Hands can swell overnight due to fluid buildup in the tissues. This is often caused by how you sleep. Lying still for extended periods allows fluid to accumulate, resulting in puffiness, especially in the hands. Sleeping on your hands, for instance, restricts blood flow and lymphatic drainage, exacerbating the swelling. This is a common phenomenon and often resolves itself after stretching and moving the hands upon waking.
Contributing Factors:
- Sleep Position: Sleeping in positions that put pressure on your hands or restrict blood flow can significantly contribute to swelling. This includes sleeping on your hands or with your hands bent or awkwardly positioned for extended periods. [Source: Lying still overnight can cause fluid to build up in the tissues of the hands, The way you are sleeping may be causing swollen hands in the morning., If you sleep on your hands and put the majority of your weight on… ]
- Underlying Medical Conditions: While often benign, morning hand swelling can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition like rheumatoid arthritis. In such cases, swelling often accompanies stiffness and lasts longer than simply overnight. [Source: Morning hand stiffness is a classic early sign of rheumatoid arthritis. The stiffness and swelling of the hands will usually last more than an…] Other conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, can also lead to hand swelling. [Source: When the median nerve that runs through the wrist gets compressed it can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, resulting in pain in the fingers.]
Relieving Morning Hand Swelling:
- Adjusting Sleep Position: Try sleeping with your arms by your side or elevated to improve circulation.
- Stretching and Exercise: Gentle stretches and hand exercises upon waking help to circulate fluid and reduce swelling.
Conclusion:
While morning hand swelling is often harmless and related to sleep position, persistent or severe swelling warrants medical attention.
