Tips to Cope with Psoriasis Sleep Deprivation
We all agree that it’s important to have adequate sleep (either in quantity or quality) every day. This can be one of the best ways to help the body fit and improve your overall health in long term. But if you have psoriasis, some symptoms of the disease can disturb the way of how you take a rest at night. In fact, sleep deprivation is pretty common in people with this chronic skin problem.
The link between psoriasis and sleep deprivation
About 49.5 percent (almost half) of patients with psoriasis said that the disease had an effect in their ability to sleep at least once a month – according to one study [1]. The symptoms of the disease particularly such as pain and itch can keep them awake.
The almost same result showed in another study published on the National Psoriasis Foundation’s journal for professionals. According to this study, psoriasis sufferers are at greater chance of having sleep-related problems, particularly those who also have psoriatic arthritis (a common complication of psoriasis) [2].
The sleep-related problems can include snoring, trouble having sleep or staying sleep, frequent waking, restless leg syndrome, and daytime fatigue.
Another interesting issue, sleep apnea is also pretty common in obese psoriasis sufferers [3]. It is not clear yet whether the disease has a direct link in increasing the risk since the obesity itself is a risk factor of sleep apnea – or both the disease and obesity may work together in increasing the risk.
The link of both problems can be problematic. While some studies found that the disease itself can increase the risk of sleep deprivation, lack of sleep is also bad for the disease and overall health of sufferer.
The pain and itch can cause poor sleep, which then causes fatigue and eventually cause more pain & itchy skin – resulting more problem of sleep deprivation. These can become a vicious cycle.
Furthermore, each problem can generate some of the same complications. These include obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and type-2 diabetes.
On the other hand, having a good sleep is so essential for the prognosis of the disease. Most of sufferers said that sleep well at night could help control their psoriasis and get rid of the uncomfortable itching – according to one survey [1].
So if you have this skin problem, getting plenty of good sleep every day is crucial and should be prioritized on the list of your treatment plan.
How to cope with psoriasis sleep deprivation?
The severity of the problem can vary from sufferer to sufferer. But it usually improves and responds to some lifestyle measures.
Along with the prescription treatment plan for your psoriasis, the following are some helpful tips.
Watch on alcohol!
In general, alcohol can act as a depressant, and this is the common reason of why some people mistakenly consider it as an option to fall asleep easily. But it is actually the wrong choice.
If you drink too much, your body is continuously working to remove alcohol during sleep which can cause a withdrawal syndrome. This can lead to awakening followed with sweats and dehydration. In other words, drinking alcohol is actually not the answer if you are looking for a good quality of sleep.
In the case if you have psoriasis, you should avoid drinking alcohol. It is not only bad for the quality of your sleep but also bad for the disease. For the reasons of why psoriasis is considered bad for psoriasis, visit this section!
How about caffeine?
As well we know, it is a common stimulant that can be found easily in many beverages such as coffee and soda drinks. If you love caffeine, don’t drink it about 4-6 hours before your bedtime! See also about how your body and brain react to caffeine in here!
Furthermore, hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of complications from psoriasis. And caffeine can cause a sudden impact on your blood pressure. To keep safe, drink caffeine in moderation!
