A Biologist Explains Why Your Limbs Fall Asleep And Feel Like Pins And Needles

A biologist explains that “pins and needles” happens when pressure compresses nerves and disrupts nerve signaling.

Reduced blood flow can also play a role, adding to the numbness in a limb that has “fallen asleep.”

As pressure eases, nerves restart unevenly, causing the familiar tingling or paresthesia.

The article notes that sudden or unexplained tingling may point to a medical issue, not just temporary pressure.