Ever wake up at night, flipping and flopping because you simply can’t stop scratching? That pesky bedtime itch, known as nocturnal pruritus, can ruin your sleep. Though it may feel like it’s just a random annoyance, there are some explanations for why your skin or scalp feels itchier after dark, and understanding what’s causing it can make you feel better.
Why Does Itching Get Worse at Night?
It’s not just your imagination—itching does seem stronger at night. Part of the reason is your natural body clock, known as the circadian rhythm, that regulates many things inside you. When nighttime comes, your body temperature rises, and there is increased blood flow to your skin, which can make your itch feel stronger. Added to this, your skin becomes drier overnight, and dryness just makes itching worse.
Hormones have their say, too. When it gets dark, your body produces less of some anti-inflammatory hormones called corticosteroids and more of chemicals known as cytokines that promote inflammation. This combination can drive the itch into overdrive.
And then there’s distraction—or the absence thereof. By day, you’re working, doing chores, or socializing with friends, so you may not even register a small itch. But when night falls and you’re lying there trying to sleep, that itch becomes the only thing you can think about.
Common Causes of Nighttime Itching
There are many reasons why your skin may itch more at night. For most people, dry skin is the primary offender, particularly during colder months when the air is dry. If your skin feels tight or flaky, that’s a good indication dryness is the cause of your nighttime scratch-a-thon.
Skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis also have a reputation for exacerbating itching at nighttime. Psoriasis flare-ups, for instance, may be caused by stress or temperature shifts, which can disrupt your body’s ability to regulate temperature and make itching more pronounced at night. Eczema tends to induce chronic itching that could severely disturb sleep and render you tired the following day.
Other reasons may be hives, dandruff, or annoying critters such as lice or bedbugs. Occasionally, more concerning conditions such as restless leg syndrome or nerve issues may be the cause of all the scratching.
Finding Relief
If nighttime itching is sabotaging your sleep, don’t panic—there are several solutions. For minor cases, minor adjustments can make a huge difference. Experiment with changing to softer sheets or with hypoallergenic laundry detergent to reduce irritation. Maintaining a cool bedroom and the use of a humidifier can prevent dryness to your skin during slumber.
If the itch persists, over-the-counter or prescription medication may be the solution. Antihistamines such as Benadryl or Zyrtec will decrease itching and even induce sleep. Steroid creams attack the inflammation where you feel it, and some antidepressants have the bonus of soothing itch and assisting with sleep as well.
If you prefer a more natural route, melatonin supplements can help regulate your sleep and make it easier to get through the night. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) might also be helpful if stress or anxiety is making your itching worse.
For itching on your scalp, the most important thing is to determine the cause. Dandruff or psoriasis require special shampoos or medication. When you think there are bugs such as lice, it is better to consult a doctor for proper treatment.
When to Seek Help
Nighttime itching is usually treated with home remedies or minor treatments most of the time. However, if the itching won’t subside, and you experience pain, swelling, and other unusual symptoms, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional. They can assist in determining what’s happening and what appropriate treatment for you is.
Understanding why your itch gets worse at night is the first step towards getting some relief. Whether it’s adjusting your bedtime routine or treating a skin condition, there are things that can help you sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed.