How to Sleep With Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms
Sleeping with peripheral neuropathy can be difficult for those experiencing a sharp stabbing, tingling, or burning sensation at night. Knowing how to sleep with peripheral neuropathy can help you find the best methods and help you identify symptoms quickly.
This article will cover ways to improve your sleep at night, help you find the best sleeping position for peripheral neuropathy, and answer why neuropathy is worse at night.
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy refers to damaged nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. It can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in both the feet and hands. Other areas of the body may be affected also, and can impair bodily functions such as urination and digestion.
Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by infections, traumatic injuries, metabolic problems, genetics, and diabetes.
Knowing the Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy vary per person, depending on which nerves were damaged. Nerves can be divided into three categories: sensory nerves, autonomic nerves, and motor nerves. Sensory nerves involve feeling sensations such as pain, vibration, and touch, while autonomic nerves control body functions such as digestion, sweating, and urination. Motor nerves control your muscle movement based on the signals they receive from the sensory nerves.
Depending on which nerves are damaged, you may experience symptoms such as hypersensitivity to touch, poor body coordination, and muscle weakness. If motor nerves are affected, then your ability to move freely may be affected. If your autonomic nerves are impacted, then you may experience digestive problems, a decrease in blood pressure, and sweating excessively or not at all.
Why Does Peripheral Neuropathy Worsen at Night?
Symptoms can worsen at night due to pain receptors randomly firing off without any known cause. If there is damage to the spinal cord, then you may be experiencing allodynia or feeling hurt from a light touch that is not usually painful. The pain may increase overnight as even a simple touch of bed sheets can cause hurt.
Luckily, there are ways of finding natural nerve pain relief to help you sleep better.
Learning How to Sleep with Peripheral Neuropathy
Sleeping with peripheral neuropathy can be difficult, but you can make simple changes to improve your nightly rest. Some changes may include going to sleep a little earlier, purchasing black out curtains, or adjusting your bedroom to a cooler temperature before sleep. Starting a nightly routine can help you sleep better as the consistency will alert your mind and body that it's time to prepare for bed.
Some ways to get a night of better sleep with peripheral neuropathy include:
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Establishing a night-time routine
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Changing your sleeping position
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Adapting your bedding for a better sleep
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Practicing proper body positioning
1. Create a Night-Time Routine
Establishing a night-time routine can help prepare you for a good night's sleep. This could be something as simple as reading in bed, drinking a calming herbal tea, wearing loose-fitted socks to bed, or doing a guided meditation for a bit. Adjusting your thermostat between 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit a few minutes before bed can also help promote better sleep.
Adding massage sessions to your nightly routine can help you feel more relaxed, reduce muscle tension, and improve blood flow. Massages can help with discomfort due to symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, and can be even more beneficial when heat therapy is added. If regularly visiting a massage therapist is beyond your means, then try some self massage guide techniques or invest in a massage chair such as the Motion Mastery lounge chair which combines heat therapy with massage features to maximize the benefits.
2. Determine the Best Sleeping Position for Peripheral Neuropathy
If you are experiencing discomfort at night and when you wake up, then it may be time to change your sleeping position. Experiment with comfortable sleeping positions such as lying on your side or elevating certain limbs to reduce swelling and improve blood flow. Elevating your legs and feet with wedges or pillows can help you find relief, as well as putting a pillow underneath your knees to reduce pressure on the lower back.
Zero gravity sleep position holds your body at a 120-degree angle, which improves comfort by evenly distributing your body weight. This position can also help reduce pressure points, aiding in a more relaxing sleep. Zero gravity recliners differ from regular recliners by positioning your legs over your heart while a traditional recliner keeps your legs down while reclining your body in backward position.
3. Switch Out Your Current Bedding
What you sleep on can be a determining factor for how well you sleep. Choose natural, breathable materials such as cotton or bamboo to reduce night sweats and keep your body at a normal temperature. Look for moisture-wicking pillowcases and sheets to keep your skin cool and dry while sleeping.
4. Practice Proper Body Positioning
Laying on your back or side can also help you feel better, but you will need to try different positions to see which works best for you. Placing a pillow or wedge between your knees can help improve your hip alignment while reducing pressure on your lower back. If you notice a consistent pain when waking up, then focus on that area and consult your doctor for possible remedies.
Achieving Better Sleep in the Future with Peripheral Neuropathy Is Possible
Figuring out how to sleep with peripheral neuropathy can be frustrating if you don't know where to start. Fortunately, there are several easy options to enhance your sleep experience, such as lowering your room temperature and finding the best sleeping position for peripheral neuropathy. Find out which methods work best for you, and consult your physician if nothing is helping or you feel worse.
Disclaimer: This content is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare professional when considering implementing changes to your health or workout routines to ensure it’s compatible with your needs.
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