Last Updated on October 9, 2022 by theworldofsleepstaff
You stand all day, and your feet swell. You can’t wait to get home, prop them up and give yourself a break. But when you finally lie down, you’re not finding the relief you need. So instead, you toss and turn all night long, trying to find a comfortable position that doesn’t worsen your varicose veins.
You cry out for help, but who can hear you? Your varicose veins are throbbing and aching, keeping you awake all night.
If this sounds familiar, then you’re in luck. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to sleep with varicose veins. By the time you’re done reading this, you’ll know all the best ways to get a good night’s sleep, regardless of your condition.
Although we share tips here, as always, you must consult your doctor and ask their opinion about what is right for you, as every individual case differs.
bUT fIRST: What Are Varicose Veins?
Before diving into how to sleep with varicose veins, let’s first look at what they are. Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that often appear on the legs. They’re caused by poor circulation and weak vein walls and can be painful.
In addition to being painful, varicose veins can also be quite uncomfortable. They often lead to swelling, itching, and cramping. This can make it challenging to find a comfortable position to sleep in.
Why Do Varicose Veins Hurt Most At Night?
There are a few reasons why varicose veins can be more painful at night. For one, you’re likely standing all day long, which can worsen the symptoms of your condition. When you finally lie down, the blood in your veins has a chance to pool, and this can lead to increased pain and discomfort.
Another reason varicose veins can be more painful at night is your sleeping position. For example, if you sleep on your back, gravity pulls the blood in your veins down, worsening the pain.
And if you sleep on your stomach, you’re putting additional pressure on your veins, which can also lead to increased pain.
How Can I Prevent Varicose Veins From Hurting At Night?
You can do a few things to prevent varicose veins from hurting at night. First, try to avoid standing for long periods during the day. If you must stand for long periods, take frequent breaks and elevate your feet when you can.
Second, try sleeping on your left side. This position will help reduce the pressure on your veins and can also help improve circulation.
Finally, try wearing compression stockings during the day. These stockings will help reduce the swelling in your veins and can also help improve circulation.
What Should I Do When Varicose Veins Cause Leg Pain At Night?
You can do a few things when varicose veins cause leg pain at night. First, elevate your legs above your heart for 20-30 minutes daily. This will help reduce the swelling in your veins and can also help improve circulation.
Secondly, drink plenty of water and avoid standing or sitting long. This will also help reduce the swelling in your veins.
Third, exercise regularly. This will help strengthen the muscles in your legs and improve circulation.
Finally, if you are still experiencing pain, you may want to talk to your doctor about treatment options.
How To Sleep With Varicose Veins: Top Tips Revealed
It may not be easy, but there are things you can do to get a good night’s sleep despite your varicose veins. Start by following these tips:
1. Sleep On Your Back
This is the best position for sleeping if you have varicose veins. It helps to keep the blood flowing in the right direction and prevents pooling in your veins. If you can’t sleep on your back, try sleeping on your left side.
If you are not used to sleeping on your back, it may take some time to get used to it. Try using a pillow under your knees to help keep your legs in the correct position.
If this is tough, try putting a pillow under your legs to elevate them. This will help take the pressure off your veins and improve circulation.
2. Sleep On Your Side
You can also try sleeping on your side. The best sleeping position is on your left side with a pillow between your legs. This position takes the pressure off your veins and allows for better circulation.
Sleeping on your back is a good position too. The worst position is to sleep on your stomach.
3. Prop Up Your Legs
Many people find that sleeping with their legs elevated is the only way to get a good night’s sleep with varicose veins.
If you can’t sleep on your back, the next best thing is to prop up your legs while you sleep. This will help to reduce the pressure on your veins and prevent them from becoming swollen.
You can prop up your legs by placing a pillow under them or using a particular leg pillow. You can also try sleeping with your head elevated on two pillows to help reduce pressure on your veins.
4. Wear Compression Socks
Compression socks are designed to help improve circulation and reduce pain and swelling in your legs. They can also help to prevent varicose veins from getting worse.
Compression socks are available in different levels of compression. Therefore, you may need to try a few different types to find the ones that work best for you.
If you are unsure which type of compression sock to buy, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
5. Exercise Regularly
This is one of the best things you can do for your health and is also suitable for your varicose veins. Exercise helps to improve circulation and can also help to reduce the pain and swelling associated with varicose veins.
If you’re not used to exercising, start slowly and gradually increasing your workouts’ intensity and duration. Walking, swimming, and biking are all great exercises for people with varicose veins.
Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
6. Eat A Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet is essential for overall health but can also help reduce varicose veins symptoms. For example, foods high in fibre can help reduce constipation, which can worsen varicose veins.
The relation between diet and varicose veins is complex. Some foods may help reduce the symptoms of varicose veins, while others may worsen them.
Dieticians believe that a diet rich in flavonoids may help to reduce the risk of developing varicose veins. Flavonoids are found in fruits, vegetables, tea, and red wine.
Aim for 25-30 grams of fibre per day. Good sources of fibre include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
7. Avoid Sitting Or Standing For Long Periods
If your job requires you to sit or stand for long periods, take breaks often to move around. When you’re sitting, try to keep your legs elevated. And when you’re standing, avoid wearing high heels.
It is said that sitting or standing for long periods can worsen varicose veins, so it is best to avoid these activities if possible.
Do not forget to take breaks to walk around and move your legs.
8. Maintain A Healthy Weight
Being overweight increases the pressure on your veins and can worsen varicose veins. Losing even a few pounds can help to reduce the pain and swelling associated with varicose veins.
More and more studies are linking obesity to varicose veins, so it is essential to maintain a healthy weight to avoid these unsightly veins.
If you’re struggling to lose weight, talk to your doctor about healthy ways to change your diet and increase your activity level.
9. Quit Smoking
Smoking is terrible for your overall health and can also worsen varicose veins. It damages the valves in your veins, which can lead to blood pooling and increased pressure on your veins.
Smoking can make varicose veins worse should be enough incentive to quit. But if you need more motivation, consider the other health benefits of quitting smoking, including a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health. Many resources help you quit, so talk to your doctor about the best option.
10. Avoid Wearing Tight Clothing
Tight clothing can constrict your blood vessels and worsen varicose veins. Avoid wearing tight pants, belts, or other clothing that puts pressure on your waist, hips, or legs.
If you must wear tight clothing, try to avoid doing so for long periods. And when you do wear tight clothing, make sure to take breaks often to move around and give your veins a chance to rest.
You can also try to find clothing designed to help reduce the symptoms of varicose veins, such as compression socks or stockings.
11. Keep Your Legs Clean And Dry
Keeping your legs clean and dry can help to prevent infection and can also help to reduce swelling. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods, and elevate your legs when you can.
In addition, try to avoid wearing constrictive clothing or shoes that could rub and irritate your skin. If you have any cuts or scrapes on your legs, clean them well and keep them covered.
If you suspect an infection, see your doctor as soon as possible.
12. Check Your Feet Regularly
If you have varicose veins, you must check your feet regularly for signs of problems. Also, look for cuts, sores, or other wounds that could become infected.
In addition, be sure to monitor your feet for changes in colour or temperature, as these could be signs of a more severe problem. If you notice any changes in your feet, see your doctor immediately.
But to be extra careful, you should check your feet daily for any changes.
13. Sunscreen
Wear sunscreen on your legs when you’re outside, and avoid exposure to extreme cold or heat. In addition, avoid taking long hot baths or showers, as this can worsen varicose veins.
If you must be in the sun for long periods, wear loose-fitting clothing that covers your legs. And be sure to apply sunscreen to your legs before you go outside.
14. Talk To Your Doctor About Treatment Options
If lifestyle changes don’t help, or if your varicose veins are causing severe pain or other problems, talk to your doctor about treatment options. Several effective treatments are available, including sclerotherapy, laser therapy, and surgery.
Your doctor can help you decide which treatment is best for you based on your condition’s severity and overall health.
15. Make Your Bedroom Quiet And Dark
Noise and light can disrupt sleep. And if you have varicose veins you need all the help you can get to sleep, so avoiding noise and light is important. Try using earplugs or a white noise machine to create a more calming environment.
You might also want to use an eye mask to block out light. If you can’t do this, try dimming the lights in your bedroom an hour before bedtime.
16. Avoid Caffeine And Alcohol
Both caffeine and alcohol can interfere with sleep. Therefore, caffeine should be avoided after 2 pm, and alcohol should be avoided in the evening.
If you smoke, it is also essential to avoid smoking before bed. Nicotine is a stimulant that can make it hard to fall asleep.
17. Essential Oils
You might be surprised about essential oils, but they may help to promote better sleep as they can improve your mood and even help reduce stress levels.
Some of the best essential oils for sleep include lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood. You can either add these oils to your diffuser, or you can put them on your pillow.
You might want to try adding a few drops of lavender oil to your bath. This can help to create a relaxing environment and can also help to improve your sleep.
You should also know that you can often find these oils at your local health food store or online.
Dietary tIPS Recommended to Help with Varicose Veins
Several dietary changes can help to improve the symptoms of varicose veins. In addition to following the general guidelines for a healthy diet, some specific changes can be beneficial.
1. Eat More Fibre
Fibre helps to reduce constipation, which can, in turn, help to reduce the pressure on your veins. Aim for at least 25 grams of fibre per day.
Good sources of fibre include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, and nuts.
2. Eat More Flavonoids
Flavonoids are an antioxidant that can help improve circulation and reduce inflammation. Good sources of flavonoids include citrus fruits, dark chocolate, green tea, and red wine.
3. Limit Your Salt Intake.
Too much salt can cause fluid retention, worsening the symptoms of varicose veins. Aim to consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day.
How To Sleep With Varicose Veins: FAQs
So What Is The Best Position To Sleep In If You Have Varicose Veins?
The best sleeping position is on your side with a pillow between your legs. This position takes the pressure off your veins and allows for better circulation.
If you can’t find a comfortable position, consider investing in a speciality pillow. There are pillows specifically designed for people with varicose veins that can help to improve circulation and reduce pain.
Is Sleeping On My Back Or Stomach Better If I Have Varicose Veins?
If you have varicose veins, it’s best to avoid sleeping on your stomach. This position puts additional pressure on your veins and can worsen your symptoms.
Instead, try sleeping on your back or your left side. These positions take the pressure off your veins and can help improve circulation.
What To Do When Nothing Provides Relief & The Pain Is Unbearable?
You must talk to your doctor if you are experiencing severe pain from your varicose veins. There are several effective treatments available that can help to reduce pain and improve your symptoms.
Your doctor can help you decide which treatment is best for you based on your condition’s severity and overall health.
How To Sleep With Varicose Veins: Our Final Thoughts
Varicose veins are a common problem, but that doesn’t mean you must endure the pain and discomfort. Instead, talk to your doctor about the best way to treat your varicose veins and get back to enjoying your life.