it can create a temporary “roadblock” that disrupts these electrical signals.
Common scenarios leading to this nerve compression include sleeping in an awkward position, such as with an arm bent under the head, or prolonged leaning on an elbow. Activities involving holding the hand or arm in a static or compressed position for an extended period, like typing with wrists resting on a surface or gripping a steering wheel tightly, can also cause this sensation. The pressure can also temporarily reduce blood supply to the nerve, which needs a steady flow of oxygen and glucose to function correctly.
When the pressure on the nerve is removed, nerve cells resume sending signals. This return of nerve activity produces the characteristic “pins and needles” tingling sensation. It is a sign that the nerve is recovering and normal function is being restored. This type of paresthesia is typically temporary and resolves once the compression is relieved.
When Professional Help is Needed
While temporary hand numbness is common and usually resolves on its own, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. If the numbness in your hand persists, recurs frequently, or gradually worsens, it may indicate a more significant underlying issue.
Seek prompt medical evaluation if the numbness is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These include sudden weakness in the hand or arm, changes in vision, difficulty speaking, confusion, or severe headache. If the numbness spreads to other parts of your body, affects both hands, or occurs without a clear cause, consult a healthcare provider. These signs could indicate nerve damage or other medical issues.