Sleep Paralysis: Numbness And The Unresponsive Body

Waking up with a numb hand or leg can be alarming, but it's usually nothing to worry about if it's your only symptom. It's likely a result of nerve compression due to your sleeping position. However, if you experience numbness in your hands or legs alongside any other unusual symptoms, it's important to consult a doctor.

Nerve compression

• Sitting or sleeping in a certain position for a long time, which can put pressure on the nerves in the legs or hands.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome, where the nerve in the wrist is compressed.
• A herniated disc, which can compress or injure a nerve.
• Tumours, scar tissue, enlarged blood vessels, or infections that put pressure on a nerve.
• Injuries to the neck, back, or head, which can affect nerve function in the hands and legs.
• Diabetes, which can cause nerve damage and peripheral neuropathy.
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD), which reduces blood flow to the legs and feet.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS), which can cause sensory nerve damage and numbness.
• Strokes or mini-strokes, which can affect how the brain processes nerve signals.

If you are experiencing nerve compression, it is important to see a doctor, especially if the numbness is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms. Treatment options may include medication, such as antidepressants or corticosteroids, or alternative therapies such as mindfulness meditation. Changing your sleeping position and avoiding sleeping in the fetal position may also help relieve pressure on the nerves.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

CTS is often first noticed at night because the tissue fluid in the arms becomes redistributed without an active muscle pump. This can cause an increase in fluid in the wrist, which compresses the median nerve and makes symptoms worse. Sleeping with your wrists bent can also put more pressure on the median nerve, causing carpal tunnel pain. Additionally, lying down and moving minimally can cause fluid to accumulate in the body, leading to increased carpal tunnel pressure.

Certain sleeping positions can increase the risk of CTS. Sleeping with your wrists curled inward, hands under your face or head, head on your forearm, or torso on top of your arm can compress nerves in the hand, wrist, arm, or elbow, producing numbness and tingling. Stomach sleeping has been associated with nerve compression, while side sleeping is considered the least likely to produce hand numbness, as long as the wrists are straight.

If you are experiencing symptoms of CTS, there are several things you can do to find relief:

• Adjust your sleeping position to reduce pressure on your hands and wrists.
• Wear a wrist splint or brace to keep your wrist in a neutral position and prevent flexing, which can put pressure on the median nerve.
• Support your arms with a pillow to reduce overnight swelling.
• Keep your hands and wrists warm to increase blood flow and promote healing.
• Avoid sleeping on your side, as this can lead to nerve compression, especially if you sleep in the fetal position.

If your symptoms are interfering with your sleep or persist during the day, it is important to consult a doctor. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a serious condition that can cause long-term damage if not treated promptly and appropriately.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Waking up with a numb hand or leg is a common experience. Usually, this is caused by pressure on the nerves in the hand, wrist, arm, or elbow, or a lack of blood flow to the hands. This is known as peripheral neuropathy and can be temporary and harmless.

However, if you are experiencing persistent numbness, tingling, or other unusual sensations in your hands or feet, it is important to see your doctor. This is especially important if these sensations are interfering with your ability to walk or hold things.

One possible cause of persistent numbness in the feet is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (TTS). TTS occurs when the tibial nerve, which runs through the tarsal tunnel (a passage of bones and ligaments in your ankle), becomes damaged or compressed. This can cause pain, burning, or tingling in the bottom of your feet and toes. TTS is often associated with overuse of the foot and ankle, and is more likely to occur in those who exercise strenuously or frequently, or those with flat feet. TTS can also be caused by injuries such as an ankle sprain or fracture, or by conditions such as arthritis or diabetes, which can cause swelling and nerve compression.

If you are experiencing symptoms of TTS, your healthcare provider will ask you to describe your symptoms and may examine your ankle for injuries. They may also perform a Tinel's test, in which they gently tap your tibial nerve to reproduce your symptoms. Other diagnostic tests include an electromyogram (EMG) and an MRI.

Nonsurgical treatments for TTS include rest, ice, compression and elevation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), braces, casts or splints, orthotics, physical therapy, and steroid injections. If nonsurgical treatments do not provide relief, surgery may be recommended to release the tibial nerve or widen the tarsal tunnel.

Peripheral neuropathy

There are more than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy, each with its own symptoms and prognosis. The symptoms depend on the type of nerve fibres affected and the type and severity of the damage. Symptoms may develop over days, weeks, or years, and can range from mild to severe.

The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

• Tingling or numbness in a certain body part
• Burning pain
• Paralysis
• Loss of muscle and bone
• Changes in skin, hair, or nails
• Loss of sensation or feeling in body parts
• Loss of balance or other functions as a side effect of the loss of feeling in the legs, arms, or other body parts
• Emotional disturbances
• Loss of pain or sensation, which can be dangerous, such as not feeling an impending heart attack
• Inability to sweat properly, leading to heat intolerance
• Loss of bladder control, leading to infection or incontinence
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting due to a loss of control over blood pressure
• Diarrhea, constipation, or incontinence related to nerve damage in the intestines or digestive tract
• Trouble eating or swallowing
• Difficulty breathing or irregular heartbeat
• Diabetes, which is the most common cause in the US
• Kidney or liver conditions
• Hormone imbalances
• Physical injuries, such as from car accidents, falls, sports, or medical procedures
• Vascular and blood problems that decrease oxygen supply to the peripheral nerves
• Autoimmune diseases
• Nutritional or vitamin imbalances, such as vitamin B12 deficiency or excess vitamin B6
• Alcoholism and exposure to toxins
• Certain medications, including antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and cancer treatments
• Infections, such as Lyme disease or HIV
• Genetic factors

If you experience persistent numbness, tingling, or other unusual sensations in your hands or feet, it is important to consult a doctor, especially if these sensations interfere with your daily activities.

Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is the body's longest and thickest nerve, and it is responsible for providing feeling in several parts of the leg and foot, as well as controlling muscles in the lower leg and behind the knee. The pain can range from mild to severe and is often described as sharp, burning, throbbing, or shooting. It can also cause muscle weakness, numbness, and a tingling sensation in the affected leg and foot.

• A slipped, bulging, or herniated disc in the spine, which can irritate the sciatic nerve.
• Spinal stenosis, or a narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the nerve.
• Pelvic fracture or injury, which can affect the sciatic nerve roots in the lower spine.
• Osteoarthritis, which can cause a lump that affects the nerve.
• Spinal tumour or blood clot, which can press on the nerve and cause pain.

Certain behaviours can also worsen sciatica, such as bending the spine, holding your breath, standing for long periods, or sudden movements like coughing or sneezing.

Sleeping with Sciatica

People with sciatica often find sleeping uncomfortable or difficult. They may need to experiment with different sleep positions to find relief. Sleeping on the back with elevated knees and a pillow for neck support is often recommended, as it can relieve pressure on the lower back and the sciatic nerve. Side sleeping is another option, preferably on the pain-free side with a pillow between the knees to support the spine and pelvis. A small pillow can be placed at the waist to fill any gap between the waist and the mattress. Sleeping on the stomach is not recommended as it can flatten the spine's natural curvature and cause strain on the neck and other joints.

• Use a medium-firm mattress that supports the back, hips, shoulders, and knees.
• Use a body pillow to prevent rolling onto the stomach.
• Perform light stretching exercises before bed to loosen muscles and reduce pressure on the nerve.
• Take a warm bath before bed to relax the muscles and reduce pain.
• Use hot/cold therapies, such as hot water bottles or ice packs, to reduce inflammation and provide comfort.
• Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications to aid in healing and reduce inflammation.

Frequently asked questions