Numbness or “tingling” in the hands that you notice while you sleep is most often due to temporary compression of nerves or reduced blood flow from your sleeping position. In many cases it isn’t dangerous, but it can be a sign of an underlying issue if it’s frequent, persistent, or associated with weakness or pain. What commonly causes it

• Sleeping position: Resting with your arm under your head, body, or pillow; bending the wrists or elbows for long periods; or sleeping with the hands pressed against your body can compress nerves (like the median or ulnar nerves) or cut off normal blood flow. This is the most frequent cause and often improves when you adjust position.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome or other nerve compression: Repetitive hand/wrist motions, injury, or conditions that cause swelling can irritate the nerves in the wrist or arm, sometimes causing worse numbness at night.
• Cervical or neck issues: Pinched nerves in the neck (radiculopathy) can send tingling, numbness, or weakness into the hands.
• Circulation-related factors: Conditions that affect blood flow or hydration can contribute to nighttime numbness, though this is less common as a sole cause.
• Nutritional or systemic factors: Deficiencies (such as vitamin B12) or chronic conditions can contribute to numbness, especially if symptoms occur in other parts of the body or are ongoing.

What you can try at home

• Change sleep position: Try sleeping on your back with arms at your sides, or on your side with the arm supported in a neutral position. Avoid prolonged pressure on the wrists, elbows, or forearms.
• Gentle stretches and posture: Regular neck and shoulder stretches, and ensuring your wrists aren’t flexed or bent under your body for long periods.
• Wrist/arm support: Consider a cushioned pillow to keep wrists straight and reduce pressure.
• Manage contributing factors: Ensure adequate hydration, limit alcohol, and review any medications with a healthcare provider if you suspect a drug-related cause.

When to see a clinician promptly

• Numbness is persistent or ongoing, not clearly linked to a sleep position.
• There’s weakness, loss of grip, or pain that doesn’t improve after changing positions.
• Symptoms involve other areas (feet, legs) or are accompanied by vision changes, trouble speaking, or facial weakness.
• If numbness recurs night after night or you have risk factors for nerve or vascular problems (diabetes, peripheral artery disease, autoimmune conditions, etc.).

If you’d like, share:

• How long the numbness lasts each night and whether it’s one hand or both.
• Any associated symptoms (weakness, pain, color changes, or warmth/coolness of the limb).
• Your typical sleep position and any recent changes to posture or activity.

With that, I can tailor practical steps and help decide whether medical evaluation is warranted.