Neuropathy and sleep may not seem connected, but they are interrelated. The impact of peripheral neuropathy on your sleep can manifest in various ways. Neuropathic pain may disrupt your sleep, and managing symptoms can make it challenging to rest. Consequently, insufficient sleep can exacerbate the painful symptoms.
If you are dealing with neuropathy, there are strategies to enhance your sleep quality. At our Carmel, IN neuropathy clinic, we want our patients to be informed and equipped with the right tools to do so. This blog delves into methods to prepare for sleep amid neuropathy symptoms and examines the relationship between neuropathy and sleep.
How does sleep impact neuropathy?
Managing sleep can be challenging when grappling with peripheral neuropathy symptoms. The accompanying pain and numbness often hinder a restful night, and even when you are able to sleep, it may be of poor quality.
The impact of sleep on peripheral neuropathy symptoms is important to recognize, as inadequate sleep can contribute to fatigue, exacerbating neuropathy.
Sleep's influence on pain threshold
An individual's pain threshold is the unique level at which they start to feel pain. This threshold varies from person to person. Insufficient sleep can decrease this threshold, causing individuals to experience pain more quickly than when adequately rested.
Fatigue triggers the heightened production of the stress hormone cortisol in the body. Over time, elevated cortisol levels can amplify inflammation and exacerbate pain.
Neuropathic pain worse at night / when lying down?
The pain, tingling, and burning sensations associated with neuropathy can be excruciating at any hour. However, for certain individuals, these sensations intensify–particularly during the night–making it especially challenging when attempting to sleep.
Several factors contribute to the heightened severity of neuropathy at night. Numbness is a prevalent symptom of this condition, and one's sleeping position plays a crucial role in its exacerbation. When you sleep on your side, there's a potential increase in numbness in your arms or legs. This is due to the gravitational pull that leads fluids and blood downward while lying down, resulting in nerve compression.
Just as with sleeping, lying down, even for a quick nap or just to rest, can elevate pressure on the nerves. While standing upright, your body weight is evenly distributed, but when lying down, a concentrated portion of your weight presses down on one specific area. This heightened pressure on the nerves during this position can lead to increased pain.
Additional factors contributing to the exacerbation of neuropathy symptoms when lying down or sleeping include:
- Physical strain and exertion, potentially intensifying nerve discomfort as your body transitions into a relaxed state.
- Engagement in exercise, particularly strenuous activities, which may result in heightened pain and discomfort.
- Reduced distractions at night, leading to heightened focus on the pain sensations you are experiencing.
If you're pondering whether there are steps you can take to ensure a restful night or actions you can implement during the day for a night of sleep free from pain, there are indeed several strategies to enhance your sleep with peripheral neuropathy. Here are some top tips for a more pain-free night of sleep:
- Cooler temperatures can exacerbate peripheral neuropathy symptoms. According to Loma Linda University Health, individuals with peripheral neuropathy may experience heightened sensitivity in their feet to cooler air. As the night temperatures decrease, peripheral nerves may become more prone to tingling, and sensations of burning or sharp pains may intensify. Additionally, colder conditions can lead to a decrease in heart rate, slowing blood flow and amplifying painful sensations.
To counter this, if you can tolerate the touch on your feet, consider wrapping up in blankets to provide warmth and mitigate the impact of cooler temperatures on your neuropathic symptoms.
- Reduced distractions at night mean fewer activities to divert your attention from pain. Without the usual chores, errands, or conversations, your mind and body become more attuned to your surroundings, intensifying your awareness of pain and making sleep challenging.
To combat this heightened awareness, redirect your focus to something enjoyable that can take your mind off the discomfort. Consider using a noise machine or a fan to create white noise, which can help distract your mind.
- Create a regular sleeping schedule and stick to it as much as possible.
- Try using a pillow between your legs if you are sleeping on your side, or use a foam wedge to elevate your head and shoulders if you are sleeping on your stomach.
Achieving restful sleep can be challenging with neuropathy. Yet, by implementing these suggestions, you can work to establish a sleep-friendly environment and implement the right methods to help you achieve better quality sleep. Consequently, you may discover an improvement in your symptoms.
If you have been diagnosed with neuropathy and are seeking a better, pain-free life, we would love to partner with you on your journey toward healing and restoration. Click below to learn more about our neuropathy treatment programs, and to book your $49 neuropathy consultation in our Carmel, IN clinic, just as we have with all of our patients from the Indianapolis area and beyond.
Resources
“Why Your Neuropathy Feels Worse at Night”. Amputation Prevention Centers of America
“Neuropathy and Sleep”. Neuropathy Commons
“How to stop the cycle of nerve pain and sleeplessness – Neuropathic Therapy Center”. Loma Linda University Health