Waking up with tingling in your hands, fingers, or arms is a sensation most of us have experienced at one point or another. That fleeting numbness or prickling feeling, often described as “pins and needles,” can feel strange and unsettling — but what exactly is happening in your body?
What Causes Tingling Sensations?
Medically, this sensation is known as paresthesia, and it can present as tingling, numbness, or even a burning feeling in various parts of the body, including hands, feet, legs, or arms. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, paresthesia is not inherently painful but can be uncomfortable and may appear unexpectedly.
The most common reason for temporary tingling is transient paresthesia, which happens when pressure is applied to a nerve for an extended period. For example, sleeping on your arm or remaining in a single position for too long can compress nerves and reduce blood flow, causing your limb to “fall asleep.”
Other causes, beyond posture, include:
Nerve injury
Herniated spinal discs
