Do Nerves Wake Up?
Yes, in a manner of speaking, nerves can "wake up." This doesn't mean nerves are asleep in the same way humans are, but rather refers to the restoration of function after a period of dysfunction or inactivity.
Nerves transmit signals throughout the body. When a nerve is compressed or damaged (like from prolonged sitting or sleeping on an arm), it may temporarily stop functioning, leading to numbness or tingling ("pins and needles"). This is a form of temporary nerve dysfunction. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, "Sometimes the irritation causes signals when there should be none. ... When the blockage is removed, the nerve cells start waking up as they start getting…" https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=58. The feeling of the nerve "waking up" is the return of normal sensation as the nerve function is restored.
Furthermore, even with significant nerve damage, the body has a remarkable capacity for repair. Orlando Health notes that damaged nerves can regenerate over time and that other nerves may take over lost functions. https://www.orlandohealth.com/content-hub/how-nerves-recover-after-trauma
Examples of Nerve "Waking Up":
- Numbness after sleep: Waking up with a numb arm is a common experience caused by nerve compression during sleep. The numbness resolves as blood flow and nerve function return.
- Pins and needles: This sensation is caused by the temporary interruption of nerve signals. Once the pressure is relieved, the feeling returns to normal.
- Nerve regeneration: After an injury, nerves can regenerate, although this process takes time, and full function may not always be restored.
Nerve Regeneration vs. "Waking Up"
It's important to distinguish between nerve regeneration and the sensation of a nerve "waking up." Nerve regeneration is a biological process of repair and regrowth after injury. The "waking up" sensation describes the return of normal nerve function after temporary interruption, such as compression. The process of nerve regeneration is ongoing and takes time, even at any age.
