A person’s arms may go numb while they sleep due to their sleeping posture. However, a numb arm at night may also result from underlying nerve damage.

When one or both arms seem to fall asleep, it can feel as if they are going numb. The medical term for this feeling is paresthesia. A variety of causes may be responsible. Some are benign, while others require treatment.

In this article, learn what can cause the feeling of the arms falling asleep at night, how to prevent the sensation, and what treatments are available.

A man lying on his back on a bed with a dog near himShare on Pinterest
Daiana Sabau/EyeEm/Getty Images

Paresthesia is a burning or prickling sensation that most commonly occurs in the limbs, hands, and feet.

People also tend to describe paresthesia as a feeling of pins and needles, crawling skin, or numbness. Another common description is that the area has fallen asleep.

Paresthesia can occur at any time, with no warning. While the sensation may be uncomfortable, it is usually painless.

Learn more about paraesthesia.

People may experience occasional, brief episodes of paresthesia during sleep without realizing it. Often, a person’s sleeping position is the cause. For example, the arm may fall asleep because a person is lying in a way that puts pressure on a nerve in the limb.

Sleeping positions that can put pressure on the nerves and cause paresthesia include:

  • extended elbows
  • arms lifted away from the sides
  • forearms positioned with hands facing up
  • laying on stomach with hands above head
  • wrists that are flexed

Cases of positional paresthesia are typically harmless and generally occur when a nerve is under sustained pressure. The sensation often goes away after a person changes positions.

Damage to nerves in the arm can cause localized feelings of numbness, tingling, or burning. The medical term for damage to nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord is peripheral neuropathy.

Many factors can cause nerve damage that results in a sensation of numbness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet.

Learn more about peripheral neuropathy.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common nerve disorder. It occurs as a result of increased pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the wrist. This nerve runs the arm’s length and passes into the hand through the wrist. It is more likely to occur in females, people with diabetes or obesity, and those in certain occupations.

The condition can cause pain and numbness in the arms and hands, but one of the first symptoms is paresthesia, which occurs in the hands and wrists more frequently at night.

Learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome.

Diabetic neuropathy

People with diabetes have a risk of nerve damage, and the medical term for this complication is diabetic neuropathy.

It occurs when high blood sugar levels and fats injure the nerve endings over time.

Diabetic neuropathy usually causes numbness and tingling in the feet and legs, though it can also affect the arms and hands.

Learn more about diabetic neuropathy.

Numbness and tingling are some of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Depending on the location of the spinal lesions that occur with multiple sclerosis, a person may feel numbness and tingling in the:

  • arms
  • legs
  • hands
  • feet
  • face

Multiple sclerosis resources

Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on multiple sclerosis (MS).

Stroke and transient ischemic attacks can cause numbness and tingling in the arms. A transient ischemic attack occurs when something temporarily blocks blood flow to the brain.

Strokes and transient ischemic attacks can affect the functioning of the nerves, and they can cause changes in sensation, including paresthesia in the arms or legs, as well as heightened feelings of numbness or pain.

Learn more about stroke.

Certain lifestyle factors can increase a person’s risk of nerve compression and numbness in the extremities. For example:

  • having a job that involves repetitive hand or arm motions
  • sleeping on one side
  • living with diabetes

Vitamin deficiency

Vitamin B deficiencies can cause a variety of problems, including anemia and tingling in the extremities. It can be easy to mistake this tingling sensation for the arms falling asleep.

People at an increased risk for vitamin B deficiencies include:

Learn more about vitamin B-12 deficiency.

Prevention and treatment of arm numbness during sleep will depend on its cause.

For example, a person may benefit from learning to sleep in a less restrictive position. If a person is at risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, it may help to wear a brace or do exercises.

Additionally, studies show that regular exercise can reduce the frequency of sleep paraesthesia in people with MS.

If a vitamin B deficiency is causing the sensation of the arms falling asleep, a healthcare professional can prescribe supplements or recommend changes to the diet.

If a person notices this sensation frequently, they may require medical attention, especially if they also experience:

  • visual disturbances
  • facial numbness or tingling
  • difficulty speaking
  • difficulty with coordination, such as while walking
  • unexplained weakness or pain

Anyone who suspects their paresthesia results from an underlying medical condition, a medication, or alcohol use disorder should speak with a healthcare professional.

The following are some questions people ask about arms going numb at night.

How do I stop my arms from falling asleep at night?

To stop the arms from falling asleep at night, a person may wish to learn how to sleep in a different position.

Learn more about tips for sleeping in a particular position.

Is it bad for a person’s arms to fall asleep every night?

Sleeping in a position that causes arm numbness every night is unlikely to cause complications. However, a person should speak with a doctor if their arms fall asleep every night to rule out other underlying causes.

When should a person worry about arm numbness?

Arm numbness as a result of sleeping posture is typically harmless. However, there are other causes that require medical attention. If a person experiences persistent or severe arm numbness, they should contact a doctor.

They should also contact a doctor if they experience arm numbness alongside other symptoms.

Why do my arms fall asleep every night?

A person’s arms may fall asleep every night due to their sleeping posture. They may be putting their arms in a position that puts pressure on a nerve in the limb.

What deficiency causes numbness in hands while sleeping?

Vitamin B deficiencies can cause numbness in the extremities.

How can I improve my arm circulation while sleeping?

Learning new sleeping positions and wearing a wrist splint can help improve numbness in the hands and arms while sleeping. Using a pillow and a mattress that provide efficient support can also make a difference.

Can heart problems cause numbness in the hands?

Numbness or weakness on one side of the body, including in the arms or hands, can signify a heart attack. If a person experiences this, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain or discomfort in the chest, they should contact emergency services.

It is common for the arms to fall asleep, especially at night, when a person may be lying in a position that places pressure on a nerve. However, numbness in the extremities can also result from nerve damage and other underlying medical conditions.

In cases of poor sleep posture, numbness will subside independently. If a person experiences persistent numbness they should contact a healthcare professional to determine the cause and best treatment plan.