Why do my arms go numb when they are above my head?

Why do my arms go numb when they are above my head?

This dysfunction, known as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is caused by a compression of a nerve bundle called the brachial plexus in a region of the neck and chest that includes a few key muscles as well as the clavicle (collarbone), shoulderblade and the first (uppermost) rib.

Why do I keep losing circulation in my arms when I sleep?

Often, a person’s 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. Cases of positional paresthesia are harmless and generally occur when a nerve is under sustained pressure.

How can I sleep without my arms going numb?

Try a new sleeping position, particularly on your side. Avoid laying on your arms under your pillow, which can compress nerves. Make sure your wrists remain unflexed, since flexing can lead to tingling. If you often sleep on your back with your arms overhead, try keeping them next to you to reduce nerve pinching.

Why do my arms get numb when I sleep?

The most common reason for getting a numb hand or arm is sitting or sleeping in the same position for a long time. That can put pressure on your nerves and cut off blood flow, which brings on short-term numbness.

What does numbness in both arms mean?

Arm numbness can occur for several reasons that range from mild causes, such as sleeping in the wrong position, to a severe medical condition, such as a heart attack. Sudden numbness in one or both arms may be a sign of a heart attack, stroke, or nerve damage, especially if a person has other symptoms.

Why your arm might fall asleep at night?

Dr. Williams explains, “The arms fall asleep at night because there is increased pressure on the nerves, and this is usually improved with changing positions.” Next time this happens to you, simply change position (make sure the arm is not pressed up against anything) and just wait it out.

Why do I wake up with a numb arm?

Carpal tunnel syndrome and your sleeping position can cause you to wake up with numbness in one or both hands and arms. Other causes of numb hands and arms are cervical spondylosis, peripheral neuropathy, and TOS.

Why your hands or arms fall asleep at night and what to do?

Reasons for Hands or Arms Falling Asleep at Night Sleeping in the wrong position. Sleeping in the wrong position is one of the most common reasons for your hand or arms to fall asleep during the night. Ulnar nerve entrapment. One of the main nerves in your arm is the ulnar nerve which runs from your neck to the tips of your fingers. Saturday night palsy. Honeymoon palsy. Carpal tunnel syndrome. Stroke.

Why do my arms fall asleep every night?

Other causes of arm falling asleep include anxiety, depression, anemia, B12 or folate deficiency, hyperventilation, stroke and multiple sclerosis. Nerve compression is known to be the most common cause of numbness or arm falling asleep.