How Do Varicose Veins Impact Sleep?
Getting a good night’s sleep can be difficult. Between limiting the blue light emitting from your phone, tablet or television, turning down an evening caffeinated drink, and trying to quiet your mind, you may be taking several measures to help you fall asleep at night.
Still, the actual cause of your insomnia could be pain or other symptoms of your varicose veins, such as itching, muscle cramps, or swelling. In this blog, we’ll explore various forms of varicose vein pain relief so that you can get the rest you need.
How Varicose Veins Impact Sleep
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that are too weak or damaged to pump blood properly. For many people, varicose veins are primarily a cosmetic concern, as they can look blue or purple and twisted. Sometimes, though, they can cause pain. If you stand on your feet for long periods during the day, you may especially feel pain as you’re lying down to sleep.
Wondering why varicose veins hurt more at night? Over the course of your day, pressure can build in your veins. You’re usually unaware of it as you go through your daily routine. When sleeping with varicose veins, you have fewer distractions, and you’re more aware of the pressure.
What can make this even more frustrating is if you have restless leg syndrome (RLS), which has similar symptoms. With RLS, your legs may feel itchy and twitch, which may give you the urge to move your legs to stop the uncomfortable sensations. That urge to move can make it a challenge to get a good night’s sleep.
How to Sleep With Varicose Veins
The good news is, there is varicose vein pain relief available to you, and a few lifestyle changes that include some ideal varicose vein sleeping positions. This may help you find the relief and sleep you need tonight.
Sleep on your side: Sleeping on your side, ideally your left side, will be better support for blood flow and this will also aid your heart in pumping more efficiently. Sleeping on your side also reduces swelling, as lymph fluid can flow more easily through the lymphatic system leading to the strengthening of your immune system.
Sleep with your legs raised: Since varicose veins occur when blood cannot properly flow back up to the heart, raising your legs while you sleep will improve blood flow. Elevated legs will also cause your lymph fluid to flow, reducing swelling.
Be hydrated: Drinking more water throughout the day also positively impacts blood and lymph fluid flow. You can also promote hydration by lowering your intake of alcohol and salt.
Wear compression stockings: Wearing compression stockings during the day, especially if you’re on your feet for long periods of time, can improve blood flow and reduce nighttime varicose vein pain.
Exercise and stretch: Another great way to improve blood flow is to exercise or stretch your legs throughout the day.
Get Support for Your Varicose Veins Today
You may find that you need medical treatment for your varicose veins, contact one of our vein specialists today.
Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the premier vein specialty medical practice in the Central Valley. Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his staff offer years of experience and medical expertise that you won’t find anywhere else. Contact us to set up a consultation appointment.