Getting sleep with hemorrhoids can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. By following these tips, you can make the process a bit easier and hopefully reduce some of the pain and discomfort that you’re currently experiencing. Good luck!
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are a common problem that can cause pain, itching, and bleeding. Hemorrhoids are caused by swollen veins in the anus and rectum. They can be treated with over-the-counter medications or home remedies. The main causes of hemorrhoids are pregnancy and obesity. People having a history of straining to move stool and people sitting for a long time on the toilet are also likely to have hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can be a normal part of pregnancy, but if they get too uncomfortable, you should find ways to ease the pain.
How to sleep with hemorrhoids
It is always difficult to get sleep with hemorrhoids. The pain can make it hard to find a comfortable position, and you might wake up with the feeling that the pain is getting worse. Here are 10 things you can try if sleeping with hemorrhoids is keeping you up at night:
1. Apply a cold compress.
Cold compress is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce inflammation and pain. It is made up of a cloth soaked in cold water and then applied to the affected area. This helps by stopping the blood from engorging and inflamed veins. You should always be careful when applying this compress to avoid slipping and irritating the affected area.
2. Take a hot bath
Hot baths can help ease some of the pain caused by hemorrhoids. As hot water relaxes muscles, it makes them feel more relaxed and thus brings relief to the affected area.
3. Keep the anal area clean and dry
You should also pay attention to keeping your anal area as clean and dry as possible. This helps prevent skin maceration, which can increase the risk of infection and make hemorrhoids worse. It is important to keep yourself clean after a bowel movement by thoroughly cleaning with water and soap.
4. Use a hemorrhoid cream
You can also use a hemorrhoid cream or suppository to ease the pain. Keep in mind that this sort of medication is only meant to be used for short periods of time, as they are contra-indicated for long-term use. Your drugstore will have plenty of hemorrhoidal creams to choose from, but if you’re looking for a more natural remedy, try witch hazel.
5. Buy some all-natural hemorrhoid supplements
Taking an over-the-counter hemorrhoid supplement is another easy way to treat hemorrhoids. These are usually made with natural ingredients like caffeine, which helps constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation.
6. Take a sitz bath
A sitz bath is a great way to relieve pain and itching. To take a sitz bath, you’ll need a shallow basin that will fit your hips and buttocks, and hot water. Sit in the basin with the hot water up to your hips for about 15 minutes. You can do this several times a day to soothe hemorrhoids.
7. Use moist wipes instead of toilet paper
For those with serious cases of itching and skin irritation, using moist wipes can help soothe the area better than dry toilet paper. You’ll need cotton balls or pads, witch hazel, and a plain moisturizer like petroleum jelly. Apply a small amount of witch hazel to the cotton ball or pad, and then apply it to the anal area. Gently pat the area dry with a tissue, and then apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly.
8. Eat fiber-rich foods
A high-fiber diet is important for preventing and treating hemorrhoids. Foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain bread contain a lot of fiber, which helps keep bowel movements regular. Eating fiber stimulates the colon to contract and move stool toward the rectum, which can help prevent hemorrhoids from bulging.
9. Seek medical treatment
If you’re still having trouble sleeping because of the pain, your doctor may recommend stronger medications. Before taking any over-the-counter medications, ask your doctor if they are safe for you to use during pregnancy.
10. Take care of yourself
The best way to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids is to take care of yourself. Get plenty of sleep, drink lots of water, and try not to lift anything heavy. If you’re pregnant, avoid doing anything that could strain your hemorrhoids. Taking it easy will help them heal faster and prevent them from getting worse.
Other Common Tips To Help You Get Sound Sleep
1. Follow a routine before bed
Going to bed and getting up at the same time each day helps set your body’s natural sleep rhythm. This will make it easier for you to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
2. Save your bed for sleeping
Your bedroom should be used for sleep and intimacy, not watching TV or checking your e-mail. If you’re having trouble sleeping, get out of bed and do something relaxing until you feel tired again. At least 150 minutes of exercise a week can help improve sleep quality by reducing stress and anxiety, which are common causes of insomnia.
3. Keep the bedroom dark and cool
Darkness signals the body to produce the hormone melatonin, which helps promote sleep. A cool room is also more conducive to sleep. Try to keep your bedroom temperature below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed
Caffeine and alcohol are stimulants that will make it much harder for you to fall asleep. If you’re having trouble sleeping, avoid coffee, cola, tea, chocolate, and other caffeinated beverages in the evening. Alcohol may help you fall asleep initially but can disrupt sleep later in the night.
5. Watch what you eat before bed
Eating certain types of food too close to bedtime can keep you up at night. Foods that are high in fat and protein can take a long time to digest and may cause discomfort or restless sleep. Try to avoid eating a big dinner within two hours of going to bed.
6. Avoid nicotine and nicotine-containing products
Nicotine is a stimulant that can keep you from falling asleep. If you have to use nicotine replacement therapies, try to use them earlier in the day instead of close to bedtime. Smoking may also exacerbate snoring problems.
7. Relax before bed
Taking some time to relax before bed can help prepare your body for sleep. Avoid doing anything physically strenuous before bed, and try to leave some free time in the evening to pursue a relaxing hobby, like knitting or drawing.
8. Create a bedtime ritual
Your routine of preparing for bed can signal your brain that it’s time to drift off into dreamland. Try taking a warm bath or reading something calming in your favorite chair. You can also try meditating, praying, or writing in a journal to help clear your mind and feel prepared for sleep.
9. Don’t watch the clock
Constantly looking at the clock when you can’t fall asleep is only going to make things worse. Your body will usually let you know when it’s time to go to bed and when it’s time to get up, so try not to worry about it.
10. Seek professional help
If you’re having trouble sleeping for more than a month, talk to your doctor about it. They may be able to recommend some strategies or medications that can help you get the sleep you need.
Ways To Avoid getting hemorrhoids
1. Wear loose-fitting clothing
Wearing tight or restrictive pants can irritate your hemorrhoids and make them hurt even more than they already do. If you’re wearing something that feels too tight, take it off immediately. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton to help keep air flowing against your skin, which will reduce chafing and discomfort.
2. Exfoliate
Dead skin cells can build up on the surfaces of your body, including those around your anus. When those dead skin cells mix with sweat and other oils, they can cause a lot of itching and discomfort. To avoid this problem, take a warm shower at night to help loosen up all that grime before bedtime.
3. Use witch hazel to soothe the area
You can buy witch-hazel-based products for hemorrhoids that will help reduce itching and swelling. Try dabbing a little of this solution before bedtime to keep your hemorrhoids healthy and happy during the night.
4. Keep track of your bowel movements
If you know that your bowel movements are irregular, you might want to try keeping track of when they happen. If it seems like problems with your digestive system are causing hemorrhoids in the first place, this can help you figure out what’s going on and how to fix it.
5. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise is great for your body in general, including your rectal area. When you work out, you’re stimulating your circulatory system and helping to ensure that all of your parts are getting enough blood flow. Exercise also helps reduce stress levels and boosts your mood, which can help with overall well-being.
6. Take a walk
When you feel the need to go to the bathroom but can’t quite make it to the toilet in time, try going for a walk instead. This will help get your bowels moving and might help you avoid an accident.
7. Drink plenty of water
Dehydration can cause constipation, which is a common cause of hemorrhoids. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids during the day and especially before bedtime to avoid this uncomfortable problem.
8. Don’t strain when using the bathroom
Constipation and straining aren’t just reasons for needing to use the restroom in the first place, they can also cause painful hemorrhoids in and of themselves. If you need to go but don’t seem to be able to go naturally, try using a stool to place your feet on so that you’re in a squatting position. This will help the process along.
Getting sleep with hemorrhoids can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. By following these tips, you can make the process a bit easier and hopefully reduce some of the pain and discomfort that you’re currently experiencing. Good luck!