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Patient Questions  /  Hands numb at night

Shoulder, Elbow & Hand

Why Do My Hands Go Numb or Tingle at Night?

The most common cause is carpal tunnel syndrome, pressure on a nerve at the wrist that gets worse when your wrists are bent during sleep. A nerve pinched in the neck, or conditions like diabetes, can cause it too.

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Why it happens at night

Many people sleep with their wrists curled or bent. That position raises pressure in the carpal tunnel, the narrow space in the wrist that the median nerve passes through. The result is numbness or tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers, often waking you up and easing when you shake out your hand.

If the tingling is in your little finger, or runs from your neck down the arm, another nerve may be involved, which is why a proper check matters.

What helps

  • A wrist splint at night that keeps the wrist straight is a common first treatment.
  • Take breaks from gripping, typing and phone use, and keep your wrists straight when you can.
  • Nerve and tendon gliding exercises can help mild to moderate symptoms.
  • If you have diabetes or thyroid problems, keeping them well managed matters for nerve health.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor promptly if you have:

  • Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, face drooping or trouble speaking: call 911
  • Numbness that is constant, not just at night
  • Weakness, dropping things, or shrinking of the muscle at the base of the thumb
  • Numbness in both hands along with trouble walking or balance

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A physical therapist checks your neck, arm and wrist to find which nerve is involved and where, then gives you splinting advice, nerve and tendon gliding exercises and changes to how you use your hands at work and home.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Read our full guide: Carpal tunnel and hand numbness →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed September 2026