Itchy Skin At Night

There’s nothing worse than crawling into bed after a long day and being unable to sleep, especially if your itchy skin is what’s keeping you up at night. Itchy skin at night is very common, and while it usually results from natural causes that are easily addressed, it can also be the sign of a serious medical condition.

Why Does Your Skin Itch at Night?

Experiencing itchy skin at night, a condition known as nocturnal pruritus, can be very distressing and can seriously disrupt your sleep schedule on a regular basis. There are many different reasons why people experience itchy skin at night, some of which are natural and some of which can be the sign of a medical problem.

Natural Causes of Itchy Skin at Night

The majority of people who experience itchy skin at night may not have any underlying medical condition causing the issue. Instead, your body’s natural processes and circadian rhythms could be to blame.

Your circadian rhythm is your body’s internal clock, controlling when you feel the most tired, the most hungry, and when you perform at your best. Subtle changes in your body take place in order to guide you towards the activities your brain wants to be doing, such as sleeping or eating.

At night, your body changes how it regulates its temperature and changes the way blood flows to the skin’s surface. An increased amount of blood flow to the skin’s surface can create a warming effect on the skin. In addition to making you uncomfortably warm in some cases, your skin may also feel itchy as a result of the higher temperature.

When it’s time to go to bed, your body also starts the process of repairing itself and any injuries or issues you’ve sustained throughout the day. Your body starts to release more cytokines, a chemical that is responsible for increasing inflammation, and lowers its production of corticosteroids, which are responsible for lowering inflammation. The increased level of inflammation in the body can also contribute to itchy, irritated skin.

Another natural cause of itchy skin at night is environmental factors like exposure to dry air. Your skin naturally loses moisture during the night, and this effect can be especially pronounced during the winter months when dry warm air is used to heat homes. The drier your skin is, the more likely it is to be itchy and irritated.

Medical Causes of Itchy Skin at Night

Although there are many natural causes of itchy skin at night, the condition can sometimes be indicative of a larger medical issue.

Potential medical causes of itchy skin at night include:

• Diseases of the skin, including eczema (atopic dermatitis) or psoriasis
• Kidney or liver disease
• Thyroid problems
• Restless legs syndrome
• Disorders affecting the nervous system, including multiple sclerosis, diabetes, or shingles
• Pregnancy
• Infestation of scabies, bed bugs, lice, or pinworms
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia
• Blood cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma

Allergic reactions to items in your home, such as the detergent used to wash your bed sheets or pajamas, foods you have recently consumed, shampoo or body wash, or medications you may be taking

If you persistently experience itchy skin at night with no obvious cause, a trip to the doctor to rule out a possible medical condition may be helpful to put your mind at ease.

How Can You Treat Itchy Skin at Night?

The best way to treat itchy skin at night depends on the reason why your skin is itchy. Some people may find that their itchy skin resolves after implementing lifestyle changes and home remedies, while others may need medication to help quell their itch and get to sleep more easily.

Natural Treatments for Itchy Skin at Night

There are several different home remedies that you can try in order to treat your itchy skin at night while avoiding the use of medication.

1. Moisturize your skin at least twice a day, including right before bed, with a soothing moisturizer designed for dry, itchy skin, such as Eucerin, Cetaphil, CeraVe, or Vanicream. These moisturizers are sold over the counter and are intended for use on sensitive, dry skin, so you won’t have to worry about irritating your skin further by using them. Steer clear of moisturizers that contain artificial scents or dyes, as these can make your itchy skin worse.
2. To soothe your skin before bedtime, try taking a bath in room temperature or lukewarm water and add colloidal oatmeal or baking soda to the water. Both oatmeal and baking soda are known to soothe itchy skin and can help provide relief before bedtime.
3. If your itchy skin is primarily confined to one part of your body, apply a cool, wet compress to the skin to help reduce the itch. This isn’t practical advice if your whole body is itchy, but cooling and adding moisture to one small area can provide relief when you’re experiencing itchy skin at night.
4. Use a humidifier in the room where you sleep. As noted above, dry air can make itchy skin at night even worse, so using a humidifier will help add moisture back into the air and soothe your skin.
5. If you believe your itchy skin might be linked to anxiety or other mental health issues, try using meditation, grounding techniques, or yoga to calm your mind before bed. People who are experiencing significant anxiety, depression, or other health issues should speak to a therapist or other licensed mental health worker to help work through these issues.

Medical Treatments for Itchy Skin at Night

Some people may need to use medication in order to treat their itchy skin at night. Fortunately, there are numerous over-the-counter treatments and prescription medications that can help.

Note that some causes of itchy skin, such as nerve disorders, kidney or liver disease, or thyroid problems will require medical treatment, so talk to a medical professional about the best way to treat your condition.

1. Antihistamine medications can help ease itching. Newer antihistamines, such as cetirizine and fexofenadine, are non-drowsy and can be taken once daily at any time of day to prevent itchy skin at night. If you’d prefer to take an antihistamine medication that will help you go to sleep more easily, try an older antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine or hydroxyzine, both of which have a sedating effect and will also help to relieve the itch.
2. Consider applying a topical anti-itch cream, such as a cortisone steroid cream, directly to the affected area to relieve itching.
3. A doctor may prescribe you topical doxepin or oral mirtazapine to help treat itching at night.
4. Try taking a melatonin capsule at night. Melatonin is a natural hormone that is produced by the body to help you go to sleep and stay asleep. Taking a capsule or tablet that contains melatonin before bed can have a natural sedative effect that will help you stay asleep despite your itchy skin.
   

Other Tips to Relieve Itchy Skin at Night

There are also some other tips that you can try to relieve itchy skin at night:

1. Wear soft pajamas that are not itchy and do not contain irritating fabrics. Natural fibers such as cotton and silk are usually the least irritating for most people.
2. Cut out caffeine and alcohol for several hours before bed. Both substances cause your blood vessels to dilate, increasing the movement of blood to the surface of the skin, which can make you feel itchy and hot.
3. Sleep in a cool room, even if it means running your air conditioner. The warmer you are at night, the more likely you are to feel itchy.
4. Choose products that are specially designed for sensitive or dry skin, including body wash, soap, moisturizers, cleansers, and other products. Avoid using products that irritate or dry your skin.
5. Avoid scratching your skin if you can. While it may feel good in the moment, scratching your skin only makes it more itchy.
   
   

Summary

Itchy skin at night can be caused by natural causes like the body’s circadian rhythms or dry air, or it can be a sign of a medical problem, such as eczema, kidney disease, or restless legs syndrome.

The best way to avoid itchy skin at night depends on the cause of the symptom, but it’s always a good idea to sleep in a cool, comfortable room and use a non-irritating moisturizer for sensitive skin before bed.