MyLupusTeam

Why does your right arm go numb during sleep?

Waking up with a numb arm is a common experience among people with lupus. There are several potential causes:

Peripheral Neuropathy
Lupus can cause nerve damage due to inflammation of the nerves or tissues around them. This affects the peripheral nerves that carry messages from Show Full Answer

Why does your right arm go numb during sleep?

Waking up with a numb arm is a common experience among people with lupus. There are several potential causes:

Peripheral Neuropathy
Lupus can cause nerve damage due to inflammation of the nerves or tissues around them. This affects the peripheral nerves that carry messages from your brain and spinal cord to your arms and legs.

Nerve Compression
Your arm may be going numb from pressure on nerves during sleep. This can happen if you're sleeping in a position that compresses the ulnar nerve (which runs from your hand to shoulder) or other nerves in your arm.

Inflammatory Arthritis
Lupus-related inflammation in your joints and surrounding tissues can contribute to numbness and stiffness, especially noticeable when you wake up.

What You Can Do

Try changing your sleeping position to avoid putting pressure on your arm. Some MyLupusTeam members find that moving their arm slowly or having someone massage the affected area helps restore circulation and feeling.

However, it's important to talk to your rheumatologist about this symptom, especially since it's recurring. They can perform tests like nerve conduction studies to determine the exact cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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