Arms falling asleep at night: Causes and prevention

The arms can feel as though they are falling asleep at any time of the day or night. If a person experiences this sensation frequently at night, some specific underlying issues may be responsible.

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.

What is paresthesia?

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke in the United States describes paresthesia as 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.

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

It occurs when high levels of sugar and fats in the blood 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.

Vitamin B 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 risk for vitamin B deficiencies include:

• vegetarians and vegans
• adults over 50 years old
• people with certain digestive disorders, such as Celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Other causes of peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage that affects extremities. Diabetic neuropathy is one type.

However, many other factors can cause nerve damage that results in a sensation of the arms, hands, legs, or feet falling asleep.

Other causes of peripheral neuropathy include:

• some types of injury
• alcohol use disorder, which was once called alcoholism
• autoimmune disorders
• certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs
• bone marrow disorders
• infections, including Lyme disease and HIV
• tumors that press on certain nerves

Multiple sclerosis

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in the U.S., numbness and tingling are often the first symptoms a person experiences.

These symptoms usually affect the face. However, depending on the location of the spinal lesions that occur with multiple sclerosis, a person may also feel numbness and tingling in the arms or legs.

Stroke

Strokes 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. The American Heart Association considers these attacks to be “warning strokes.”

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.

It may be possible to prevent the issues that cause paresthesia in the arms at night.

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.

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

Takeaway and when to see a doctor

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, 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 that their paresthesia results from an underlying medical condition, a medication, or alcohol use disorder should speak with a doctor.

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