Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night to find that your hand has “fallen asleep” or feels numb? You’re not alone—about a third of adults experience nocturnal paresthesias, which involve tingling or numbness in the hands, wrists, or arms at least once a week. While it’s common to occasionally wake up with numb hands, you should consult a doctor if the symptoms disrupt your sleep significantly or persist after you move around.

Numbness and the accompanying “pins and needles” sensation are usually caused by nerve compression, damage, or other issues affecting the nervous system. If you wake up with numb hands, your body is signaling that something is wrong. Identifying the cause of the numbness is crucial for alleviating discomfort and protecting your nervous system.

Certain sleeping positions can compress nerves in the hand, wrist, arm, or elbow, leading to numbness and tingling. For instance, sleeping with inward-curling wrists, hands under your head, or your head resting on your forearm can impede blood flow and nerve communication. These positions increase the risk of developing hand numbness due to nerve compression or reduced circulation.

While there is mixed evidence regarding side sleeping, some experts suggest that as long as your wrists remain straight, this position is less likely to cause numbness. Conversely, sleeping on your stomach has been linked to nerve compression, making it a position to avoid if you frequently experience numb hands.