Every one in six adults has chronic itchiness. Pruritus is a medical condition that can be exacerbated at night, causing sleep disruptions and restlessness. This can have a major impact on overall quality of life. Finding the source of your nighttime itching is important in order to pinpoint an effective remedy.
Key Takeaways
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Nocturnal pruritus happens when you have itchy skin at night.
- Your body's natural circadian rhythms lead to heightened body temperature, increased blood flow, and water loss at night, which can lead to itchiness.
- Other causes of nighttime itching include hormonal changes, allergic reactions, skin conditions, or infestations.
- The best remedies for itchy skin at night are to apply body lotion, avoid scratching, use natural soaps, and improve your bedtime routine.
Keep reading to learn more about itchy skin at night, including how to identify, treat, and prevent it.
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What Is Itchy Skin at Night?
Some might underestimate the negative effects of nighttime itching.
However, research shows that persistent itchiness is comparable to chronic pain. Most notably, it can cause sleep disruptions and fatigue.
A recent study found that 41% of people with long-term itchiness also experience fatigue.
Itchy skin at night goes by the medical name nocturnal pruritus. It happens when you have the overwhelming urge to scratch your skin in the dead of the night. It can make it hard to fall asleep and even cause you to awaken from a deep sleep to scratch an itch.
What Is the Itch-Scratch Cycle?
Many people with itchy skin are victims of the itch-scratch cycle. This cycle can be hard to break as the itchiness becomes increasingly worse over time.
The itch-scratch cycle starts with an itch, which can lead to damaged skin when satiated with a scratch. The damaged skin barrier then becomes inflamed, which causes further itchiness.
What Are the Causes of Nighttime Itching?
There are a few different reasons why you might experience itchy skin at night.
Individuals 65 years or older are more likely to develop this condition. Those with allergies or existing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis may also be at risk.
Natural Causes & Circadian Rhythm
Itchy skin at night is often caused by lifestyle factors or medical conditions. Nocturnal itching can also be caused by your body's circadian rhythm. These cycles last 24 hours and influence awakeness and sleepiness. They also help regulate hormonal activity, digestion, and body temperature.
Your circadian rhythm causes your body to release heat and increase blood flow in the evening, which can contribute to water loss and skin dryness. At night, your body will also increase the release of cytokines. These immune proteins can create inflammation. Your body will also decrease the production of corticosteroids, which help reduce inflammation.
The increase in body temperature and blood flow can lead to itchy and irritated skin. The heat will contribute to natural water loss, which often happens as you don't stay hydrated during the night.
Dry and dehydrated skin is often incredibly itchy.
Bonus: Dry Skin Patches: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments
Lifestyle Factors
The natural causes of itchy skin at night are often out of your control. However, itchy skin can sometimes be caused by simple things like bedding material or laundry detergent, which can be easily fixed.
Your skincare routine can also play a part in an itchy skin condition. Avoid harsh chemicals; instead, use plant-based formulas that are gentle and soothing on the skin.
Our skincare sets are inspired by ancient Indonesian wellness customs that prioritize holistic health through natural ingredients.
Health Conditions
Nighttime itchiness can be a symptom of more serious health conditions. Certain medical issues can lead to itching sensations at night.
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Chronic skin conditions. This includes psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or sensitive skin.
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Infestations. Bed bugs, lice, and scabies can cause itchiness at night.
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Hormonal changes. Pregnant or menopausal women can often experience itchy skin at night.
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Allergic reactions. An allergic reaction to food or topical products can trigger nighttime itching.
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Nerve disorders. This includes diabetic neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, or shingles.
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Thyroid problems. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can lead to itchy skin.
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Disease. Kidney disease or liver disease can cause itchiness.
Other causes of itchy skin include iron deficiencies, stress, or dust mites.
In very rare instances, long-term itchiness can be due to chronic idiopathic pruritus. This condition means that chronic itching has no known cause, which can be highly difficult to treat.
How Can I Relieve Itchy Skin at Night?
Chronically itchy skin at night can be a terrible experience and greatly impact the overall quality of life. Luckily, there are many home remedies that can provide immediate relief and long-term prevention.
Here are some tips and tricks to help soothe itchy skin and minimize nighttime irritation.
#1. Avoid Scratching
This is far easier said than done. However, it's important to avoid scratching itchy skin if you want to break the itch-scratch cycle. This will give your damaged skin barrier time to heal and repair, which will prevent further itchiness.
#2. Improve Your Sleep Routine
An effective and calming bedtime routine will improve your sleep quality. Taking time to relax your mind before hitting the hay will distract you from scratching and reduce stress-induced itchiness.
#3. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol
Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol before bed. Wine, coffee, or similar beverages can widen blood vessels, thus increasing blood flow to the skin and increasing itchiness. (Hint: Drink a mug of our Soothing Island Comfort Green Tea instead!)
#4. Take a Bath or Shower
A shower or bath with cool or lukewarm water will prevent itchiness, dryness, and irritation at night. Cleansing your skin removes dead skin cells, bacteria, and oils that can build up on the surface. Avoid hot water, as this can cause further damage and dryness.
Applying cool compresses to irritated or dry skin can also provide relief before bedtime. Colloidal oatmeal can also soothe the skin.
#5. Apply Body Lotion
The best way to keep your skin hydrated and healthy is by applying a lotion. After your shower or bath, slather on a nourishing body creme to lock in moisture. Corticosteroid creams may be necessary for more severe cases or itchy skin.
Our Tiare Jasmine Body Creme is a calming lotion that is designed to nourish and soothe the skin from head to toe. It has a subtle fragrance that helps promote relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. It's fast-absorbing, offering quick relief, and leaves a non-greasy, velvety feel. Top it off with a body oil to increase hydration in the skin.
#6. Use Natural Soaps
Some soaps or cleansers contain drying ingredients that can leech the moisture from your skin. When your skin lacks moisture, it can become dry and itchy. Try using gentle soaps and body washes that do not contain harsh chemicals.
Our Candlenut Bar Soap is a simple product that remains highly effective. It can easily remove dead skin cells, bacteria, and dirt from your skin without stripping it of moisture. It's formulated with natural ingredients like mango seed butter, shea butter, and candlenut oil, which are dense in essential nutrients like vitamins C, K, and A and linoleic and linolenic acid.
Final Thoughts
Itchy skin at night is often linked to skin irritation and dryness. However, nighttime itching is more than just a physical discomfort. It can impact sleep quality and cause fatigue. With these at-home remedies in your back pocket, you'll be able to soothe your itchy skin once and for all!
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