There are different kinds of numbness, and solutions:

1. Do they feel completely numb, like if you lay there and concentrate, you can't even figure out where they are laying? Not the heaviness feeling (like when you cut off the circulation), or even ANY sensation what-so-ever, just that you can't "find" them?

If so, this is a MS symptom called "Proprioceptive Dysfunction; Loss of awareness of location of body parts."

2. If it is more like a very tingly sensation, like when "normal" numbness is starting to subside and the pins and needles are coming . . . this can be caused by MS too, but can be dependant on the way you sleep.

I have some 'permanent' numbness/tingling in my hands, but when I get up from laying down, it can be much more tingly then it is normally throughout the day. I think it is due to my spinal lesions being pinched/cramped or something, as the tingling is the same feeling as when I am in an attack, but not constant or as difficult.

If this is the sensation, I agree with Cheryl that it is worthwhile to try to find another way to sleep, by using a different pillow or position. I do think it's related to MS spinal lesions, but is dependant on how we are laying as to how much we are affected by it.

3. Then there's spasticity . . . which is a different feeling again. For me, my hands and arms are very achy after sleeping, from bending my wrists in weird positions while I sleep.

In that case, I agree that wearing braces at night will help that.

Depending on WHICH "limbs going to sleep" sensation you have . . . there may be ways to relieve it. The first thing to do though is try to observe and come up with a solid description of the sensation; the timing if it, the length of time it stays, etc.

Cherie

hmm , its been , almost , a , year now , iv been , having , the same , problem , during , the night , my hands , tend , to fall , alseep , with tiggles , although , by , morning , usally , its , all gone , my hands , are fine , although , its , a pain , in , my butt , i find , heh , basicly , i guess , were , not alone , in this.

Thanks Lady.

I am having an attack so that might be a big reason for it.

I had my MRIs a couple weeks ago and got a call from the MS specialist that he wants me back on meds. My appt with him isn't for a couple more weeks so I don't know exactly what he saw, but I guess it wasn't good.

Thanks for everyone's replies.

I too have had the EMG on my hands to rule out CTS - which I had no CTS. I had it on my legs and feet also. My neruo says no CTS so must be MS sx.

I sleep curled up on my side with my hands either under my head. I found that if I a small pillow and hug it to my stomach / chest area that helps my hand / arm not get that numbness / tingle / prickle feeling....

Good Luck!

Check out Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. if i sleep on my back, both arms go numb, on the sode, that side goes numb, if i sleep sitting up, both arms go numb. My doc just pointlessly sent me to get my neck x rayed without feeling around for knots. i told her i have scoliosis and have been to a chiropractor. the X rays came back normal, which is the only time they ever have.

TOS is getting pretty common, it seems. There's also cell phone elbow.

Not sure if you noticed ShapedLikeaGun, but this thread is from 2 years ago. Not all the original posters are active here now, but I'm sure your information will be beneficial to others with similar problems.

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Please let us know if we can help you in any way.

Hi Shapedlikeagun,
Welcome!
Yes this is an old thread but I, too, have had Cervical Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. I had surgery for that when I was young. My bones in the neck area were compressing on the nerves to my arms and they would go numb at night or when hands over the head position.

I had to have the extra ribs I had removed.

That is funny cell phone syndrome! With the ear clip they will have ear problems or noise related problems with ear buds. Always something.

In my time, they used to call it. "Shoulder, pocketbook, Syndrome" or books in the shoulder bag which puts pressure on the nerves on the shoulder. Very painful and the same symptoms. Use a underarm bag and pain goes away.
Nice to meet you.

I also have the same feeling in my arms. My neuro said it is worse at night because we so still for so long. During the day we are constantly stretching as we go about our daily activities but at night our muslces are still.

Read this at 3 in the morning as I woke in great pain (no numbing( in arm, shoulder and down to elbow, in where bicep isa nd wrist and elbow joints a little achy. Goggeled arm/shoulder sleep pain and got some advice. Special pillows are made to avoid stress to shoulder/arm. different techniques, could be c5/6 fusing,pinched nerve positioning. After a sit upright in chair, 3 ibuprofens, use of 2 side sleeper pillows, exhaustion, I don't know, returned to bed at 5 and slept 4 hours more.

Wake up during the night and I can barely feel with my hands. Afer I get up they return to their right fingers barely feel anymore state, left better but following suit of right probably by next year. It s---- so much losing feeling in hands as im sure you's know. My carpel tunel test was good. I watched and asked questions.