Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition that can be caused by damage to the nerves, and it can be incredibly debilitating for those who suffer from it. One of the most frustrating aspects of neuropathic pain is that it can be worse at night, making it difficult for sufferers to get the rest they need to manage their symptoms during the day. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at why neuropathic pain may be worse at night and what you can do to manage it.
Why is Neuropathic Pain Worse at Night?
There are a few reasons why neuropathic pain may be worse at night. For one, when we’re lying down and trying to sleep, our bodies aren’t moving as much, which can make pain feel more intense. Additionally, the lack of distractions and activities that we typically engage in during the day can make it harder to ignore pain at night. Furthermore, the body’s natural pain-relieving hormones, such as melatonin, are typically released at night, but in some cases, it’s not enough to alleviate the pain.
Managing Neuropathic Pain at Night
While it can be difficult to completely eliminate neuropathic pain at night, there are several strategies that can help to manage it and improve your ability to sleep. These include:
- Staying active during the day: Engaging in regular physical activity can help to reduce the intensity of neuropathic pain and improve your ability to sleep at night.
- Relaxation techniques: Practice techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help to reduce stress and tension, which can make it easier to ignore pain at night.
- Pain-relieving medications: Speak with your doctor about whether a pain-relieving medication might be right for you. Some medications, such as gabapentin, are specifically designed to target neuropathic pain and may be more effective than others.
- Heat or cold therapy: Applying heat or cold to the affected area can help to reduce pain and improve your ability to sleep.
Ketamine for Neuropathic Pain
Ketamine therapy is a relatively new treatment option for neuropathic pain that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Unlike traditional antidepressants and pain medications, ketamine targets specific receptors in the brain that are involved in the perception of pain, providing rapid and long-lasting relief from neuropathic pain. Studies have shown that ketamine can reduce pain, improve quality of life and mood, and even help to restore the sense of touch in people with neuropathic pain.
One of the main benefits of ketamine therapy is that it can provide relief from chronic pain in a relatively short period of time. Unlike traditional antidepressants and pain medications, which can take weeks or even months to take effect, ketamine can start working within hours of the first infusion. Additionally, ketamine has fewer side effects and risks than traditional medications, making it a safer option for managing neuropathic pain.
Final Thoughts
Neuropathic pain can be a frustrating and debilitating condition, and it can be especially difficult to manage at night. However, by staying active during the day, practicing relaxation techniques, and experimenting with different pain-relieving strategies, you can improve your ability to sleep and manage your symptoms more effectively. If you’re struggling with neuropathic pain, be sure to reach out to Exodus Health about the best course of treatment for you.
