Whole Body Itching at Night: Why it Happens and How to Stop it

Itching all over your whole body at night is also known as Nocturnal Pruritus.

It can be mild or severe. But there are a few reasons for this.

Consistently experiencing itching all over your body means there is an underlying cause that needs to be addressed.

In this post, we’ll discuss the common causes of whole body itching at night.

Finally, we’ll give some useful tips on how to stop itching at night when you feel the urge to consistently scratch.

Let’s get started.

What are the causes whole body itching at night?

1. Circadian Rhythm

Daily cycles affect skin functions such as temperature regulation and fluid balance. They alter according to day and night.

When there is a transition of day into night, an increase in blood flow to the skin occurs which increases body temperature.

The temperature rise can lead to itching.

Likewise, more cytokines are released at night which is associated with an increase in inflammation.

Corticosteroids manufacture is impeded which is a hormone that reduces inflammation. This inflammation provokes the whole body to itch at night.

Furthermore one must have lost enough water in the body due to climate. This prompts parched skin itches during the dry winter period.

2. Skin Diseases

Skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema, and dry skin ushers the way to whole body itching at night.

Old people are more prone to this issue as their skins tend to dry up because of Anno domini. Skin cancer introduces spots on your skin that can itch.

Related: Easy Eczema Infection Treatments for Dry and Itchy Skin

3. Menopause And Pregnancy

Fluctuations in the level of estrogen hormone bring about itching.

This imbalance of hormones occurs during pregnancy and menopause.

Estrogen is associated with the formation of collagen which is essential for synthesizing skin.

It also forms natural oils in the body which brings life to the skin. The lack of these substances causes the skin to itch and become thin.

4. Allergic Reaction

 Compounds like cosmetics, drugs, chemicals, and food can lead to allergic reactions in people.

This can cause unpleasant itching at night.

The most common substance that causes an allergic reaction is nickel which we are frequently in contact with daily.

5. Bug Bites

If you’re itching all over your body at night, it can be because of bug bites.

Bugs that reside on your skin and feed off of it lead to uncontrollable itching that is chronic.

They can be bed bugs, lice, or any other insect.

The substance that is released by the bug bite into your body triggers the immune system to cause swelling and redness in that area which is followed by itching.

How to get relief for whole body itching at night

1. OTC Medicine

If a nerve disorder, RLS ( Restless leg syndrome), or any other disease causes your whole body to itch, consult a doctor for the best way to treat it.

If you want to treat it yourself at home, opt for OTC medicine.

Relief from itch or inducing sleep or even both depends on the type of medicine you consume. 

Older antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), hydroxyzine (Vistaril), and promethazine (Phenergan) eliminate the itching and help you in sleeping.

Steroids Cream retrains the itch at the source.

2. Moisturizer

Apply a glycerine-based, oil- and alcohol-free moisturizer before going to bed for your skin to revive and nourish itself.

Using such products can alleviate the itching and at the same time prevent your body from coming into contact with chemicals that are a source of irritation for your skin.

3. Cool Compresses

Apply cool compresses for instance cold damp cloth, on the affected region.

This will help constrict blood flow which allows a reduction in inflammation that is causing itching in the body at night.

4. Humidifier

Start using a humidifier that will keep your space moist and enable the skin to soak in the mixture and rejuvenate it along with getting rid of the itch.

The dry skin returns to its normal state. Humidifiers are easily accessible in supermarkets around you. 

4. Loose Fitting Clothes

Wear loose clothes that enable your skin to breathe and take in moisture.

The skin will not be rubbed preventing further itching because of either inflammation or dry skin.

Other than that, wool and rough-feeling fabrics can bother your skin.

Related: How to Stop Itching When Exercising in 10 Simple Ways

Takeaway

If you have a skin disease, get help from your doctor or dermatologist.

We’ve discussed the common reasons for itching all over your body at night.

If natural reasons are to blame for the itching, try at-home remedies to reduce or completely stop itching.