I am sorry I can't answer this, but I can say Hi and Welcome to eHealth! Hopefully someone can shed light on whats going on. I too have this problem on occasions. I sleep on my side (fetal position). There are times I wake up and both or one hand will be "asleep". I am looking forward to hearing from others as well to see if someone can explain!

It could be that you are bending your wrists and not knowing it, or sleeping on top of your hands, cutting off the circulation either way.

Do you notice a pain in your wrists? This would be carpal tunnel syndrome and can make you lose the feeling.

What a lot of people do is bend their wrists while they are sleeping and lost the feeling in their hands. Try wearing a wrist brace to keep your wrist and hand straight at night and see if that helps.

Thanks so much for the input Mominashoe! I never gave much thought about that, but I do indeed sleep with my hands bllaed into fist and wrist kinda balled up. Not sure why. If I lie on my back, which is seldon, I cross my hands over my chest (my husband calls "the funeral home position", my hads will also go to sleep. I think I might have to invest in a pair of the wrist bands to see if that will help! Oh, is it true you have 6 children? You are remarkably well preserved! You really are a pretty lady! I've been away a while on some family business....... but I've been here on eHealth since 2003, so very glad to meet you! Hugs!

Thanks lol Yes I have 6: my oldest is 7 years old. They keep me busy....I have no idea why I'm so well preserved!!

Good luck with the wristbands!

i have a brace and wear it on my right hand frequently when i sleep and i just bought a second one for my left hand and last night my left hand went numb to the point of causing severe pain and waking me up at 2am. I can't take it anymore, i need sleep!! i'm calling my doctor!!!!

If I sleep on my back, both of my hands go numb. When I sleep on my sides, which ever hand is on top will go numb. Most of the numbness is on the outside of my hand, pinki area. This has been going on for years and the doctors keep telling me I am fine. I even had an MRI of my neck, which was fine. I feel I am losing strength in my hands now and they are starting to tremble or my thumb will twitch at times, regardless of what position they are in. HELP Susan

Susan, have you seen a Neurologist? I have numbness that more is like it's just not there no tingling etc..Mine is from Neuralliga..Keep fighting to get answers..

I did see a neurologist and he ordered an MRI of my neck. It came back fine. He gave me some Lyrica but I am afraid to take it. When I go back I am going to ask if it could be originating from my shoulders, since my neck appears to be fine.

I am a Licensed Massage Therapist, and I have some ideas for you. First of all, since you are sleeping are your side, try training yourself to sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees. It may be hard at first, but it will keep your spine in better alignment. If you have to sleep on your side, then buy a body pillow, and make sure the pillow for your head is offering adequate support without causing your neck to be tilted up too high. Also, I would encourage you to see a chiropractor. More than likely, you have an issue with one of your cervical vertebrae. If you see a general physician, they will give you medication, which won't solve the problem. Also, it is possible you are dealing with carpal tunnel. If you use a computer throughout the day, make sure you have one of those gel packs to support your wrists when you type on your keyboard, and when you use your mouse. Lastly, feel the muscle under each arm. If it feels large and bulky, then try consistently using ice under the armpit. If this muscle, ( the supscapularis) gets too bound up, it can cause pain, and numbness and tingling. Also, consider going to see a massage therapist. I know it's expensive, but a good therapist will be able to determine whether or not the issue is muscular. Most importantly, go see a chiropractor!!!! MANY chiropractors are fairly affordable and even offer massage as part of their therapy. My concern is that this problem will become something you deal with during the day if left untreated.
Blessings!