Neuropathy At Night

Today's post from drmarcspitz.com (see link below) looks at why for many people, neuropathy is so often much worse at night. If you Google this subject, you'll find many articles on the subject but very few that say anything apart from the fact that neuropathy is frequently worse at night - stating the obvious. Finding out why is quite difficult. Dr Spitz offers an explanation that it's due to nitrous oxide, which during the day is distributed through the blood system by movement but at night, stays attached to blood cells, thus diminishing blood supply to the nerve cells.. If anybody knows of an article which goes into this subject in greater detail, please use to contact or comment facility to let other people know.

Why is my neuropathy worse at night?

Let’s face it-neuropathy symptoms are hard to live with at anytime-but it seems that at nighttime the demons really come out. I often hear from my neuropathy patients that their pain, burning and tingling is particularly bad in the evening. Why? The first reason is more obvious. During the day we are often distracted by our daily tasks such as work and chores. Bright lights, noise, computer and TV all act as diversions. In the evening much of the stimuli of the day also go to bed. Thus we are left in a quiet, dark room where we are forced to give greater attention to the condition.

I propose a second, more subtle reason for increased symptoms in the evening. This one is more scientifically based. There is a molecule that circulates in our blood stream, called nitric oxide. Nitric oxide has been shown to increase local circulation to the nerves and organs in the body. When we are active, this molecule circulates in our blood system. However when we go to bed, we are more sedentary and nitric oxide stays bound to our blood cells. As a result we can have diminished blood supply to the peripheral nerves.

What to do in the evening to combat exacerbation of symptoms? As with other neuropathy problems, there is no one solution. Here are some suggestions that might help: Doing a few minutes of non-strenuous exercise before bed time such as riding a stationary bike for about 10 minutes, may cut down on symtoms. By the way this may help reduce night cramps as well. Topical products such as Biofreeze, Neuragen and Nerve Health + Relieve Cream, can temporarily bring relief. Physical and mental disciplines such as Tai Chi, Yoga and meditation can strengthen the mind so that we can be less reactive to pain, burning, numbness and tingling.

http://drmarcspitz.com/blog/2009/09/13/why-is-my-neuropathy-worse-at-night/