What could cause full body numbness while sleeping and how can it be prevented?

When you sleep in a way that puts pressure on certain parts of your body, it can compress nerves or blood vessels and cause temporary numbness. Researchers have found that some sleep positions can lead to nighttime paresthesias—a tingling or numb feeling—even in healthy people without conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. This happens because when nerves are squeezed for a long time, they send unusual signals to your brain, making you feel numb.

Other causes, like diabetic peripheral neuropathy or other types of neuropathy, are related to underlying health issues that affect nerve health, though these are usually not limited to just sleeping. Preventing sleep-related numbness often means being mindful of your sleep position. For example, try not to sleep with your hands or arms under your body or head, and make sure your mattress and pillows support your body well so you aren't in a twisted or pressed position.

Changing your sleep habits may relieve temporary numbness, but if you experience frequent or full-body numbness, use our free symptom checker to help identify potential causes and determine whether you should seek medical attention.