Why Is Neuropathy Pain Worse at Night?
If you live with peripheral neuropathy, you may notice something frustrating: your symptoms seem manageable during the day, but once you get into bed, the burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain becomes much harder to ignore.
For some people, nighttime neuropathy symptoms can make it difficult to fall asleep or cause them to wake repeatedly throughout the night.
So why does neuropathy often seem worse at night?
There isn't necessarily one explanation. Changes in activity, fewer distractions, sleep position, temperature, and the way nerve sensations are perceived while you're resting can all potentially influence how noticeable your symptoms feel.
At The Arthritis Laser Treatment Center in Honolulu, Dr. Jeremy Alosa evaluates patients experiencing symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy and offers conservative, non-surgical treatment options based on each patient's individual needs.
What Does Neuropathy Feel Like at Night?
Peripheral neuropathy affects people differently. Some experience numbness while others experience uncomfortable or painful sensations.
Nighttime symptoms may include:
Burning in the feet
Tingling or pins and needles
Sharp or shooting pain
Electrical sensations
Increased sensitivity to touch
Numbness in the feet or toes
Hot or cold sensations
Discomfort when sheets or blankets touch the feet
Restlessness caused by uncomfortable sensations
The Arthritis Laser Treatment Center's existing neuropathy information notes that peripheral neuropathy can interfere with sleeping as well as walking and other everyday activities.
Why Can Neuropathy Feel Worse at Night?
There are several reasons neuropathy symptoms may become particularly noticeable after you go to bed.
1. There Are Fewer Distractions
During the day, your brain is processing conversations, movement, work, errands, television, and countless other sources of stimulation.
At night, many of those distractions disappear.
Once you're lying quietly in a dark room, burning, tingling, or other abnormal nerve sensations can suddenly become much more noticeable.
That doesn't necessarily mean the underlying nerve problem has suddenly become worse. You may simply be more aware of the sensations.
2. You're No Longer Moving Around
During the day, you're frequently changing positions and moving your legs and feet.
At bedtime, you may remain in one position for an extended period. For someone already experiencing abnormal nerve sensations, being still can make those sensations more difficult to ignore.
Some people find themselves moving their feet or changing positions frequently because they are trying to find a more comfortable way to sleep.
3. Your Feet May Become More Sensitive to Touch
Peripheral neuropathy can sometimes cause increased sensitivity to touch.
For some people, something as ordinary as a bedsheet touching the feet can become uncomfortable.
This heightened sensitivity can make bedtime particularly frustrating because contact that would normally go unnoticed may trigger or intensify uncomfortable sensations.
4. Burning Sensations May Be More Noticeable
Burning feet are commonly associated with peripheral neuropathy, and the practice's existing Burning Feet article notes that patients often report symptoms becoming more noticeable in the evening or while lying in bed.
People may describe their feet as feeling unusually warm, burning, stinging, or painful even when the skin itself doesn't feel unusually hot.
Can Neuropathy Cause Sleep Problems?
It can.
Burning, tingling, shooting pain, sensitivity, and other uncomfortable sensations can make falling asleep difficult. Symptoms can also wake someone after they've already fallen asleep.
Over time, repeatedly disrupted sleep can affect how you feel during the day.
If nerve symptoms are regularly preventing you from sleeping, that is worth mentioning when you have your symptoms evaluated.
What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy isn't one specific disease with one specific cause. It refers to conditions involving damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves.
Possible causes can include diabetes, injuries, certain medications, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune conditions, and other health problems. Sometimes an obvious cause isn't identified.
That's one reason persistent symptoms shouldn't simply be labeled "neuropathy" without an appropriate evaluation.
Symptoms such as burning, tingling, and numbness can have multiple possible causes.
Is Nighttime Burning in My Feet Always Neuropathy?
No.
Although peripheral neuropathy is one possible cause of burning feet, experiencing burning or tingling at night does not automatically mean you have neuropathy.
The Arthritis Laser Treatment Center's neuropathy information specifically notes that numbness, burning, and tingling can have multiple potential causes.
If symptoms are persistent or worsening, an evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to them.
When Should You Have Neuropathy Symptoms Evaluated?
Occasional temporary tingling can happen after putting pressure on a nerve or sitting in an unusual position.
Persistent or recurring symptoms deserve more attention.
Consider seeking an evaluation if you experience:
Burning in your feet regularly
Persistent numbness
Tingling that doesn't go away
Pain that repeatedly wakes you at night
Increased sensitivity in your feet
Weakness in your feet or legs
Difficulty walking
Changes in coordination
Problems with balance
Symptoms that are gradually becoming more noticeable
Sudden weakness, major changes in coordination, or other new or severe neurological symptoms should receive prompt medical attention.
What Can You Do About Neuropathy Pain at Night?
The appropriate approach depends on what's causing your symptoms, so persistent nerve pain should be evaluated rather than simply treated as a sleep problem.
Your healthcare provider may recommend addressing an underlying medical condition, changing medications when appropriate, lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, or other treatment depending on the cause of the neuropathy.
At The Arthritis Laser Treatment Center, Dr. Alosa focuses on conservative approaches for patients with chronic pain and neuropathy-related symptoms.
Non-Surgical Neuropathy Treatment in Honolulu
The Arthritis Laser Treatment Center offers non-surgical treatment options for patients experiencing peripheral neuropathy symptoms.
Depending on the patient's condition and evaluation, treatment options available at the practice include Horizontal Therapy (Hako Med) and laser therapy. The practice identifies peripheral neuropathy, burning feet, numbness and tingling among the conditions for which patients seek Hako Med treatment.
Treatment recommendations should be individualized because the underlying cause and severity of neuropathy can differ significantly from one person to another.
What Is Hako Med Horizontal Therapy?
Hako Med Horizontal Therapy is a form of electrotherapy available at The Arthritis Laser Treatment Center.
The practice uses Hako Med in its approach to certain chronic pain and neuropathy-related conditions.
Whether Hako Med or another conservative therapy is appropriate depends on your symptoms, health history, and evaluation.
This is also a perfect place to internally link to the Hako Med Treatment page, which helps us start strengthening that next GSC opportunity.
Don't Let Neuropathy Symptoms Keep You Up at Night
If burning, numbness, tingling, or nerve pain regularly becomes more noticeable when you go to bed, don't simply assume poor sleep is something you have to live with.
The first step is understanding what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Persistent neuropathy symptoms can affect more than comfort. They can interfere with sleep, walking, balance, work, exercise, and everyday activities.
Schedule a Peripheral Neuropathy Evaluation in Honolulu
If nighttime burning, tingling, numbness, or nerve pain is interfering with your sleep,
The Arthritis Laser Treatment Center in Honolulu can evaluate your symptoms and discuss conservative treatment options that may be appropriate for you.
Call 808-596-4800 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeremy Alosa and learn more about peripheral neuropathy treatment in Honolulu.
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