A "sleeping" hand, more accurately described as experiencing paresthesia or numbness, is usually due to temporary nerve compression. You can often wake it up by improving blood flow and stimulating the nerves.
Simple Solutions for a Numb Hand
First, try these simple methods:
- Shake it out: Gently shake your hand for a few minutes. This helps improve circulation.
- Massage: Massage your hand and fingers, focusing on areas that feel numb. Gentle pressure can help restore blood flow.
- Flex your muscles: Make fists, spread your fingers wide, and repeat several times. This helps stimulate the nerves and muscles.
These actions, as suggested by the provided reference, are usually sufficient to resolve temporary numbness. If the numbness persists or worsens, it's crucial to seek medical attention. Prolonged or recurring numbness could indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Understanding the Cause
The provided reference highlights that if numbness subsides after these simple steps, a circulation problem is the likely cause. Other potential causes for numbness (that require medical attention) include nerve damage, injury, or underlying medical conditions. This simple self-treatment should only be employed for temporary numbness, not chronic or severe cases.
