Poor Sleep Quality Linked to Skin Conditions

Uncategorized Aug 11, 2018

Ever been kept awake by itchy, painful skin? I know that feeling. At it's worse, my psoriasis and eczema was so itchy and painful I would wake ten to fifteen times a night. It was hell. Each time I'd wake I would try and get comfortable again or slather on more creams to re-hydrate my dry, itchy skin. 

It wasn't just the physical aspect of my skin condition. The horrible psychological elements would keep me awake too. Worrying about what to wear to a friends party, stressing over a date, even something as simple as racking my brains for an excuse to get out of my hair appointment because my scalp was in such an itchy, flakey mess. 

I appreciate it does not sound like a pleasant emotional cycle. Stressing over a skin condition which is ultimately made worse by stress! So it's understandable that new research has established this connection between sleepless nights and psoriasis. 

Researchers evaluated patients seen Toronto Western Hospital’s treatment center for psoriatic arthritis. So now, not only are we dealing with a skin condition, but the horrible aching in the joints that comes with it. 

Researchers explain, “Poor sleep quality is known to affect workplace productivity, mental health, health behaviors and perceived health. Ultimately, psoriatic disease is not simply a disease with only physical manifestations, but also a disease with psychosocial consequences,” Furthermore, the researchers wrote, “The multifactorial characteristics and extensive deleterious effects of PsD necessitate care from a multidisciplinary team to address all aspects of the disease.”

It's actually really positive to see this and other studies citing the importance of seeing the all round impact of the disease. This is most definitely something which affects mental wellbeing. It's so much more than just a skin complaint. 

Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Researchers found the following rates of poor sleep quality in the groups of patients questioned:

  • PsA, 84% (psoriatic arthritis)
  • PsC, 69% (chronic psoriasis)
  • HC 50% (healthy volunteers)

So what are our natural options to aid better sleep? I would most definitely recommend taking a bath with lots of dead sea salt and some lavender oil in the evening. Gently exfoliate any dead skin cells. Pat the skin dry and apply natural, virgin coconut oil. Then put on a pair of comfy, cotton PJs and rest. When my skin was particularly bad I used clingfilm (cling wrap) to hold the oil against my skin. 

Gentle yoga or meditation in the evening can really help to calm an overactive mind. I also find outdoor cardio exercise such as jogging or cycling when I get home from work can really clear my head or help me think through anything that's on my mind before I end up in that horrible situation of overthinking it when I'm trying to sleep. 

What are your suggestions to calm your skin or promote a better night's sleep? Does your skin condition impact the quality of your sleep? I'd love to hear from you

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