Numbness is an abnormal sensation that can manifest itself in different parts of the body and that usually occurs when we maintain poor posture for a long time or when we repeatedly perform a type of movement. The sensation of numbness or tingling in the right arm or in any other part of the skeleton is known as paresthesia, a condition that when it occurs sporadically does not usually represent any health risk, however, when numbness appears chronically, paresthesia may be a sign of a more serious condition.
When some part of our body falls asleep we usually ask ourselves a series of questions that often have no answer. In the case of numbness in the arms, many people often ask themselves: am I having a heart attack? And the truth is that this discomfort is associated with many conditions. For this reason, in this FastlyHealarticle we answer one of the most frequent questions people ask themselves: why is my right arm falling asleep ?
Table of Contents
Right arm asleep due to blood pressure
Although there are many reasons why the right arm can sleep, in most cases this paresthesia occurs due to alterations in the normal values of blood pressure that make it difficult for oxygen and blood to reach certain parts of the body correctly. body, thus preventing the production of impulses.
The scenario written above is what commonly occurs when we maintain bad posture for a long time , such as when we fall asleep on our right arm. Why? Because the insufficient blood supply causes the signals that the skin emits to the brain to be inhibited, which causes that sensation of numbness. When this happens, it is best to start moving the arm little by little to interrupt the pressure and stimulate the irrigation of fluid and oxygen.
Arteriosclerosis
Any circulatory problem can sporadically cause paresthesias in our body. Among the circulatory diseases most associated with numbness of the extremities , arteriosclerosis stands out , a condition characterized by hardening of the arteries due to an accumulation of plaque inside. Plaque is a sticky substance made up largely of cholesterol and the main cause of blockage of blood circulation.
People with atherosclerosis are at higher risk of having a heart attack . To treat this condition, it is necessary to take medications and maintain a low-fat diet to reduce high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Quitting smoking, cutting down on alcoholic beverages, and exercising are important to avoid heart and blood pressure complications.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by chronic pain in various parts of the body, tenderness, general discomfort, and numbness in the extremities. The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown and its symptoms can be more or less intense depending on the person. Among the most common manifestations of this disease is the numbness of the hands , which can spread to the arms.
In view of the fact that this disease has no cure, its treatment focuses on controlling its symptoms to offer the person a better quality of life. It is necessary for the person to see doctors from different specialties to treat each of their symptoms. In general, the consumption of drugs, physical therapy, relaxation techniques and a balanced diet are of great help to control this condition.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Many of the people who wonder why my right arm falls asleep, are unaware that they suffer from carpal tunnel. A condition is characterized by causing:
- Tingling in the hands
- Numbness in the arms
- Pain in fingers and palms
- Due to a median nerve injury that mainly affects the thumb.
In general, carpal tunnel syndrome usually manifests in both hands at the same time, and symptoms are usually more evident at night, interrupting deep tiredness and causing the person to get up from bed in search of pain relievers. The discomfort of this condition can extend to the person’s shoulders. The causes of this pathology can be very different, but basically they have to do with maintaining an inappropriate posture that forces the arm. It is a very common injury in motorcycle riders and increasingly common among ordinary people due to smart phones and computers , which keep us typing all day.
Cervicobrachialgia
When there is any injury to the nerves, muscles or vertebrae of the cervical spine, there is a very characteristic pain in the neck that can radiate to the shoulders, arms and chest and is accompanied by tingling or numbness. This condition is known by the name of cervicobrachialgia and it is one of the most common causes of why the arms fall asleep.
Cervicobrachialgia can be caused by many factors such as:
- Traumatic injuries
- Whiplash
- Excess muscle tension
- Poor body posture
- Osteoarthritis
- Herniated discs
- Compression of a nerve
- Excess stress
- Muscle tears
Treating this condition with exercises and medications helps control symptoms, but it is possible for a person diagnosed with this disease to have episodes of neck pain throughout their life.
Nerve injury
Poor posture and muscle tension can often cause injury to a nerve responsible for the functioning of said limb. For example, permanent pressure on the spinal nerve in the human body can cause chronic numbness in the arms. This is usually caused by a herniated disc that causes the vertebra to press on the nerve and cause pain and numbness in the arms.
People with any type of diabetes are at higher risk of nerve damage, as frequent and excessive changes in glucose levels can damage peripheral nerves and trigger peripheral neuropathy. Also, a rise or fall in blood glucose is characterized by weakness, malaise, and tingling and numbness in the hands. In this case, unlike peripheral neuropathy, numbness is a temporary symptom.
Other causes of the right arm asleep and without strength
- Muscle contracture.
- Sleeping on the arm.
- Elevated levels of calcium, potassium and sodium.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Use of certain medications.
- Cancer or HIV treatments.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Why is my right arm falling asleep , we recommend that you enter our Bones, Joints and Muscles category .

I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.