Why Do Your Feet Fall Asleep?

The feet falling asleep is a strange sensation. The nerves have, in some way, been compromised. People have nerve cells that carry impulses to the brain and other areas of the body. The cells (or fibers) have structures surrounding them, but they are different.

Some of the nerve fibers are thicker than others. Since the thicker ones have a protective coating to shield them, transmissions take longer.

Those who are thin are the ones who send the tingling feeling, and it does so rapidly. The feet can move when it doesn’t seem possible. Once all nerve fibers return to its natural state, everything will feel normal again.

The feet fall asleep because there’s too much pressure on that part of the body. This could also happen while sitting, sleeping with legs crossed, while running, or while driving. Not only is it too much pressure, but it’s continued pressure.

What if the Tingling in My Feet Won’t Go Away?

The consequences of continuing to deny transmissions a clear pathway prevent communication to other parts of the body from the brain. This isn’t a good situation, but it’s only minor.

When the nerves can’t relay messages like they are supposed to, look for certain things that don’t happen. The messages are mumbled, so the brain doesn’t get it. It’s strange to even the brain.

This is why we get the tingling sensations. Usually, the feet will feel like their old selves again once in another position or when they stretch out. When they persist or last for a long time, see a health specialist. What’s a long time?

Several hours, for sure, however, no one should suffer for over an hour before calling their physician for medical advice. It may not be long before relief comes, but better safe than sorry. No one wants to feel like they are literally on “pins and needles.”

What Causes Numb Feet?

Why do the feet feel numb? Is it the same thing as when your feet fall asleep? Well, foot numbness is a condition, an abnormal one, of course, that anyone would feel in their toes when there’s a temporary loss of blood flow.

It’s because of inflammation, infection, trauma or malignancy. In some cases, a numb foot is an indication of a disease or nerve damage. However, most causes are not dangerous.

Know that people have numb feet in association with tumors and strokes. What’s more, the numbness, when preceded by a burning sensation, excruciating pain or prickling, is known as paresthesias.

Sitting in one place will cause numb feelings to occur also. The numbness will go away quite quickly providing there is movement. Also, the condition may become worse when it’s nigh time. It’s common for plenty of sufferers.

If this has been going for an extended period, there may be nerve damage and if this is the case, please, see a doctor. The numbness may be a sign of something else. Remember, the numbing sensations should not last long.

Get emergency medical assistance when there’s a bowel or bladder control problem, confusion, slurred speech, or paralysis along with numb feet.

1) Peripheral Neuropathy (Tingling in the Feet)

Countless individuals feel a tingling in their feet, hands, legs, and arms. Sometimes, this is nothing, but it could be a chronic condition, severe or episodic.

It’s not just the tingling, but it’s the itching, the pain, the muscle spasms and the numbness in the feet. Having an old injury or a recurring injury flare up, diabetes, being exposed to a toxic environment or a viral infection will trigger an episode.

Peripheral neuropathy is a familiar name especially to those with a spinal cord injury. It affects the nerves mostly in the feet and hands. Given time, peripheral neuropathy can get worse. What happens is mobility declines; it can even disable a person.

Far too many millions of Americans suffer from neuropathy. Although it’s not exclusive to gender or age, it mainly happens to older citizens. Suspect diabetic neuropathy? See a doctor for a diagnosis.

Causes of Diabetic Neuropathy

Mostly everyone knows about diabetes. But how many know it is among the top reasons or causes of peripheral neuropathy? Studies show that around 30 percent of people with diabetes have it in their feet and legs.

The symptoms are common among those who have nerve damage, but they can be severe or mild forms of neuropathy. The tingling in the feet could be a sign that a loved one has diabetes.

Alternatively, vitamin deficiencies can lead to other health conditions. On the other hand, too much of a vitamin [B6] can trigger an onset of tingling sensations. The lack of B12 is connected to pernicious anemia.

Providing there aren’t any health reasons why anyone should consume vitamins or herbs, take the suggestion to include B12, B1 and vitamin E in the diet.

More than a niacin vitamin deficiency, alcohol has a tremendous impact on the nerves, and it will require a strict diet. The average alcoholic doesn’t eat right. Therefore they may need more thiamine to help control their neuropathy.

What is Paresthesia?

Paresthesia is that feeling of the leg, hand or feet falling asleep. These are the classic feelings of tingling, pins-and-needles, pricking, and numbness. It could also include skin crawling and itching. The symptoms may come out of nowhere really.

Surprising, almost everybody has felt paresthesias before. It happens too when there’s too much pressure applied to the feet, arms or legs. Once sitting or lying in another position, the feeling should go away. If it doesn’t, it’s time to see the doctor.

What are the Signs of Paresthesia?

Know paresthesia [chronic or transient] can affect any part of the body. However, the main spots are the arms, feet, hands, and legs.

Panic attacks or hyperventilating are classic symptoms of transient paresthesia whereas, with chronic paresthesia a person may have poor circulation or neuropathy. The good news is there aren’t any prolonged physical effects from paresthesia.

Whether it’s chronic or temporary, the signs include a burning sensation, tingling, numbness, weakness and feeling cold. With chronic paresthesia, the sufferer may have stabbing pains in the feet or legs. This can have a definite effect on walking or standing.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Parathesia

Having paresthesia, it’s a good idea to see a specialist, a neurologist. They may perform an ACT scan to determine a final diagnosis. Treatments include therapy to work the muscles and, of course, medication. What aggravates paresthesia?

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Fibromyalgia
• Herpes Zoster [shingles]
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Diabetes
• Atherosclerosis
• Herniated disk

If the patient has any underlying conditions, they may need different kinds of treatments. Although there isn’t a cure, relief from the symptoms is still possible.

Feet Fall Asleep While Sleeping

Poor blood circulation, typically, is one of the most recognized causes why your feet fall asleep. Slow blood circulation caused by nerve compression leads to the tingling and pins and needles feelings. Remember, paresthesia can be either chronic or temporary.

Typically, it’s nothing anyone should worry about, but if the feet fall asleep and stay that way, it could mean something else is the matter. Anyone having diabetes should stay on top of the condition as early detection of another medical diagnosis could save a life or a limb.

The symptoms could mean nerve entrapment or the onset of a stroke. When the arteries can’t supply blood to the legs and feet, and also to the brain, the results are the numb feelings or tingling.

The body won’t receive the nutrients it needs. Stay aware and see a doctor.

What to Do When Your Feet Fall Asleep

When the feet fall asleep, it can be an uncomfortable feeling. However, there are several things one can do to get rid of a sleeping foot.

Let’s check them out now.

1) Walking

If changing positions doesn’t work, get up and move about if at all possible. Walking will help get the blood flow going again so things will return to normal. Steady as it goes, though. Use something to hold on to until the feelings revert to normal.

If not, consider the possibility of a fall. Once on the feet or in another position, the time it takes for anyone to regain stability is short. There’s also the risk of permanent damage if the condition is not taken care of promptly.

2) Switching Positions

The circulation is cut off, albeit temporarily, so it can be aggravating. Sitting for a long time can cause poor blood circulation in the feet.

Something as simple as uncrossing the legs can return blood flow to its original state. Before the circulation returns, however, the leg or foot will feel warm or prickly.

3) Soak the Feet in Warm Water

If the pain in the feet is caused by strained muscles, take a warm bath or an Epsom Salt foot soak. This will help stimulate the body, but especially the feet. This will increase blood flow. Trust the magnesium in the salt bath to soothe muscles and even reduce inflammation.

Do this for about 15 minutes or longer if you want, keep the water warm. You can make the experience pleasurable with an electric foot spa.

Don’t forget to include more B12 or vitamin B6 to the diet.

4) Wear Fitting Shoes

Women often buy and wear ill-fitting shoes. This only contributes to the pins-and-needles feelings they get when trying to cram their feet into shoes too small. The feet fall asleep because of poor circulation.

The shoes can grip the heels or cause the feet to scrunch up. If there’s not any wiggle room in the shoe, it’s too small. Try not to wear pointed toed shoes which are two sizes too small and loosen laces on shoes to prevent compression.

Going to be sitting for a while? Take the shoes off. This will allow the feet a chance to breathe and the blood to flow properly. If you have to wear tight shoes, use a shoe stretcher device to create some extra room.

Feet Fall Asleep While Running?

It’s difficult to understand why the feet fall asleep while running since the primary cause is poor blood circulation. However, when it comes to running, the sensations are likely from muscle strain, soreness, and restriction.

Ordinarily, one would think the feet go numb while sitting too much, too long. It’s surprising to find this often happens to runners. On a positive note, this can also be cured once the pressure is taken off the limb.

The nerves that would cause the tingling or numbness gets trapped right between the soft tissue and the bones. The worse that could happen is tripping and falling. Before it comes to that, stop and take the shoes off.

Rub the feet until the feelings come back. Remove any socks or braces that could be preventing circulation as well.

Causes of Nerve Compression

The nerves serve a significant purpose in the body. When they are prevented from doing their job, it can cause damage to a nerve, cause swelling, injury or trauma.

• Trauma. Trauma causes the feet to swell or direct injury to a particular nerve cell. The injury will cause the feet to swell and lead to numbness.  This happens when runners suddenly increase the miles they run or if they are running with improper gear or too tight clothing.
• Flat feet.  It’s been an obstacle for runners for a long time. Having flat feet means a runner can suffer an injury quicker than someone who has flexibility in their feet.
• Scar tissue. When the nerves are compressed time after time, they become thick and develop scar tissue or [Morton’s] neuroma. Morton’s neuroma is typically known to occur between the second base and third base of the toes.

Also, foot numbness or numbness of the heel is also caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve. This is a long nerve, which runs from the spinal cord to the back of the legs.

It can because of compression from a herniated disk or muscles which overlap the nerve that makes this condition painful and extremely uncomfortable. Sometimes, the pain is relieved by changing positions or stretching out the body.

DIY Treatments

To take the shoe by the horn and help alleviate conditions associated with nerve compression, buy the right size shoes. Make sure there is wiggle room inside for the heel and toes. Also, shoes with a strong sole will help take the pain away.

Some shoes can cause the feet to fall asleep or to swell. More so, it can cause trauma to the feet, so don’t lace up so tightly. Remove thick tub socks if they feel as though they are too tight as well and any braces. Check the way the run is done.

The stride should be done correctly to avoid pounding the pavement. Stay at a steady pace and increase mileage gradually.

Getting Medical Help

When the self-help tips don’t work, make an appointment with a podiatrist. Likely, the doctor will want a complete medical background to determine if there is any family history of certain diseases.

This history could help the doctor find out which illnesses could be associated with numbness and tingling. The doctor will require x-rays to figure out why do your feet fall asleep. The physician may write a prescription for special shoes or inserts to put in the shoes, a set of specific exercises to do at home and an anti-inflammatory drug for swelling. In cases where the illness is severe, the doctor may order other treatment options, perhaps surgery.

Why Do Your Feet Fall Asleep While Lying Down?

Lying down can lead to pins-and-needles and other uncomfortable sensations.

It can be caused by sleeping in a position that inhibits blood flow and compresses the nerves. When you reposition your body, your feet will likely begin to feel normal again. You should also try sleeping in a different position to see if that makes life easier.

You may experience numbness in the extremities due to drinking too much alcohol. Smoking tobacco products can also inhibit circulation or lead to peripheral artery disease. Reduce your consumption of alcohol and give up smoking. This can be highly beneficial.

It can be due to a medical condition, such as Celiac disease. This is an autoimmune disorder. People with a history of tingling and numbness are more likely to inherit this disease from their parents. Instead of getting relief from lying down, the feet start to lose feeling when you’re resting in bed.

About one in a hundred people have the condition. Over two million cases go undetected. This means that they’re at risk of other health conditions. The loss of feeling can potentially affect a person’s face, legs, feet, and arms.

Foods like rye, wheat, and barley can be problematic for people with this condition. These foods damage the lining of the small intestine, so the body has a difficult time absorbing much-needed vitamins and nutrients.

Those who have Celiac disease should avoid foods that contain gluten. Professionals recommend a gluten-free diet and taking vitamin B6 and B12. If you’re low on these vitamins, eating the right foods (or taking a supplement) can improve nerve health in the feet.

Your doctor can perform tests to check if you’re affected by this Celiac disease, diabetes, and many more.

What Causes My Foot to Fall Asleep While Driving?

The reason the feet are falling asleep could be related to the nerves in the back.

Is the position more on the extra comfortable side or does it make the body straight? The ideal position would be in the upright sitting position instead of leaning back or lean to one side. This can cause pressure on the lower part of the body and stop the natural flow of communication and blood circulation.

As a result, the foot falls asleep while driving. Sometimes, it’s a good idea to have it checked out by a professional. Speak with the doctor or make an appointment with the podiatrist to find the cause and the cure.

Why Do Your Feet Fall Asleep While Legs Are Crossed?

Who’s not doing some form of Pilates or yoga these days? Some people are having issues, however, when crossing their legs. Certain ones are saying their legs or feet fall asleep while sitting with legs crossed. It’s uncomfortable and distracting.

Who can meditate while feeling like pins-and-needles are sticking in them? It’s almost impossible, especially if there’s been an injury to the leg or foot.  The best DIY advice here is to stretch it out and to use a cushion between the floor and the leg and feet.

Try out different positions before starting the exercise program. Get comfortable sitting with the pillows. After all, the idea is to be able to perform the meditating exercises without stress.

Why Do Your Feet Fall Asleep While Standing?

A person could be standing in line at the post office or market, and suddenly, their feet will start to numb and then fall asleep. Rid the feet of that feeling could be as easy as shaking the feet or making some movement with it.

Why does this happen? Well, it could be that too much pressure is on the foot or something somehow is prevent blood flow to the feet and legs. Is this a constant occurrence? How long does it last? If it happens during sleep more than a couple of times a week, see a doctor.

There could be several reasons why the feet fall asleep while standing but to make sure, make that appointment. The cause and the cure should be determined as soon as possible to prescribe any medications or therapy.

The fact it could be –

1. Peripheral arterial disease [PAD] – Peripheral artery disease occurs when the legs aren’t getting enough blood. When the legs and feet don’t get enough blood supply, it causes leg and foot pain or numbness.
2. Meralgia paresthetica – This happens because of nerve entrapment, preventing the passage to the inguinal ligament.

Meralgia paresthesia and PAD are enough reasons to confirm the cause of the feet falling asleep while standing. A restricted nerve is not always a cause for alarm. It is also a valid reason to see the doctor routinely.

Please, don’t put it off as early detection can save a life.

Why Do Your Feet Fall Asleep While Sitting on the Toilet?

Although they are ultimately strong, the nerves have a sensitive side as well.  They react to compression or pressure by numbing parts of the body.  It could be something as typical as sitting at tas sitting on the toilet.

The problem with this is other areas are affected as the blood supply is cut off from them in the process of numbing the feet. Numbness, tingling, and burning means something is not right with the body.

In other words, the body is trying to get an individual’s attention. When nerve compression lasts for long periods, there could be another reason for it, which requires the person to seek medical care.

A person’s weight could be a cause of the feet falling asleep while sitting on the toilet or the way they sit on the toilet.

The long-term effects of having Celiac disease can have severe consequences. Celiac disease can happen to anyone – Black Americans, Europeans or Asians. A person’s race, culture or social status doesn’t matter. It happens to thousands of people every day.

This is especially true if anemia, miscarriage, migraines, epilepsy, and neurological conditions are present. Mostly, those who suffer, are likely to have other diseases that affect the body. The disease can set off multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes.