Why Do I Have Itchy Skin at Night?

Nighttime itching, or nocturnal pruritus, is a common phenomenon with a long list of causes and prevention techniques. It can disrupt everyday life if left untreated. If you find yourself losing sleep, here are some ways to help you understand and find relief for itchy skin at night.

For most, the body’s natural mechanism, or circadian rhythm, could be a common cause of nighttime itching. Circadian rhythms influence skin functions such as temperature regulation, fluid balance, and barrier protection. At night, these functions change. As blood flow to the skin increases while you sleep, your body temperature can also rise, causing your skin to itch.

During this time, the body also releases cytokines, which increase the risk of inflammation, while corticosteroids, the hormones responsible for reducing inflammation, decrease. Your skin also loses more water at night, which can leave your skin dry and prone to itching.

Other conditions may contribute to itchy skin at night, such as changes in estrogen levels and menopause. These may cause dryness, redness, and itching. Hives, bed bugs, sunburn, chicken pox, excessive sweating, certain medications, or even stress are also among its common causes.

Nerve disorders like Restless Leg Syndrome or other diseases that affect the nerves, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, shingles, and neuropathy, may also worsen itchy skin at night.

Stay away from irritants and allergens, which can aggravate these conditions. Some people feel itchy when in contact with certain fabrics like wool or the chemicals in perfumes or dyes.

Thankfully, there are several remedies for itchy skin at night without using medication.

A cool shower before bed will help cool your body and skin before hitting the sack. Make sure to use a moisturizing body wash like Dove Go Fresh Cucumber & Green Tea Body Wash to keep your skin cool and fresh. It has Microbiome Nutrient Serum – a unique blend of prebiotics that helps strengthen the skin's moisture barrier, to protect and relieve itching.

If you have sensitive skin, you might want to keep your bedroom off-limits to your fur babies. They may be adorable, but they can also carry allergens that trigger itching. Check for bugs, ticks, or any sign of insect infestation to rule out skin irritation caused by insect bites.

Before you turn in, make sure your room is cool and well-ventilated. Using a humidifier or vaporizer will maintain moisture levels in an otherwise dry room. Do this if you’re used to sleeping with air-conditioning. Wear cool, loose-fitting clothes that let your skin breathe. Apply a cold compress to cool your skin and top it off with a moisturizer with aloe vera or vitamin e to seal the moisture.

Avoid strenuous activities that raise body temperature and increase blood flow to your skin at night. If you’re used to working out in the evening, now might be a good time to reschedule your training earlier in the day.

Change your beddings regularly. Depending on your needs and availability, come up with a bi-monthly or weekly schedule to change your sheets. There’s nothing more gratifying than ending your day with fresh linens. Make sure you’re nice and clean before you get under your new sheets with a cleanser like LIFEBUOY Antibacterial Bodywash Total 10 that fights 99.9% of germs, giving you overall protection from bacteria-causing skin irritations that lead to itchy skin at night.

If all else fails and your pruritus persists, consult your doctor for over-the-counter or prescription medications. Be sure to talk to your doctor before trying new treatments to avoid complications.

Itchy skin at night, if left untreated, can disrupt sleep and affect your quality of life. Thankfully, treatments and prevention methods are available to help you find relief and have a good night’s rest.