How Can I Sleep Better with Neuropathy?
Neuropathy symptoms can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep. The result is often waking up feeling more tired than when your head hit the pillow. The good news is that our neuropathy doctor in Grand Rapids, MI, is ready to help. Not only does he offer neuropathy treatment near you, but he also has expert tips to help improve your quality of sleep.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Causes Neuropathy to Worsen at Night?
Many patients report that their neuropathy symptoms tend to worsen at night. There may be several reasons to explain this phenomenon. One is that you have fewer distractions at night to take your mind off the pain.
A low quality of sleep can also lead to a vicious cycle that aggravates . For example, people who experience sleep deprivation may lower their pain threshold. This, in turn, can make their neuropathy pain feel more intense.
What Helps You Sleep with Neuropathy?
Your first step is to keep a journal where you track your symptoms and see how they may align with your sleep patterns. This will help empower you to make healthy changes that improve your quality of sleep.
Focus on Quality and Quantity
When trying to improve your sleep habits, It’s not enough to log in a certain number of hours each night. It’s essential that you also achieve a good quality of sleep so you can feel well rested in the morning. To do this, you’ll need to create a routine that allows you to gradually wind down for the night.
Improve Your Sleep Hygiene
There is no hard and fast rule as to when you should stop screen time in the evenings. However, it’s generally recommended that you avoid screen time one to two hours before bedtime. You should also avoid caffeine, smoking, alcohol, and heavy meals right before you go to sleep.
Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
Write down a list of activities that help you feel relaxed. Some examples include meditation, taking a bubble bath, deep breathing exercises, listening to music, relaxing on the back porch, or reading a cozy light-hearted book. Give yourself an hour to destress and relax each night. Not only will this help improve your mental health, but it’ll also help you sleep better.
Make Your Bedroom as Comfortable as Possible
It’s essential that your bedroom be as comfortable as possible to ensure a good night’s sleep. Start by making sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and well ventilated. If you have neuropathy in the feet, consider elevating the bed sheets. That way, they won’t brush against your legs and feet.
Seek Neuropathy Treatment
In addition to our other advice, it would help to schedule an appointment with our neuropathy specialist in Grand Rapids, MI. Dr. Harrison would be more than happy to evaluate your symptoms and determine if you’re a candidate for neuropathy treatment.
The average plan is about 90 days, which will gradually decrease your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Once you finish the 90-day period, you’ll continue your treatments at home instead of at the Harrison Neuropathy Center. We’ll then check in with you every three months for as long as you need us.
Related: What are the Benefits of Neuropathy Treatment? →
Schedule a Neuropathy Consultation
Dr. David Harrison is an experienced neuropathy doctor in Grand Rapids, MI. He’s also accepting new patients and will be able to determine if you’re a candidate for neuropathy treatment. To schedule an appointment, please call the Harrison Neuropathy Center at (616) 363-0902. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.