Why Do Some People Get ‘Numbness’ in Their Hands When They’re Cold?

When it gets cold, some people feel numb in their hands because the blood doesn't get to them as well. It's like when you're playing hide and seek and your friend hides behind a big tree, your fingers feel like they’re hiding too! The body sends blood away from the hands to keep the important parts warm, and that makes them tingle or go numb.

Cold air makes the blood vessels in the hands shrink. That means less blood flows through them, and your fingers get sleepy. Sometimes it feels like you're wearing gloves made of clouds!

Not everyone gets numb when they’re cold. Some people have a special kind of blood vessel that helps keep their hands warm even in the snow. That's why they can play outside all day without feeling like their fingers are falling asleep.