Neuropathy is the result of damage to the nerves that connect the brain and
spinal cord. This damage causes painful symptoms like; numbness, burning, tingling, sharp pains, and so much more. It is important to know that neuropathy can occur anywhere in the body.
While neuropathy affects people all day long, the symptoms can be intensified at night. This makes getting a good night's sleep a challenge for many neuropathy symptoms. Lack of quality sleep can, in turn, make neuropathy symptoms worse. Today, we are going to dive into what makes neuropathy symptoms worse at night.
Circulation
Circulation and blood flow are essential for both nerve health and overall health. When you are sleeping and in one position for an extended time, it can decrease the blood flow to extremities, like your feet and hands. This decreased blood flow can make your neuropathy symptoms much more intensified.
Reduced Distractions
During the day, many of us are too engaged in the hustle and bustle of daily life to check in with our bodies. Without the usual daily distractions, it is easier to focus on the painful symptoms of neuropathy at night.
Nerve Regeneration
Under ideal and healthy situations, the human body is capable of regenerating nerves at 1/2mm per day. At night, our body goes through the process of repair and regeneration. This process can add more painful symptoms as the nerves affected by neuropathy start to regrow and regenerate.
Body Position
Maintaining certain positions for extended periods of time can increase pressure on your nerves. When you are standing, your body weight is more evenly distributed, but when you are in a lying position, portions of your weight can put pressure on different regions or nerves, causing more pain, numbness, and tingling.
Temperature Sensitivity
Neuropathy can increase sensitivity to temperature changes. During the night, the body may cool down as part of the natural sleep cycle. For some people with neuropathy, changes in temperature can worsen symptoms. Cold temperatures are known to contribute to increased discomfort, making sleep more challenging and painful.
Sleeping with Neuropathy
If managing sleep is a challenge for you, I urge you to check out one or two of the below resources that I developed for neuropathy sufferers:
- Managing Sleep with Neuropathy, blog
- Supplements for a Good Night’s Sleep with Neuropathy, blog
- Sleep & Neuropathy, video, below
Conclusion
If you’re suffering from neuropathy, you’re not alone, and relief is possible. Whether you choose to go it alone or work with the support of those who have been there, taking a holistic approach to healing can help reverse your neuropathy and get you back to feeling like the best version of yourself. My team at Momentum is here to help guide you no matter where you are in your Neuropathy Journey.
