When I wake up in the morning I have numb fingers and a raci...

When I wake up in the morning I have numb fingers and a racing heart. This isn't a one time thing and I don't know what it is or could be. Any Ideas?

Remember I'm not a Doctor, but this is what I'd be looking at before considering a cardiac problem with these symptoms ...

Palpitations (racing heart) is commonly caused by a shot of adrenalin. When you wake up and start moving around in the morning, your body gives yourself a dose of adrenalin to get you going.

Numb or tingly fingers in the morning is a common problem too, usually caused by pinching on the radial, median or ulnar nerves. (The most common are the radial and ulnar nerves.

Now, waking up to pinched nerves can be rather "unnerving" if you'll forgive the pun and can lead into a "silent panic attack", shooting you up with a high dose of adrenalin, which will give you the palpitations.

How do you deal with these things? First, relax. If you awake with numb/tingly fingers and palpitations, don't panic! Relax! Sit back for a few minutes and relax. I would expect both sensations to go away in just a few minutes.

Check your bed ... flip your mattress end to end so you're sleeping on a different part of the mattress giving you better support so you're less likely to pinch nerves.

So, go see a doctor to confirm what it is ... remember these are only ideas as to a possible cause. While it seems most likely, only a doctor can tell you for sure. He'll listen to you heart for any abnormalities in its beat and may get you for an ECG (EKG).

The most important thing is not to worry whatever it is!

Thank you Stuart. I have taken your advice and made a Dr. appointment. I am getting up really slowly now in the morning, and it seems to be better.
thanks.