arms falling asleep and disabilty question
 

I have been waking up in the mornings when I sleep on my side and my arms and hands are totally asleep. If I change position, they do come out of it. Why are they doing this now? What is this a sign of? Has anyone else had this problem? It really scares me. Also, my feet are starting to hurt after a day of activities with my kids yesterday. I am so worried about going back to my job of teaching in about a month and a half. I would have to apply for state teachers retirement for disability when the time arises, but I am turning 35 in August. I am so young and struck with this disease. They will probably deny me if a apply in the coming years because of my age. Anyone else apply for disability at a young age? Danielle

Hi Danielle,

I'm a rookie here, but I had problems with my arms after sleeping as well. I fould I can't have my arm up under my head (or near my head) while sleeping. I had to learn to sleep with my arms down by my body.

You might try this and see if the problem goes away.

Jim

I've had this on and off over the years.

1) the major cause for me was my carpal tunnel syndrome. When that is bad, the arms go to sleep. Wearing the carpal tunnel splints may help with this.

2) my right arm has been doing this more, when I am hot, or retaining fluid like during the 97 degree day we had this weekend!
My right arm is the shingles arm also and I rather think this is a contributor too.

People with PN tend to have compressive sensitivities on many areas of the body. Mine come and go and really are worse when I feel puffy all over.

Many with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) have the hands/arms falling asleep problem - depending on sleeping postures.

Here's a sticky thread link if you'd like to see if any of it fits - also some of the PT/therapies might be beneficial no matter what dx you may have.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread84.html
post #1 has the most descriptions, symptoms & therapies info.

You might want to try a body pillow. It might help your arms not get "bunched" up.

great idea Barb! thanks:)