Why Do My Legs Fall Asleep? Numbness, Circulation, and When to Worry

It’s happened to almost everyone: you’re sitting cross-legged, lying on the couch, or leaning awkwardly—and suddenly, your leg feels tingly, numb, or like “pins and needles.” But what actually causes that feeling? And could it be a sign of poor circulation or something more serious?

Let’s break it down.

What Causes Legs to “Fall Asleep”?

The sensation is often caused by a temporary compression of nerves or blood vessels, usually due to the position of your body. When nerves are compressed, they can’t send signals to the brain as efficiently—leading to tingling, numbness, or a loss of sensation.

This is medically known as paresthesia, and in most cases, it’s completely harmless. Once you shift positions and relieve the pressure, the sensation fades quickly.

Is It Poor Circulation?

Not always. In fact, nerve compression is usually the more common cause. Poor circulation tends to cause different symptoms, such as:

• Cold feet or toes
• Leg swelling
• Pain when walking
• Persistent numbness not relieved by movement

However, if you’re experiencing frequent numbness in your legs that doesn’t go away quickly, or if it’s paired with leg pain or discoloration, it could be a sign of a vascular condition like peripheral artery disease (PAD), or a neurological issue such as neuropathy.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Here are signs that you should follow up with a provider:

• Tingling or numbness happens frequently, even without sitting awkwardly
• Symptoms last more than a few minutes or don’t go away after moving
• It’s accompanied by muscle weakness, swelling, or sharp pain
• You also have diabetes, which can increase your risk of nerve damage

A primary care doctor can help assess whether your symptoms are due to temporary nerve compression or something that needs further testing, such as a circulation or nerve study.

What Can You Do at Home?

• Avoid sitting or sleeping in positions that compress your legs
• Take breaks from long periods of sitting or driving
• Stretch regularly to improve blood flow
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that doesn’t constrict circulation

BASS Medical Group Can Help

Whether you’re concerned about numbness, circulation, or just need a routine evaluation, BASS Medical Group’s primary care team is here to support your health. Our internal medicine, family medicine, and neurology providers can help identify the cause of symptoms and recommend the best path forward.

Bottom Line

Your legs falling asleep is usually nothing to worry about—but if it’s happening often or lasting longer than it should, it’s worth checking in with a medical professional. Staying proactive