Stay Informed: Why is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Worse at Night?

If you've ever woken up in the middle of the night with numbness or tingling in your hand, you might be experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This condition can be pretty uncomfortable, especially at night. At Somerset Family Chiropractic and Wellness Centre in Ajax, Ontario, we often hear from patients frustrated by their nighttime symptoms. So, why is carpal tunnel syndrome worse at night? Great question. You’ve come to the right place for an answer.

In this blog post, we will explain carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), why it tends to get worse at night, and how you can manage and alleviate your symptoms. We’ll also touch upon the options at our chiropractic clinic to help with the symptoms of CTS and how you can make an appointment. 

Read ahead to learn more!

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when too much pressure is placed on the median nerve, which runs through a narrow passageway in your wrist called the carpal tunnel. This nerve controls movement and feeling in your thumb and the first three fingers. When the median nerve is squeezed, it can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in your hand and arm.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is caused by repetitive hand movements, wrist injuries, and certain health conditions, such as diabetes and arthritis. 

People who spend a lot of time typing on a computer, using hand tools, or performing other repetitive tasks are more likely to develop CTS. The symptoms can start gradually and become more severe over time, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.

Why Do Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms Worsen at Night?

Many people with carpal tunnel syndrome find that their symptoms are worse at night. Several reasons include how you position your hands while sleeping, reduced movement during sleep, inflammation and fluid retention, and underlying health problems. 

We’ll explain in more detail below.

Positioning During Sleep When you sleep, you might bend your wrists or tuck your hands under your pillow. These positions can increase pressure on the median nerve and worsen the symptoms of CTS. Finding a comfortable position to sleep in that reduces the chances of you bending your wrist or applying more pressure to your hand can help relieve nighttime symptoms. Imagine holding a hose with water running through it. If you bend the hose, the water flow slows down. Similarly, bending your wrist can squeeze the median nerve and worsen your symptoms.	Reduced Movement During the day, you move your hands and wrists a lot, which helps keep fluid from building up in your wrist. But at night, when you're not moving as much, fluid can accumulate around the median nerve, increasing pressure and causing more pain and numbness.  It's like when you sit still for a long time, your legs start feeling stiff and sore. The same thing happens to the median nerve, and that’s why you might experience worsening symptoms when you wake up.	Inflammation and Fluid Retention Your body's natural or circadian rhythms can also play a role. At night, your body tends to retain more fluid, which can lead to swelling in the wrist. This swelling puts extra pressure on the median nerve, worsening carpal tunnel symptoms.  It's similar to how some people experience swelling in their legs or feet after a long day of standing or sitting. Pregnant women also experience fluid retention and hormonal changes that increase the symptoms of CTS at night.

Reduced Blood Flow When you’re sleeping, your body prioritizes the most important organs and reduces blood flow to your extremities. This blood flow reduction can cause the median nerve to be more prone to experiencing pressure and making your CTS symptoms worse at night.	Underlying Health Conditions Certain health issues, such as diabetes, thyroid problems, and arthritis, can cause inflammation and fluid retention, worsening carpal tunnel symptoms. If you have any of these conditions, managing them properly can help reduce your CTS symptoms.

How to Manage and Alleviate Nighttime Carpal Tunnel Symptoms

Fortunately, there are several ways to manage and alleviate nighttime carpal tunnel symptoms. Here are some tips to help you sleep better and reduce your discomfort.

• Try to keep your wrist in a neutral position while sleeping. A wrist splint or brace can help keep your wrist straight.

• Avoid tucking your hands under your pillow or body. Instead, let your arms rest by your sides or on top of the covers.

• Avoid activities that strain your wrist before bedtime, such as typing, knitting, or using hand tools.

• Gentle stretching exercises can help reduce tension and improve circulation in your wrist. Try to do these exercises throughout the day and before going to bed.

• Applying cold or warm compresses to your wrist can help reduce swelling and numbness.

• Physical activity and exercise can help reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation, diminishing your symptoms. 

• Use ergonomic products while working. They are designed to reduce the impact of repetitive motions that cause CTS and other conditions. 

When to Seek a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist 

If your symptoms persist despite trying the techniques mentioned above to reduce symptoms, it may be time to seek professional help. 

At Somerset Family Chiropractic and Wellness Centre, we offer a range of treatments and services to help manage carpal tunnel syndrome. A chiropractor or physiotherapist can provide specialized care to reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Chiropractic adjustments can help improve the alignment of your wrist and reduce pressure on the median nerve.

Physiotherapy can teach you exercise to strengthen your wrist and improve flexibility, reducing your symptoms over time.

Book an appointment with us if your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms worsen at night.

Conclusion

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be particularly troublesome at night, but understanding why it happens and how to manage your symptoms can make a big difference. Adjusting your sleep position, making lifestyle changes, and seeking professional help can reduce your nighttime discomfort and improve your overall quality of life.

If you're struggling with carpal tunnel syndrome, don't hesitate to reach out to Somerset Family Chiropractic and Wellness Centre in Ajax, Ontario. Our team is here to help you find relief and get back to enjoying your daily activities. Contact us today to book a consultation and learn more about our services.

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