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Unfortunately, people with atopic dermatitis (eczema) often report difficulty getting to sleep and staying asleep. As a result, many people with eczema suffer daytime fatigue that affects their quality of life.
Itchiness and symptoms of eczema tend to be worse at night. That's because about an hour or two before bedtime, the body prepares for sleep by cooling down and lowering the core temperature. During this process, heat escapes through the skin, which contributes to increased itchiness right before bedtime. It's normal to wake up at least 2 to 6 times a night, although you may not remember it the next day. For people with eczema, this nightly sleep-wake cycle may cause itching to start, which leads to reflex scratching during the night.
Having good techniques to manage your eczema is the first step to ensuring a good night's rest. When your eczema improves, so does sleep. If you're having trouble sleeping, try these tips:
If you continue to have problems sleeping, talk to your doctor to discuss possible treatments that might help you get better sleep.
With
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
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