numb hands/arms

[mabD]

I am a 21 year old female who also experiences numbness of the hands and arms during sleep. Not always, its seems to come and go in bouts. Sometimes It will happen every night for a month, then I'll go 3 months with almost nothing. I haven't been experiencing it lately, but while visiting my parents I slept of their couch and had full numbness of both arms and hands for most of the night. If I move, hold them up or shake them it goes away, but its just not something I would expect of a 21 year old. I eat reasonably healthy and I exercise


This discussion is related to Numbness in hands during sleep.

[kenkeith]

Keep us updated.  Thanks for your response.

[mabD]

i was diagnosed with Raynaud's, but haven't had many issues with it other than very cold hands. I never considered that as a possibility for the issue at night, but that seems quite reasonable. I will talk to my doctor about
Thank you

[kenkeith]

.Numbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or legs. The underlying cause can be an underactive thyroid, What could be the problem, and a blood test, can determine if there are abnormal levels of calcium, potassium or sodium indicating a chemical imbalance....also a lack of vitimin B12. For instance when potassium is infused into the arterial blood supply of a vascular bed, blood flow increases, low potassium level may impede good circulation.

Your young age may rule out, you can a self-differentional dx to eliminate certain medications, radiation therapy and there can be toxic nerve damage due to lead, alcohol, or tobacco.Emotional stress causing hyperactivation Raynaud's phenomenon is an exaggeration of vasomotor response to emotional distress and there can be a vasomotor response causing extreme constriction of peripheral blood vessels, etc.

Being able to shake away symtoms indicates a circulation problem. Because of the frequency and duration you may want to have a doctor rule out any serious condition to be on the safe side.  

Thanks for your question, and if you have any further questions or comments you are welcome to respond.  The probability of any serious problem is low so don't worry yourself.However, there is no substitute for a doctor's workup.  Take care, and I wish you well going forward.

[cindy707]

Personally from what you are describing it really doesn't sound heart related but possibly more of a sciatic nerve issue would be one of my guesses.  Positioning during sleep has alot to do w. our sciatics .......i would research it a little and see what you can come up with.....but its pretty darned common the have the issues fo the numbness of the hands and arms when it is involved and is pretty easily remedied.....good luck with this.