Tips for Preventing Itchy Eczema from Interfering with Your Sleep

Eczema is a disease that causes severe inflammation and dry skin patches, according to Mayo Clinic. Symptoms and types of eczema vary from person to person. But mostly, you may notice crusty areas on the skin that could eventually bleed. Severe itchiness and red rashes on different areas of the body can be expected. In some people, these indicators can appear as brown or black spots. Keep in mind, eczema causes your skin to become thicker due to lesions. 

It is a highly prevalent disease but is more common in children than adults. According to the National Eczema Association (NEA), eczema affects about 10.1% of Americans, which makes up around 31.6 million of the population. Moreover, approximately 9.6 million children under the age of 18 years in the U.S. experience eczema symptoms. In fact, there have even been reports of eczema flare-ups in the elderly, particularly in those who are 60 years of age or older.

How to enjoy a good night’s rest with eczema

woman scratching skin in bed

If you’re struggling with your eczema, you may have come across several home remedies. In fact, one critical concern some have is how to reduce itching at night. According to Healthline, the temperature of your room plays a primary role in triggering eczema. If your room temperature is hot, you may find the itching to get worse at night. So it’s important to adjust your thermostat to make the room feel cooler. Additionally, applying moisturizer before bedtime always helps. A well-moisturized skin prevents you from tossing and turning in bed due to eczema inflammation. Thus, limiting sleep disruption. However, you’ll want to apply a thick layer to the affected parts.

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When you can, use lightweight and breathable fabric sheets, like those made with cotton (per GoodRx Health). Allergenic materials or a surface that’s too rough can keep you awake at night by scruffing up the skin. As a last resort, the experts at Medical News Today suggest taking antihistamines. Even though they may not ease eczema, the pills can help you fall asleep faster.

Lesa O'Leary
Lesa O'Leary

Lesa is a dynamic member of OzHelp’s Service Delivery Team as the Service Delivery Team Leader and Nurse. She has been with OzHelp for five years and believes in leading by example. Lesa has experience in the not-for-profit sector, as well as many roles throughout different industries and sectors, including as a contractor to the Department of Defence. She has expertise in delivering OzHelp’s health and wellbeing programs and engaging with clients in a relaxed and comfortable manner that aligns with the organisation’s vision and objectives.

Lesa has a Certificate 4 in Nursing from Wodonga Tafe, Certificate 4 in Mental Health from Open Colleges, and is currently undertaking a Certificate 4 in Training and Assessment from Tafe NSW. For the past few months Lesa has been an Education and Memberships committee member of the ACT Branch of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).