Why do I itch at night? Dermatologists share the reasons

Itching can happen at any time of the day, but why does it always seem worse at night when you try to get some shut-eye? No, your body doesn’t suddenly conspire against you after the sun goes down. Rather, without any (many) daytime distractions, that annoying urge to scratch becomes much more noticeable. When you finally get into bed, your mind has less focus, so the itch can feel much worse. But don’t worry: there are some (very easy) ways to soothe your skin. Here are tips from the best dermatologists on how to stop the itch and catch the much needed symptoms.

Experts featured in this article:

Quin-Giao SartorMD, FAAD, is a dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Houston, Texas.

Supriya RastogaMD, is a certified dermatologist of the Schweiger Dermatology Group.

Brendan KempMD, double board certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology and Clinical.

What causes itching at night?

Itching (technical term: itch) is a common condition that affects approximately 20 percent of adults Medscape. This happens when nerve fibers are stimulated through the release of chemicals such as histamine, or through mechanical or thermal stimuli, explains Texas dermatologist Quin-Giao Sartor, MD, FAAD. As mentioned, it’s more of a mental trick to make it seem like the itch gets worse (or only appears) when you get into the bag. But there are also specific triggers that cause itching associated with the night hours.

Current skin condition: According to board-certified dermatologist Supriya Rastogi, MD, an underlying skin problem is one of the main reasons. research shows that conditions such as eczema and psoriasis aggravated at night, when the skin naturally loses moisture. Dr. Rastogi adds that even simple dryness can be a factor; dry skin often itches.
Bedding and clothes: Since bedding and clothing come in direct contact with your skin, it’s no surprise that they’re included on the list of irritants. Dr. Rastogi explains that materials such as wool and fleece can increase itching. They are both innately scratchy and also heat up the skin, which makes the situation worse. Until then…
Body heat: A hot dream? This could be another main reason. “The sensation of itching is transmitted mostly by temperature-sensitive nerve fibers. An increase in temperature lowers the threshold of the itch receptors,” says Dr. Sartor. Translation: the hotter you are, the stronger you feel.
Certain foods and drinks: Late night drinks and snacks can also fuel your late night scratch fest. consumption caffeinealcohol or spicy food before bed promotes more blood flow, which heats up the skin and makes the itching worse, explains Dr. Rastogi. It might be a good idea to skip the spicy ramen or after-dinner cappuccino before hitting the hay.
Environment changes: Although itchiness can occur at any time of the day, it gets worse at night because of environmental changes, says Brendan Kemp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. Low humidity and dry indoor heat can strip moisture from your skin, making it drier and more itchy as the night goes on.

How to relieve night itching

There are various ways you can prevent nighttime itch on the pass and/or help soothe the discomfort when it does occur.

Avoid hot showers: Dr. Rastogi recommends taking a warm shower instead of a hot one to avoid skin dryness.
Change up your skin care routine: Since dry skin and itchiness go hand in hand, make sure you’re getting extra moisture. “Use thick moisturizers, preferably ones you scoop from a jar. They are more effective and provide a stronger barrier and deeper hydration than thin lotions in bottles,” says Dr. Rastogi. Cooling treatments—think menthol-based creams—or a cool-mist humidifier can also work wonders.
Change the bed linen: If you suspect your itch is related to the fabric, choose breathable fabrics such as cottonexplains Dr. Rastogi. Cotton breathes better, absorbs sweat and is less likely to cause overheating during the night. The smooth texture also does not irritate the skin. Maybe an excuse to pick up some new pajamas and sheets?
Avoid common irritants: Dr. Rastogi recommends washing bed linens with detergents labeled “Free and Clear,” which means they don’t contain dyes, fragrances, or preservatives that can further irritate the skin.
Manage your stress levels: It’s easier said than done, but try to keep stress under control as much as possible. (Dr. Rastogi recommends relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or yoga.) It has been proven that increased stress causes exacerbation of eczema and cause additional itching in eczema patients.
Use topical and oral treatments: As a last resort, talk to your doctor about over-the-counter or prescription medications. Local anesthetics, such as lidocaine, or anti-inflammatories, such as steroids, can help relieve itching, says Dr. Sartor. Also helpful? “Systemic medications, such as oral antihistamines (hydroxyzine, Benadryl), can block itching, although they tend to have sedating side effects,” adds Dr. Sartor. A big caveat: They should only be used as directed by your doctor, says Dr. Rastogi.

When to see a doctor

Both experts we spoke to agree that if your itching lasts more than two weeks or is seriously disrupting your sleep, it’s time to call your doctor. “It’s also important to seek medical attention if itching is accompanied by redness, swelling, or skin changes,” adds Dr. Rastogi. And get checked out if you have any other symptoms — fever, unexplained weight loss, night sweats or fatigue — because itching can be a sign of an underlying condition, she notes. The good news: In many cases, a few simple adjustments mentioned above are enough to help you stop napping during naps.

Kayla Huey (she/her) is a freelance writer specializing in health, wellness, outdoors, travel, and food. In her five years of writing experience, she has covered women’s health, chronic disease, health disparities, and health trends for Women’s Health, Well+Good, Shape, Health, Verywell Health, The Zoe Report, and more. Kayla holds a Master of Public Health from Boston University School of Public Health and a Bachelor of Arts in Global Health, Gender and Women’s Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.