I seem to have more pain at night like right now. I was wondering if anyone else had this happen to them too and what you do to try to ease it. I can't take anymore meds than I already take and can't take the pain either. It seems to be getting worse. Now my feet are starting to swell more and burn. That concerns me because my rsd started in my right wrist and hand. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

My thoughts are that at night I am no longer distracting myself with the tasks of the day. I also think that at night I am alone and do not need to wear my "happy, life is great" mask. As many here have noticed weather changes can have a HUGE effect in our pain status.
z

Thanks Pooh. I'm not as active at night and it is colder at night too. I never thought of that. Thanks again for caring. I hope you have a good night. From your friend, RSD RENEE.

Hi Renee,

I am sorry about your night pain, I wish I could be of more help but honestly this is something I think many of us deal with. The only thing that helps me is my evening hot tub or epsom salt soaks which helps me relax. A nice glass of vino also helps if you are not against this indulgence.

It is a hallmark sign of peripheral nerve issues to have more intense pain at night and even the disruption of sleep. From what I have been able to understand by my medical professional team is that as the peripheral nerves are stimulated through the central nervous system as the day wears on pain increases. When we are sleeping or resting out sensory system has a chance to take a break (to a certain degree) but after we start moving about and add light, sound and movement we have less ability to keep pain at bay since more senses are now on alert. This is the point of desensitization.. whether that be by touch or environment both of which increase pain.

Because of this, I try to get most of my daily goals done in the first 4 hours when pain is at its minimum.

Nights are the worst! Lack of sleep also makes things worse. Im with Pooh, everyone is a sleep, so the distraction is missing. Really does cause the brain to start thinking and focusing on the pain.

Thats when internet games come in handy

Try a heating blanket? Or a heated mattress cover? I've done it, it works great

I always put the electric blanket on for five minutes before getting into bed - I think warmth is the most important thing for sleeping - if I'm not warm, the pain and sensitivity ramps up and I can't sleep. On the other hand, lol, if it's too hot that worsens things too!! It's a delicate balancing act

Good luck with it and I hope your sleep improves soon. Just don't give up, keep trying little things to help relax you and you might find something that does the trick. I went through a long phase of not sleeping much and lying awake, eventually found a little thing that helped soothe me, and I've been ok for about six months now. I'm not saying its an easy thing, but something might do it for you. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

Bram.

Hi Renee, sorry you are having more pain. I too am always worse at night. After using my hands all day, I can't do much of anything with them or my arms by later in the day and I have to get off of my feet. I told my husband that I hate bedtime because I cannot get comfortable laying in the bed. Unfortunately I think this is the norm now.

Nanc

I'm worse at night too. Part of it is that I'm less distracted, but I know a good part of it is that I've been on my feet all day (well, I sit at a desk all day, but you know, walking as needed). I go home and usually end up having to do some deep breathing to get through some pain (kind of like pregnancy labor breathing).

It is pretty well documented that PN is worse at night.