Fingers or hands "going to sleep" while sleeping

[ThunderGarlic]

For the past few years I've sometimes been been waking with numb fingers or hands in the night. When I move and shake them they return to normal.

I do generally sleep on my side or front so probably am squashing the nerves or restricting circulation but this didn't happen in the previous 40 years of sleeping the same way so why now?

I've slept in lots of different beds with lots of different pillows but happens everywhere with similar frequency. I'm otherwise fit, well and active.

Has anyone else had this?

That does happen sometimes, depends on positioning.

It may be a sign of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - the nerves get trapped in the carpal tunnel in your wrist. A wrist splint (from your pharmacist) worn at night can help.

Thanks both. At least I'm not the only one!

There's none of the other carpal tunnel symptoms (pain, burning, weakness in the hand) and it can affect any or all fingers rather than just the thumb and first three so don't think it's that.