Usual disclaimer: no one can provide specific medical advice for a person or condition without an in-person interview and physical examination, and a review of the available medical records and recent and past testing. This comment is for general information purposes only, and not intended to provide medical advice. No physician-patient relationship is implied or established.Most commonly, the sensation of a limb "falling asleep" is from an issue with a peripheral nerve, and not (as is commonly believed) from an issue of blood circulation.Some people (and I am one) are more susceptible to this phenomenon, but it can happen to anyone. When a nerve is compressed, it will stop functioning temporarily.There are places in your body that are more susceptible to this - generally where a nerve is running close to a bone, and where there is little flesh surrounding the nerve that might diffuse the pressure.One nerve that is very susceptible to compression or injury is the ulnar nerve, commonly known as the "funny bone". If you let your arm dangle at your side with the palm facing forward, the "funny bone" is at the back of the elbow, just above and towards the middle of the body from the bony lump you feel behind your elbow.A sudden blow to this area often produces a sudden sting / burning sensation that radiates down to the hand (this event is the reason behind the name "funny bone"). However, prolonged pressure on the area will also produce symptoms, and is the most likely cause of numbness and tingling in the hand and fingers while leaning on the elbow.Typically, the sensation of the pinky and ring fingers is the most affected, as well as the same side of the hand and forearm as those fingers.The solution that I have worked out for myself is simply to avoid leaning on that part of the elbow. Place the forearm on the armrest instead, or lean on the outside of the elbow, not the inside.This is not, of course, the only place that is affected by nerve compressing. Many people, when sleeping, have their arms under their head and / or pillow, or even under their body. Using trial and errors, you can probably find a sleeping position that will minimize the chance your limbs will "fall asleep".
My arms fall asleep daily while sleeping and usually when using armrests in planes. Do I need to consult my physician on this?Hi there. I'm 28F 5'8" 160lbs white, and generally very healthy and active. I have no major medical conditions, good nutrition, don't drink alcohol, workout several times per week (yoga, lifting, indoor climbing). I take hormonal BC to avoid painful periods (been on it for more than a year) and I started taking a long-term antibiotic for a skin issue a week ago (yes I'm aware they interfere).I've noticed that almost every day while sleeping lately, I wake up at some point with some of my fingers numb and prickly up to my entire arm being limp (where it flops around, can't move it, and have to "shake it back to life" so to speak). I remember this happening occasionally as a kid, as well, so it's not a new development. I take several work trips per year that involve flights and I tend to get a similar problem sometimes when using the armrests in planes.I'd say it mostly happens in my right arm (dominant) but I think it happens in the left arm sometimes, as well. I'm a bit alarmed that this seems to be happening so often. I'm guessing my brain wakes me up when this starts to happen so it can't be that long that it happens but I can't be sure, obviously. I'm just concerned that it may at some point cause damage if this keeps happening.I have a memory foam type of mattress, so I'm wondering if a different type of mattress would help? A side sleeping pillow? Maybe it could somehow be nutrition related?Any advice is appreciated, thank you!