EFFECTS OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS ON SLEEP

Hello again! Today we bring you a very interesting chapter on atopic dermatitis and its effect on the sleep of people who suffer from it. How does this condition actually affect rest?

Read on and find out!

EFFECTS OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS ON SLEEP

Sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality are common in people with atopic dermatitis and have a significant impact on their quality of life.

What are the reasons? Well, itching often gets worse at night, causing difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, less restful sleep and waking up exhausted.

These sleep disturbances are common in people with atopic dermatitis and are not limited to itching. Other factors, such as abnormalities in the rhythm of hormone production and melatonin metabolism, also play a role in poor sleep quality.

If someone in your family has atopic dermatitis, it is important to understand and recognise how difficult it is to stop scratching. Showing empathy and understanding can help to manage this situation.

HOW DOES ECZEMA AFFECT SLEEP?

Eczema has a significant impact on young children’s sleep, and this can manifest itself in a number of ways. For example, it usually takes children about 30 minutes to fall asleep, but it can take twice as long for people with atopic dermatitis. In addition, children with atopic eczema tend to wake up more often during the night and take longer to go back to sleep.

In terms of sleep efficiency, it is common for children to sleep for around 85% of the time they are in bed, but for people with eczema, this figure drops to well below 75%.

Interestingly, the impact of atopic dermatitis on sleep is not limited to children. In fact, 80% of adults with the condition also report sleep disturbances, while 50% say their sleep is less restful.

POTENTIAL IMPACT ON DAILY LIFE

The effects of poor sleep can be significant for people with atopic skin. These consequences are not limited to fatigue, but also affect their mood, ability to concentrate and various aspects of their daily lives. The following are some of the effects you may experience:

• In addition to fatigue, 87% experience irritability and mood swings after a poor night’s sleep.
• This can be prolonged, with 80% feeling restless for the whole of the following day.
• In addition, 42% have difficulty concentrating, which can affect their academic or work performance.
• This condition can also affect family and social relationships.

HOW CAN I SLEEP BETTER?

Here are some habits and practices that can help improve sleep for people with eczema:

• Take a quick, lukewarm shower: A quick bath with water that is not too hot can help prepare the body for sleep.
• Moisturise the skin with an emollient: Applying a special eczema moisturiser after bathing can help soothe the skin and reduce itching. Products such as DermControl can help soothe the skin and reduce flare-ups of dryness. Make sure you always have DermControl on hand to relieve itching when you wake up during the night, which can contribute to a better quality of sleep for the whole family.
• Wet wrap therapy for acute crises: In times of crisis, wet wrapping can provide relief and promote skin healing.
• Use cotton gloves or mittens: To avoid scratching at night, especially in children, cotton gloves or mittens can be used.
• Choose cotton pyjamas or sleep naked: Choosing loose cotton bedding or sleeping naked can help keep your skin cool and comfortable at night.
• Dust mite-free environment: Sleeping in a room without carpets can reduce the presence of dust mites, which can trigger allergies.
• Relaxing bedtime ritual: Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading, listening to soft music, practicing breathing techniques or meditation, can help prepare the body and mind for rest.

We hope this information has been useful for you! If you have any questions or require further advice, please do not hesitate to visit us or write to inveskin@invesbiofarm.com. We look forward to continuing to help you on your journey to a better quality of life with eczema.

See you in the next chapter!

INVES BIOFARM TEAM