Getting enough sleep each night is a vital aspect of staying healthy. There are many things that influence our sleep. Are you avoiding coffee before bedtime? Is my mattress too soft or hard? Am I spending too much time in front of a computer or television before going to bed? But do you know that having varicose veins can also influence your sleep?
Struggling to sleep because of varicose veins? You're not alone. Those bulging veins can make it tough to get comfy. But fear not! We've got ten easy tips to help you snooze soundly, even with varicose veins.
How Do Varicose Veins Impact Sleep?
Varicose veins are swollen veins that are too weak or diseased to effectively pump blood. Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition in which the vein's one-way valves malfunction.
Varicose veins are largely a cosmetic concern for many people, as they can seem blue, purple, and twisted. However, they can occasionally cause pain. If you stand for long amounts of time during the day, you may experience pain when you lie down to sleep.
Varicose veins might induce a dull discomfort during the night. Other folks report swollen feet or ankles that worsen in the evening. You may experience sleep cramps due to varicose veins, as well as leg restlessness. Alternatively, your legs may feel heavy.
Tips On How to Sleep Better With Varicose Veins
Raise Your Feet
If you have varicose veins, raising your legs slightly at sleep can help ease the pain. Using a couple of pillows under your legs are required to achieve this. This is especially useful for people who experience leg edema at the end of the day.
Raising our legs allows us to take advantage of gravity and transport the pooling blood closer to our heart. The goal is to raise your legs just above the level of your heart. There are also innovative bed frames on the market that can elevate your legs at the push of a button.
Slip on Compression Socks
Compression therapy is another excellent way to reduce swelling and improve circulation in the legs. Wearing compression stockings or bandages that provide modest pressure to your veins can assist increase blood flow and relieve the discomfort associated with varicose veins. Wearing compression stockings on a continuous basis can help you control varicose vein pain and improve your overall comfort, especially at night.
Loosen Up
Try to wear loose clothes, avoid wearing tight clothes especially around your waist and legs, Opt for loose pajamas instead. They give your veins room to breathe and can help you feel more relaxed.
Get Moving
Many people have jobs that involve long periods of sitting or standing. These poses are not suitable if you have varicose veins. Lack of mobility can promote blood stagnation in the veins, resulting in increased pressure. A brief walk of 20 to 30 minutes contracts the leg muscles and compresses the veins, forcing blood to the heart. An evening walk is an excellent prophylactic measure that keeps the pressure in your veins stable.
Chill Out
It's difficult to sleep with varicose veins, but you shouldn't worry about it! Try to be positive and know that this painful experience will not endure forever. Once you've healed up, these recommendations will help you sleep more comfortably. Wind down before bed with some deep breathing or gentle yoga to help your body relax and prepare for sleep.
Watch Your Weight
If you are overweight, you are more likely to feel more pain. Carrying extra pounds puts more pressure on your veins. It is advised to eat a balanced diet and stay active to maintain a healthy weight.
Here are a few changes to your diet that can help you get rid of varicose veins both during the day and at night.
- Consume a variety of fruits and vegetables to enhance your intake of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients.
- Avocados' anti-inflammatory characteristics can help you relieve the pain and swelling associated with varicose veins.
- Ginger is another effective treatment for varicose veins.
- Avoid greasy or oily foods. If varicose veins are interfering with your sleep, avoid eating heavy foods, especially at night.
- Avoid refined grains and fibers, as well as excess sugar and salt, which can have a negative affect on your veins and cause additional difficulties.
Pick the Right Position
Sleeping on your left side has been proved to increase circulation and lessen the possibility of blood clots in varicose veins. This position promotes healthy blood flow throughout the body, making it an ideal alternative for people with varicose veins or chronic venous illness.
To improve left-side sleeping comfort, use a body pillow or a pillow between your knees to preserve appropriate spinal alignment and relieve strain on your hips and lower back. Consistently sleeping on your left side can help relieve leg pain caused by varicose veins.
Keep It Cool
Keep your bedroom cool and cozy for better sleep. Open the window or use a fan to keep the temperature just right. Taking a cold shower or bath is a great way to relieve varicose vein pain. Cool temperatures force blood vessels to contract, which should assist to alleviate swelling and discomfort. You could also try icing your legs at brief intervals. It is critical to avoid taking hot baths and spending time in hot tubs because heat has a bad impact on the veins.
Use Supportive Pillows
You can put a pillow under your knees if you sleep on your back. If you sleep on your side, put a pillow between your knees. It helps keep your spine aligned and takes the pressure off your veins. You can use a knee pillow. this pillow is the ultimate in pressure and discomfort relief, providing excellent support for the knees, thighs, and lower back. The hourglass form provides for ideal placement between the knees and the upwards thigh area.
Talk to Your Doc
If varicose veins are keeping you up at night, don't hesitate to chat with your doctor. They can offer personalized advice and treatments to help you sleep better and feel your best.
Conclusion
Varicose veins can make sleeping difficult, but with these tips, you can get the rest you need while feeling more comfortable. Try incorporating some of these adjustments into your everyday routine, and consult your doctor if the pain is severe. You can consider using a knee pillow, if you are suffering from varicose veins. The pillow reduces strain on the legs, joints, and sides, offering optimum leg support, increasing proper blood flow, and improving body alignment for a restful night's sleep.