9 Things Your Hand Shaking Problem Could Mean

Have you ever tried to text, lift a cup of tea, or thread a needle, only to notice your hands quivering unexpectedly? While a certain amount of minor hand shaking (or tremor) is normal and often unnoticed, more pronounced or persistent shaking can be confusing or even disruptive. 

Sometimes it’s harmless, just a result of stress, caffeine, or too little sleep. In other cases, hand tremors may signal a medical issue that deserves attention. Understanding what might be behind your hand shaking problem is the first step toward proper management and peace of mind. 

Below, in the article, explore nine possible causes and what you can do next, so you can feel steadier and more in control, whether at work or home.

9 reasons behind your hand shaking problem?

Here are some possible reasons why your hands are shaking:

1. Physiologic tremor

Before we discuss more acute causes of hand tremors, know that the body has natural vibration. This is what is termed a physiologic tremor.

Everyone experiences a little quivering as no one is perfectly still. Even if you are in excellent health, you can actually witness these little tremors as you outstretch your arm and hold still. 

These types of tremors can become more intense when performing a task such as threading a needle.  

2. Movement disorder

Various movement disorders can lead to hand tremors, but the most common is an essential tremor. It generally happens when you move, and for the same reason, it remains unnoticed by people in many cases.

This type of hand tremor is also called action or intention tremor. If you have essential tremors, you may notice your hands shaking when writing a letter or trying to drink your cup of tea or coffee. While regular tremors are not a sign of any serious underlying condition, these can be uncomfortable, depending on their intensity.

These can also occur due to muscle weakness. In such cases, supplements like Myherb Ashwagandha Powder can help.

Available data suggests that essential tremors tend to run in families. About 60% of people with essential tremors have a strong family history of it. It is a familial disease, but we are not sure if it’s a genetic disease because no specific gene is known to cause this abnormality.

3. Parkinson’s disease or Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Both Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis are harmful to your nervous system, but they show up in many different ways. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that causes specific brain cells to die off in the substantia nigra, the section in the brain that produces Dopamine and controls movement and balance. 

Parkinson’s tremors are distinct as they don’t mimic jitters or essential tremors and occur during rest. Tremors induced by MS are action tremors.

4. Overactive thyroid (Hyperthyroidism)

You may experience hand tremors when your thyroid gland goes out of order and produces too many hormones. People who have an overactive thyroid suffer from a condition called Hyperthyroidism.

The thyroid gland, located at the front of your neck, plays a central role in your endocrine system. It governs most of your body’s essential functions, so when the thyroid gland does not function properly, it affects the rest of your body and can cause tremors. Shakiness from thyroid disorders can vary, ranging from barely visible to clearly visible.

Sometimes people with Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland) also experience hand tremors when they overdo their medications.

5. Psychogenic tremor

Psychogenic tremor usually occurs when you are already dealing with a psychological disorder, such as Anxiety, Depression, or Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Doctors aren’t able to clearly tell how these hand tremors show up, as they are caused by subconscious triggers. 

Hand tremors caused by a psychological problem are really challenging to diagnose.

So doctors generally try to rule out all other disorders and conditions before considering psychogenic reasons as the underlying cause. 

6. Excessive caffeine

Too much coffee or tea is a stimulant that significantly impacts your autonomic nervous system and causes hand shaking or makes you feel jittery. These tremors are usually temporary.

7. Medications

There are several medications, like Amiodarone and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), that can cause hand tremors. Medication-induced shaking of the hands occurs involuntarily. These tremors often appear when holding certain postures or performing actions.

8. Low blood sugar

Your brain is responsible for controlling your sense of stability. So, when the brain is not getting the nutrients it needs, you may notice hand tremors. Also, the brain is very different from the rest of your body organs because it doesn’t produce its own sugar. So, it can get affected earlier than other organs. 

When your blood sugar level is low, areas of the brain controlling coordination and movement can become dysfunctional. So, if you are highly prone to hand tremors, you may start trembling when you haven’t eaten for a while. 

9. Lack of sleep

The body generally uses sleep to reset and repair cells and function properly. So, if you are not getting adequate sleep, which for adults ranges between 7 and 9 hours, your body will be working in a stressful situation. Sleep deprivation also raises Cortisol and Adrenaline, which can cause tremors.

How can you treat the hand shaking problem?

If your hands are shaking because of excessive caffeine intake, skipping meals, stress, or inadequate sleep, the best solution is to make relevant lifestyle changes. Trade coffee for water, have healthy snacks between routine meals, get 7-9 hours of sleep, and try to manage stress with the help of a therapist to see if your hand tremors improve.

But if you suspect your condition is not improving and has more serious problems, schedule an appointment with your general physician as soon as possible. They will help you determine the next best steps based on your condition.

In the days before the appointment, note down the nature of your hand tremors. Do they worsen when you are stressed or depressed? Do your fingers shake while they are on your side or while you are texting? Ask about your family’s health history. Make a list of all the medications you take (including prescription and non-prescription drugs).

And when asked about your alcohol habits, don’t be afraid of being honest. A good doctor will want to know more about your condition to get to know you and treat you best.

Conclusion

Hand shaking problems can range from entirely harmless to a sign of an underlying health condition. Distinguishing between the two is often not possible without medical input. While occasional shakiness may be due to lifestyle factors like caffeine, stress, or fatigue, persistent or worsening tremors deserve careful attention. 

Some causes, such as essential tremors or medication side effects, may require only minor adjustments. Other causes, like neurological or metabolic disorders, call for thorough diagnosis and tailored treatment. Recognizing what’s typical for your body, keeping track of associated symptoms, and consulting a healthcare provider are crucial steps toward clarity and peace of mind. 

By staying attentive to your health, making supportive lifestyle changes, and seeking timely professional advice, you can address hand tremors and maintain confidence in your daily activities.