Numbness in hands and feet on waking: when to worry

Many people wake up to find their hands and feet feel numb, or a tingling sensation running through their fingers and soles. In most cases this happens because of sleeping in a wrong position, which puts pressure on nerves for a while, and the numbness goes away on its own soon after. For instance, sleeping deeply with the head resting on the arm, or staying on one side for hours, puts pressure on the radial nerve in the arm and the ulnar nerve near the elbow, briefly halting the signal that travels to the brain.

But if this numbness keeps repeating every day, it should not be taken lightly. Such recurring episodes can be caused by problems related to the spine, carpal tunnel syndrome, neuropathy caused by diabetes, or a deficiency of vitamin B12. The body's nerves connect the brain to the rest of the organs, working like delicate electric wires that carry sensory signals from different parts of the body to the brain. When there is any disruption in blood circulation, several kinds of symptoms start to appear in the body. If a nerve gets pressed in the neck vertebrae at night or on waking, tingling spreads to the shoulder, arm and fingers, and if there is pain in the lower back vertebrae, numbness sets into the hips and legs.

The number of diabetes patients is rising rapidly, and in this disease the nerves of the hands and feet get damaged, leading to peripheral neuropathy. Similarly, a deficiency of vitamin B12 also affects the spine and the body's nerves. Sitting or sleeping in the wrong posture, or diseases related to blood vessels, can also prevent blood from reaching the body properly. Staying in the same position for a long time also reduces the lubricating fluid in the joints.

Certain symptoms should never be ignored. Numbness on one side of the body, feeling weak, the face drooping to one side, or difficulty speaking can be signs linked to a stroke, and in such cases it is necessary to get medical treatment immediately. Tingling in the palm or fingers is also often dismissed by people, though it too should be taken seriously. Besides this, if there is a sudden loss of control over urination or bowel movements, if leg strength keeps decreasing along with severe back pain, if the hands or feet suddenly turn cold, pale or blue, or if the body stops moving altogether, these situations too call for immediate medical treatment without wasting time. Similarly, if vision suddenly stops while walking or talking, if there is a feeling of confusion, dizziness, or loss of balance in the body, immediate treatment is needed then as well.

This information is given only for general understanding and should not be taken as a claim of treatment; consult your doctor before taking any step.