What causes numb hands at night, and when is nerve compression likely?
Sleep position and temporary nerve pressure can cause numbness, as can carpal tunnel syndrome or other nerve compression. Distribution, pain and weakness matter more than timing alone. Night-time numbness does not automatically establish vitamin deficiency or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Details
Which fingers are affected?
Thumb, index and middle-finger symptoms may involve the median nerve, whereas ring and little-finger symptoms suggest another distribution. Mention neck pain, daytime symptoms and dropping objects; examination separates possible causes.
Initial measures without delaying assessment
Avoid sleeping on the arm or sharply bending the wrist. If carpal tunnel syndrome is suspected, a clinician may suggest a neutral wrist splint at night. Avoid tight splints, injections or nerve-pain medicines without assessment.
When review is urgent
Progressive weakness, constant numbness or wasting of hand muscles needs early examination. Sudden one-sided numbness with facial weakness, speech or vision changes may indicate stroke: call emergency services rather than waiting for it to resolve.
Related reading: When can tingling in the hands and feet indicate neuropathy?.