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What Causes Numbness In Hands Upon Waking Up?

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Posted on Tue, 21 Jun 2016
Question: When is sleep I seem to put my hands under my head and then I wake up with numb hands - should I be concerned?
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Answered by Dr. Bruno Mascarenhas (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
This is Quite Normal. Nothing to Worry at Present :)

Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,

Welcome to HealthCareMagic.com I am Dr.J XXXXXXX Anto Bruno Mascarenhas, and I am here to help you. I have read your question with care and understand your concerns.

When you have put your hands under your head and sleep, the weight of the head compresses your hands. Hence the blood vessels in your hands are compressed. Because of compression of blood vessels, Oxygen Delivery to the nerves in your hand are affected. This leads to the temporary loss of function of nerves which carry sensation from the hands. So you feel Numb

After few minutes, after you have taken up the hand, the pressure is released and the blood flow is restored. Hence your nerves function and Sensations are carried normally. The Numbness disappears

Hope you found the answer helpful.

If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Best Wishes for Speedy Recovery
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Bruno Mascarenhas

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 812 Questions

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What Causes Numbness In Hands Upon Waking Up?

Brief Answer: This is Quite Normal. Nothing to Worry at Present :) Detailed Answer: Dear Madam, Welcome to HealthCareMagic.com I am Dr.J XXXXXXX Anto Bruno Mascarenhas, and I am here to help you. I have read your question with care and understand your concerns. When you have put your hands under your head and sleep, the weight of the head compresses your hands. Hence the blood vessels in your hands are compressed. Because of compression of blood vessels, Oxygen Delivery to the nerves in your hand are affected. This leads to the temporary loss of function of nerves which carry sensation from the hands. So you feel Numb After few minutes, after you have taken up the hand, the pressure is released and the blood flow is restored. Hence your nerves function and Sensations are carried normally. The Numbness disappears Hope you found the answer helpful. If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions. Best Wishes for Speedy Recovery Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care.