Essential Tremor
This nerve disorder is the most common reason your coffee cup won’t stay still while you hold it. It kicks in while your hands are doing something, but goes away when they’re not.
There’s no clear cause, but it’s sometimes traced to a change in a gene. If your symptoms are mild, you may not need treatment. If they get in the way of everyday tasks or your job, you may need medicine, occupational therapy, or surgery.
Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism)
Have you had your thyroid hormone levels checked lately? Shaky hands may be a sign of hyperthyroidism. This means your thyroid gland is working too hard and kicking your heart rate into high gear.
You may also notice that you lose weight without trying, are sensitive to light, get a fast heartbeat, and have trouble sleeping. A simple blood test will help you and your doctor figure out what’s going on.
Too Much Caffeine
Can’t do without your morning coffee? Have a cup or two, then cut yourself off. Caffeine is a stimulant, so the same natural chemical that helps you wake up will also make your hands shake if you have too much.
Coffee isn’t the only culprit. You can also find caffeine in over-the-counter headache medicine, chocolate, and some sodas.
Alcohol Withdrawal
If you have an addiction to alcohol, you could get symptoms that include shaky hands when you quit. It starts as soon as 10 hours after your last drink and can last a few weeks.
Some detox programs use medication to help you manage withdrawal symptoms.
Lack of Sleep
You can’t expect a car to run if you don’t give it gas. And you can’t expect your brain to send messages to all the right places without sleep.
When you don’t get enough shut-eye, it can cause your brain to mistakenly tell your hands to tremble. Luckily, you can snooze your way back to steady hands.
Low Blood Sugar
Your nerves and muscles are powered by blood sugar. When they don’t get enough, they tell your hands to shake.
Low blood sugar can be caused by diabetes, certain medications, too much alcohol, or not enough food. A doctor can help you narrow down what’s happening and why …
