This Is What Really Goes On When Your Leg Falls Asleep

When we were kids, we found ourselves experiencing some of life's little annoyances for the first time. But since it was so new to us, it always felt a little worrying. When our foot would fall asleep, all we knew was it felt different and we couldn't explain what was causing it. The odd vacant pain that came with it was even hard to describe because it wasn't as sharp as when we banged our elbows.

But when we told our parents, the response was more casual than we expected. They would say the foot just fell asleep and it would be fine. While this was comforting, it still felt strange that this could suddenly happen.

But even now that we're used to this happening, that question can still persist. We know that sitting or laying on it funny can bring it about, but there's still a piece missing.

Well, if you've ever wondered what was really going on, you've finally found your answer.

Be sure to SHARE this and unravel the mystery for your Facebook friends.

As you know, it's never this pleasant when your leg falls asleep.

If you've been sitting cross-legged for a while, you'll probably find it can be kind of hard to get moving again.

via reddit / MrLovens | Duncan Lathlin / Mr. Lovenstein

And if you've been sleeping on your arm, it can go completely limp.

This is called temporary paresthesia. One time, I tried to lift my arm when I woke up like this and all I did was punch myself in the face.

via YouTube / peskipixipestronomi | Warner Bros.

And then when you can move it again, you get that awful "pins and needles" feeling.

It hurts, but it's more of a maddening discomfort you can't wait to get rid of.

via imgur / buu342

It doesn't take long to go away, but it sure feels like it does.

So what's really going on when a limb falls asleep?

via tumblr / myulteriormotive

You may have heard it happens when your circulation gets cut off.

This is only sometimes true and it's more of a side-effect than anything.

via reddit / ghostyplatypus

What's really going is you're putting pressure on your nerves.

When that happens, they close off and stop communicating with your brain. This is what causes the numbness and the limp, dead feeling.

via Scoop Whoop | HealthoWealth

The "pins and needles" feeling may be annoying, but you actually want it.

If this happens when you change position, it means you've relieved the pressure and your nerves are opening up again. It also means they've started talking to your brain again, which takes a little adjustment.

via Business Insider

And the longer you keep the pressure on, the longer the feeling takes to come back.

If someone gets drunk and spends several hours sleeping on their arm, it can sometimes take a few hours before they feel right again.

via reddit / YYCdude

So what do you do when this happens?

Most of the time, all you have to do is change to a more comfortable position and wait out that fuzzy feeling. Just move around a little and you'll usually be OK.