What Are the Causes of Body Itching at Night?
While itching is usually considered a minor annoyance, itching at night can cause poor sleep and affect quality of life. There are many reasons for body itching at night, and many of them are easily treated through minor lifestyle changes.
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Bed Bugs
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Although many people think that bed bugs are a made-up threat, they are quite real. Bed bugs burrow into small places like wrinkles in sheets or gaps in wallpaper. If there is an infestation, the bug beds bite humans, causing small red bumps that itch.
Allergies
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Body itching can be caused by allergies. The allergy could be due dust in your sheets, pet hair, detergents or food or medication that you have consumed that day. Try using unscented soaps.
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Stress
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Stress or anxiety can cause itching, especially at night when there are few distractions. It may also aggravate any other cause of itching present and make it worse. If you suspect this to be the case, try to engage in a calming activity before sleep.
Dry Skin or Skin Conditions
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Dry skin can cause the skin to become itchy, especially in the winter. Skin diseases like eczema and herpes also can cause itching in the affected area.
Parasites and Bugs
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Hookworm and some other parasitic entities can cause itching, usually accompanied by a rash. Bug bites from most bugs, including mosquitoes, will also cause itching in the affected area.
Other Medical Conditions
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If no other cause seems to be the culprit and the itching doesn't subside, it's time to see a doctor. Itching can also be caused by liver disease, kidney failure, diabetes, thyroid disorders, cancer or Hodgkin's disease.
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