5 Reasons Nerve Pain is Worse at Night
The night can be restless, endless, and sleepless if you’re living with chronic nerve pain or neuropathy. People living with this condition often complain of heightened pain at night. But why does nerve pain get worse at night?
Here are some reasons for the enhanced nerve pain at night and how to find relief:
- Cooler Night Temperatures
Most bedrooms are cool. Also, during the night, your body temperature fluctuates and eventually decreases. With these changes in temperature, your perception of nerve pain may also shift.
Colder temperatures can make the heartbeat slower and slow down the flow of blood. In turn, the nerve damage becomes more painful or causes more discomfort, keeping you up at night.
What You Can Do
Make sure your bedroom is not too cold. You can also add a blanket if you’re feeling cold at night.
- Certain Medications
Some medications may interfere with the way you perceive pain. If you suspect that your medication is increasing your pain, talk to your doctor or neurologist in Bartlesville or wherever you live.
What You Can Do
Be sure to consult with your doctor. A change in the dosing and timing of medicines may help you sleep better at night.
- Fewer Distractions
Your attention level influences how you perceive nerve pain. You may be less aware of the pain when you’re busy and distracted.
Therefore, during the day, when you’re working, running an errand, or taking care of your baby, your focus is not merely on the pain. When you pay little attention to the pain, you’ll perceive it less.
But when the distractions are gone, you become more aware of your body and thoughts. The pain flares up in line with your increased concentration on it.
What You Can Do
Talk to your doctor about sleep visualization techniques. Instead of focusing on your pain, you will learn how to visualize something you like to divert your attention
- Rigorous Days
Physical and emotional stress can take a toll on your body and cause extra pain. You may then have heightened nerve pain after a day of strenuous exercise or hard work.
Because of the distractions of the day, you may not recognize how sore your body is. It’s only after you’re ready for bed that the pain may register.
What You Can Do
Rest and a change in your daily physical routine may help you feel better. Obey your body when it needs a rest. Also, talk to your doctor about the best exercises for a person with peripheral nerve problems.
- Emotions and Stress
Chronic stress adversely influences physical and mental health. Your emotional state might also affect how you perceive pain. You may feel more pain when you’re stressed or anxious.
What You Can Do
You should learn techniques on how you can process emotions and handle stress better. Don’t hesitate to seek the help of mental health professional, so you can improve the way you deal with the anxiety that comes with neuropathy.
Stopping Night time Neuropathy Pain
Adequate sleep is vital when you’re living with chronic pain. But when your sleep gets affected, it can be a vicious cycle of lack of enough sleep and a reduced pain threshold.
A conducive sleeping environment and some lifestyle changes can help you manage pain that seems to worsen at night. A combination of physical therapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and mindful mediation may help deal with stress-related pain. Your doctor may also prescribe some oral or topical medicines to help you cope.
Meta Title: Why Nerve Pain is Worse at Night
Meta Description: Does your peripheral neuropathy pain often flare up at night? Check out five possible reasons nerve pain worsens just when you need a good night’s rest.
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