Itching skin at night can occur due to a range of factors.
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
1.
Factors can include:
Hydration and Skin
Your skin passively loses moisture during the night.
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
Vitamin D Deficiency
Certain vitamin and nutrient deficiencies may contribute to itchy skin.
Vitamin D is thought to play a role in limiting inflammation and the cytokine response.
Some studies suggest that treatment with vitamin D can help to control itching.
Stress
Some studies find a relationship between itchy skin and stress, anxiety, or depression.
Those with co-occurring eczema or hives reported more sleep disruptions with itchy skin as well.
The mental health conditions also may affect how much people choose to scratch, too.
During the day, your brain is directing your conscious decisions under whats called higher cortical executive control.
These include:
6.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes can cause dry, itchy skin.
Changes to the skin’s microbiome that happen during menopause can also lead to itchy skin.
Excessive itching may also occur during pregnancy.
This can lead to itchy skin as well.
Medications
Other cancer treatments beyond radiation often lead to itchy skin.
These treatments can include chemotherapy and immunotherapy biologic response modifiers (BRM).
Antibiotics also can cause itchy skin.
Other Risk Factors
A few other circumstances can put you at risk for having itchy skin.
They include:
Stress management also can help.
Yoga or breathing meditations can help reduce stress and make you feel sleepy.
Doing things that calm you could also help you cope with frustrating itch.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Many causes of itching can be managed at home.
Medical Treatment
Treatment for itching will depend on what is causing it.
It’s important to avoid scratching as much as you might and take steps to reduce nighttime itching.
And if you have allergies, make a run at avoid exposure to allergens.
Summary
Nighttime itching is a common, frustrating problem.
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