Arms falling asleep

Options
JeremyBWilliamsSr
JeremyBWilliamsSr Posts: 8 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello, I have been lifting really heavy lately, trying to increase size. As of late, anytime that I lay down to sleep, my arms have bank falling asleep. It is impossible to lay on my side because they fall asleep within seconds. Anyone else have this issue and a possible remedy?
«1

Replies

  • serindipte
    serindipte Posts: 1,557 Member
    Options
    Personally, my first stop would be a chiropractor for that issue. Second would be an MD if that didn't correct it.
  • rose2_0
    rose2_0 Posts: 150 Member
    Options
    Following. I can't "lean" on my side in bed(chilling/watching netflix and reading) for very long anymore without my arm falling asleep. It was never a problem until about a year ago. I've sustained back injuries since then and am a heavy lifter. I've been curious about it as well.
  • jshaw2025
    jshaw2025 Posts: 61 Member
    Options
    You could also check out nerve glide exercises and do what is tolerable. Important not to overdo them though.
  • 100_PROOF_
    100_PROOF_ Posts: 1,168 Member
    Options
    I have this issue. Doctor said it's nerve damage.
  • jshaw2025
    jshaw2025 Posts: 61 Member
    Options
    There are usually specific things you can do to help. Scap retractions, scap depression, pec stretch, etc.
  • gamerbabe14
    gamerbabe14 Posts: 876 Member
    Options
    Another vote for nerve damage. Physical therapy has been very helpful.
  • kayemallory
    kayemallory Posts: 4 Member
    Options
    I'm a side/front sleeper. I had trouble with my arms falling asleep and I remedied it by lying on a pillow positioned kind of under my armpit comfortably, (like when you lie on your side with your head on your elbow), and then I use a second pillow over my shoulder, but under my head. This position allows more room for big boobs (in my case) or large muscles (in your case). Play with adding another pillow and see if you can't position yourself so that your arm has more room. Good luck!

    Kind of like this with a regular pillow instead of one that costs over $200! LOL
    cmk4lp8xqoxm.jpg
  • mom23mangos
    mom23mangos Posts: 3,070 Member
    Options
    jshaw2025 wrote: »
    There are usually specific things you can do to help. Scap retractions, scap depression, pec stretch, etc.

    I have this issue from shoulder impingement. Also probably some cubital tunnel syndrome as its primarily my pinky and ring finger that have issues. I sleep with my arm overhead which compounds the issue. I've had to train myself to sleep on my back with arm down or on my left side. I also do a LOT of scapular work to try to correct the impingement.
  • serindipte
    serindipte Posts: 1,557 Member
    Options
    mom23mangos wrote: »
    jshaw2025 wrote: »
    There are usually specific things you can do to help. Scap retractions, scap depression, pec stretch, etc.

    I have this issue from shoulder impingement. Also probably some cubital tunnel syndrome as its primarily my pinky and ring finger that have issues. I sleep with my arm overhead which compounds the issue. I've had to train myself to sleep on my back with arm down or on my left side. I also do a LOT of scapular work to try to correct the impingement.

    I've been dealing with this same issue. My chiropractor has helped it a ton. Now the only time I have any trouble is right when I wake up. The rest of the time, it isn't even noticeable. He also showed me some exercises to help with the shoulder portion of the nerve trouble.
  • mom23mangos
    mom23mangos Posts: 3,070 Member
    Options
    serindipte wrote: »
    mom23mangos wrote: »
    jshaw2025 wrote: »
    There are usually specific things you can do to help. Scap retractions, scap depression, pec stretch, etc.

    I have this issue from shoulder impingement. Also probably some cubital tunnel syndrome as its primarily my pinky and ring finger that have issues. I sleep with my arm overhead which compounds the issue. I've had to train myself to sleep on my back with arm down or on my left side. I also do a LOT of scapular work to try to correct the impingement.

    I've been dealing with this same issue. My chiropractor has helped it a ton. Now the only time I have any trouble is right when I wake up. The rest of the time, it isn't even noticeable. He also showed me some exercises to help with the shoulder portion of the nerve trouble.

    What does he have you doing?
  • serindipte
    serindipte Posts: 1,557 Member
    Options
    mom23mangos wrote: »
    serindipte wrote: »
    mom23mangos wrote: »
    jshaw2025 wrote: »
    There are usually specific things you can do to help. Scap retractions, scap depression, pec stretch, etc.

    I have this issue from shoulder impingement. Also probably some cubital tunnel syndrome as its primarily my pinky and ring finger that have issues. I sleep with my arm overhead which compounds the issue. I've had to train myself to sleep on my back with arm down or on my left side. I also do a LOT of scapular work to try to correct the impingement.

    I've been dealing with this same issue. My chiropractor has helped it a ton. Now the only time I have any trouble is right when I wake up. The rest of the time, it isn't even noticeable. He also showed me some exercises to help with the shoulder portion of the nerve trouble.

    What does he have you doing?

    I'm not sure how to describe it, but a few different moves/stretches with resistance bands. That and his adjustments have really helped.
  • JeremyBWilliamsSr
    JeremyBWilliamsSr Posts: 8 Member
    Options
    100_PROOF_ wrote: »
    I have this issue. Doctor said it's nerve damage.

    That stinks. I probably should see someone then
  • JeremyBWilliamsSr
    JeremyBWilliamsSr Posts: 8 Member
    Options
    kayemallory wrote: »
    I'm a side/front sleeper. I had trouble with my arms falling asleep and I remedied it by lying on a pillow positioned kind of under my armpit comfortably, (like when you lie on your side with your head on your elbow), and then I use a second pillow over my shoulder, but under my head. This position allows more room for big boobs (in my case) or large muscles (in your case). Play with adding another pillow and see if you can't position yourself so that your arm has more room. Good luck!

    Kind of like this with a regular pillow instead of one that costs over $200! LOL
    cmk4lp8xqoxm.jpg

    I have thought of getting one of those pillows
  • Emerald_Warrior
    Emerald_Warrior Posts: 238 Member
    Options
    serindipte wrote: »
    Personally, my first stop would be a chiropractor for that issue. Second would be an MD if that didn't correct it.

    I second this. Chiropractors are miracle workers
  • Silkysausage
    Silkysausage Posts: 502 Member
    Options
    JeremyBWilliamsSr wrote: »
    kayemallory wrote: »
    I'm a side/front sleeper. I had trouble with my arms falling asleep and I remedied it by lying on a pillow positioned kind of under my armpit comfortably, (like when you lie on your side with your head on your elbow), and then I use a second pillow over my shoulder, but under my head. This position allows more room for big boobs (in my case) or large muscles (in your case). Play with adding another pillow and see if you can't position yourself so that your arm has more room. Good luck!

    Kind of like this with a regular pillow instead of one that costs over $200! LOL
    cmk4lp8xqoxm.jpg

    I have thought of getting one of those pillows

    Never seen anything so ridiculous, as a neuromuscular massage therapist and trigger point specialist I can say that your rotator cuff in any overly stretched position will be hammered over time.

    The best way to sleep is on your back with a pillow under the knees to take pressure off the back or on your side with a pillow inbetween the knees to the ankles to ankles to align the hips.

    OP, you need to address muscles first with a sports massage as it's always almost the reason for your symptoms. Lifting heavier than before will produce problems at first as the body will have to adapt to different conditions.

    With my over head press my neck muscles were on fire but with applied heat, stretching, Trigger Point Therapy and time they are now absolutely fine.

    As bodybuilders we have to put the self help work in and that means physical therapy, ice/heat, stretching, foam rolling, knowledge of anatomy and knowing when to ease off very heavy lifting.
  • plythacur
    plythacur Posts: 32 Member
    Options
    I’d recommend seeing a sports doc or PT who can tell you where the nerve impingement is along your arms. They may also be able to suggest specific exercises or nerve glides to do to help. If this is pretty new, you might not have nerve damage yet. I have ulnar impingement/cubital tunnel syndrome and have to sleep on my back with arms straight, and can’t currently do heavy lifts which bend my elbows more than 90 degrees. It is annoying, but far better than nerve damage and surgery.
  • the8BitGirl
    the8BitGirl Posts: 38 Member
    Options
    jshaw2025 wrote: »
    I would see a physical therapist. Sounds like possible nerve compression. A PT can help evaluate your movements and see if there are any corrections you can make to your current lifts, or add some accessory exercises to get everything in good working order.
    Definitely this. I am currently seeing a Physiotherapist because of nerve compression which causes pain in my right shoulder, and numbness in my right thumb and part of my forearm. Caused by my own stupidity/lifting heavy and not paying attention to my form. My physio keeps poking at the discs at the top of my spine, and some of the exercises she's given me seem to help, but that numbness man... so annoying. >.<

  • mutantspicy
    mutantspicy Posts: 624 Member
    edited May 2018
    Options
    If you are gaining mass and have lost Body Fat your nerves will be more exposed.. I have an issue in my leg. It feels like I have a sparkler in my hip all the time. The doctor and the neurologist who gave me an emg both concluded that because I lost weight my femerol nerve was getting pinched easier and causing the needles and pins feeling. Could it be nerve damage from lifting, possibly.. But most likely its because its of low bf percentage. . Which it looks like you have if your avatar pic is up to date. When you lay down you are pinching your nerves. But definitely check with your doc.

Categories