Why hands and legs “go to sleep“ | Healthy Living | DW | 15.02.2018
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Healthy Living

Why hands and legs “go to sleep“

Anyone who is sedentary for an extended period runs the risk of his arms or legs falling asleep. How exactly does that happen and are there any risks?

If you remain seated in a certain position for a long time you sometimes get pins and needles or a numb feeling in your legs or feet. It is mostly harmless and goes away when we get mobile again. The same can happen to your arms or hands. The condition is mostly caused by a nerve that has become trapped or has not received enough oxygen. Information is passed on to the brain telling us to move accordingly to achieve some relief. If arms and legs “fall asleep” frequently and the condition takes a long time to wear off, then it is advisable to seek medical advice. It could point to a slipped disc, MS, multiple sclerosis, or polyneuropathy, a hereditary condition that leads to nerves being sensitive to pressure marks.