You’ve likely experienced it without thinking much about it. You shift position or get up, and suddenly your hand or foot feels strange.
Not just slightly numb, but almost disconnected, tingling and unresponsive for a few moments.
Most people ignore it and wait for it to pass. But according to health authorities such as Mayo Clinic and the NHS, this common sensation has a clear physiological explanation, reports Wibnet.nl.
What the body is signaling
When your hands or feet “fall asleep,” it is usually due to pressure on a nerve. This often happens if you lie on your arm or sit in one position for too long.
Also read: Why swimming is one of the best exercises for your heart
According to Mayo Clinic, nerves act as communication pathways between the brain and the body.
When compressed, these signals are disrupted, causing temporary numbness in the affected area.
In some cases, the issue can originate higher up, particularly in the neck, where nerves extend down into the arms.
When sensation returns
Once the pressure is relieved, the nerve begins to function again. However, the recovery is not immediate or smooth.
Also read: Experts explain why sleeping naked may not help in the heat
The NHS explains that pain-related signals are often the first to return. This is why the sensation is typically experienced as sharp tingling or pins and needles.
Gradually, normal sensation is restored, and the discomfort fades.
Simple ways to respond
You can help restore normal sensation with a few simple actions:
- Gently move or stretch the affected limb
- Change position to relieve pressure
- Loosen tension in the neck with slow movements
If this sensation occurs frequently without an obvious cause, it may be worth seeking medical advice.
Also read: Experts reveal when it actually makes sense to drink electrolytes
Also read: He quit alcohol and nicotine for six months – the results surprised him