Hand spasms during breath-holds

[Philip Fennell]

Hello,

At the very end of my longer breath-holds I tend to experience hand spasms and a small degree of numbness in my hands. I've not seen much writing on this and nor have other freedivers, that I've spoken to, experienced it either. A long time ago I was told I had poor circulation in my arms so I wonder if there is any connection between this and the spasms.

Is there anyone out there who has experienced the same thing or know what the implications or risks this may have?


Many thanks in advance,

Philip

 

[Apneaddict]

Not sure about the spasms, but if the diving reflex kicks in (and presumably it is on your longer holds), we do experience peripheral vasoconstriction which limits active blood flow to the extremeties.

This explains the numb arms.



Come to think of it... I think I might get the mammalian dive reflex kicking in after sitting on the toilet for a while... - not so much in the arms tho...