Sleep and Eczema – Why Rest Is Essential for Skin Healing
If you’re living with eczema, you’ve probably had nights ruined by itching, tossing, and scratching. Eczema doesn’t just affect your skin during the day — it can seriously interfere with your sleep, leaving you feeling exhausted, frustrated, and stuck in a cycle that’s hard to break.
But here's the good news: quality sleep can help manage eczema symptoms and speed up healing. In this blog, we’ll explore the link between eczema and sleep, why rest is so important, and how to improve your sleep with eczema.
How Eczema Affects Sleep
Eczema can cause:
​
-
Intense night time itching
-
Overheating or sweating in bed
-
Disrupted sleep due to discomfort or pain
-
Anxiety about flare-ups
​
Lack of sleep makes everything worse — including your mood, stress levels, and skin healing.
The Itch-Scratch-Sleep Cycle
Here’s what often happens:
​
-
You try to sleep but the itching keeps you awake.
-
You scratch in your sleep without realising it.
-
Scratching leads to skin damage, pain, and more inflammation.
-
You wake up feeling tired and sore — and the cycle continues.
Why Sleep Matters for Eczema
​
1. Your Skin Repairs While You Sleep
During deep sleep, your body boosts cell regeneration and healing. Without enough rest, your skin struggles to recover from flare-ups or irritation.
​
2. Lack of Sleep Increases Stress
And stress is one of eczema’s biggest triggers. Poor sleep raises cortisol (stress hormone) levels, which can worsen inflammation and itching.
​
3. Tiredness Lowers Immunity
Sleep is key for a healthy immune system. A weakened immune response means your skin is more vulnerable to infections and slower to heal.
Tips for Sleeping Better with Eczema
​
1. Create a Night time Skincare Routine
​
-
Apply a fragrance-free moisturiser before bed to lock in moisture
-
Use medicated creams if prescribed by your doctor
-
Keep skincare products near your bed in case of nighttime itching
​
2. Use Eczema-Friendly Bedding
​
-
Choose breathable cotton sheets (avoid synthetic fabrics)
-
Wash bedding with non-bio, fragrance-free detergents
-
Keep your bedroom cool (around 16–18°C) to avoid sweating
​
3. Calm Your Mind Before Bed
​
-
Try deep breathing, meditation, or a warm (not hot) bath
-
Avoid screen time and caffeine before bedtime
-
Write down worries to reduce anxiety that might keep you up
​
4. Try Cotton Gloves or Socks at Night
Wearing soft gloves or socks can reduce scratching damage during sleep — especially helpful for children with eczema.
​
5. Stick to a Sleep Schedule
Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. A routine trains your body to wind down more easily — and may reduce stress and skin irritation over time.
Final Thoughts
Eczema and sleep have a complicated relationship — but better rest can lead to better skin. By creating a calm, eczema-friendly sleep environment and sticking to a soothing routine, you can improve your chances of waking up feeling more rested and more comfortable.
Healing takes time, but with the right habits, your nights (and skin) can get better.