If you suffer from neuropathy, you’ve probably noticed that the discomfort often intensifies at night. The tingling, burning, or sharp pain can keep you up when all you want is a peaceful night’s sleep. Understanding why neuropathy tends to worsen when the sun goes down can help you find better ways to manage the condition naturally. 

Here’s a closer look at why neuropathy is so bad at night and what you can do to alleviate the discomfort.

The Link Between Neuropathy and Nighttime Symptoms

Neuropathy refers to nerve damage, often caused by diabetes, injury, or other chronic conditions. It primarily affects the peripheral nerves, leading to sensations of pain, numbness, or tingling in the hands, feet, and legs. For many people, the symptoms are especially pronounced at night. But why does neuropathy seem to worsen when the sun goes down? Let’s talk about it. 

1. Reduced Distractions at Night

During the day, you are generally more active, distracted, and focused on your daily tasks. Movement and engaging with the environment can take your mind off the discomfort. However, when you settle down to sleep, the absence of activity and the quiet environment make you more aware of your body's sensations. Without distractions, your body’s signals, including nerve pain, become more noticeable and can feel much more intense.

2. Changes in Circulation

At night, your body enters a more relaxed state, and circulation can slow down. When you lie down, blood flow to your limbs may decrease, especially if you have poor circulation to begin with. This reduced blood flow can exacerbate the numbness or tingling caused by neuropathy. Additionally, the position you sleep in—such as lying flat—may put pressure on certain nerves, further contributing to discomfort.

3. Lowered Body Temperature

Cooler temperatures at night can also aggravate neuropathy symptoms. Nerve pain often becomes more intense when exposed to cold, which is why many people with neuropathy experience a worsening of their symptoms in colder environments. The drop in temperature during the night may trigger more pain or discomfort in the affected areas, particularly the feet and hands.

4. Increased Stress and Tension

The body’s response to stress can also play a role in worsening neuropathy symptoms. As the day winds down, you may feel more relaxed mentally, but your body may still hold onto tension from the day. Chronic stress has been shown to increase inflammation in the body, which can contribute to nerve pain. This tension, combined with the other factors mentioned, can make the pain feel even more unbearable at night.

‍Find Help for Neuropathy Pain

‍Understanding why neuropathy is so bad at night can help you take proactive steps to manage the symptoms. Working with a functional neurologist in Stuart, FL is a great way to get to the root cause and develop a personalized plan that will help you to feel better day and night. Learn more today — and find natural treatments that are right for you.