Often accompanied by pain, spasms, or numbness, sensations of tingling at night refer to sharp, prick-like vibrations that can be felt in the hands, legs, and feet. Although the feeling can happen to anyone, women experiencing hormonal imbalance and other bodily changes are especially vulnerable. Nevertheless, understanding the root causes of tingling at night is the first step in combating this troublesome affliction.
Tingling at Night: Feet
Although pin and needle-like pains can occur throughout various other parts of the body, tingling in feet at night is sometimes indicative of poor circulation caused by the inflammation of blood vessels in the body. When the body is unable to provide the feet with the adequate, oxygen-rich blood, a sensation of numbness can occur, followed by a series of sharp twinges.
Having prolonged low blood sugar levels is another common culprit. In fact, most diabetics experience at least some type of nerve damage, with many reporting more intense tingling in the feet at night. Although mild cases could go years without being noticed, menopause can often bring the malady to the forefront, as various other symptoms form a perfect cocktail for its genesis.
Tingling at Night: Hands
Tingling hands at night often follows long bouts of immobility. Something as simple as resting your head on your hand, lying against an arm, or crossing both arms over your chest can trigger the uncomfortable sensation. Neck injuries and poor sleeping posture can also affect feeling in the hands and arms.
In addition, older women entering into menopause are at an increased risk of developing carpal tunnel, the tingling, swelling, or loss of feeling in the hands and wrists. In such cases, greater pressure is exerted on nerve endings in the hand, resulting in a persistent throbbing or prickling.
Tingling at Night: Legs
Much of the tingling pain in legs at night can be traced back to specific moments of trauma. While lower back injuries seem to be particularly troublesome, frequently sitting on or crossing your legs are also notable causes.
As is the case in the feet, another important component of tingling at night seems to be poor blood flow and circulation.
Other potential culprits include the overconsumption of alcohol and low levels of vitamins B1, B6, and B12. This is especially true if untreated dehydration and nutrient deficiencies are allowed to worsen at night when the body has used most of its energy for fueling its daytime needs.
Tingling at night in the extremities is no laughing matter. Because it varies in its severity, it can be either a mild annoyance or indicative of an underlying health issue. Read on to understand treatment options for tingling at night and when the condition calls for medical attention.
Sources
- MedlinePlus. (2019). Numbness and tingling | Peripheral neuropathy. Retrieved July 4, 2019, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003206.htm | https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000593.htm
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (n.d.). Diabetic Neuropathy. Retrieved July 4, 2019, from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/nerve-damage-diabetic-neuropathies?dkrd=hiscr0036
- NHS. (2019). How to sit correctly. Retrieved July 4, 2019, from https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/how-to-sit-correctly/
- Office on Women's Health. (2019). Menopause treatment | Carpal tunnel syndrome | Menopause symptoms and relief. Retrieved July 4, 2019, from https://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause/menopause-treatment | https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/carpal-tunnel-syndrome | https://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause/menopause-symptoms-and-relief#b
- State Government of Victoria, Australia. (2017). Pins and Needles. Retrieved July 4, 2019, from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/pins-and-needles