From soothing remedies to creating the perfect sleep environment, weve got you covered to ensure a peaceful slumber even with sun-kissed skin. When you have a sunburn, the skin cells that have been damaged by the suns ultraviolet radiation start to die. Avoid using products with added fragrances or harsh chemicals, as they can cause further irritation. Skin cancers can range from pink scaly spots, to local sores that dont heal, to multi-colored lesions that can metastasize to internal organs. Frequent sunburns can result in premature skin aging and skin cancer. If you experience severe pain or discomfort, its best to seek medical attention. nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Definition-of-MS, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meralgia-paresthetica/symptoms-causes/syc-20355635, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16014-mononeuropathy, Whats Causing Your Leg Cramps at Night? Staying hydrated also helps maintain skin elasticity and aids in overall skin health. leeping for 2 hours is better than not sleeping at all, . The most important thing to remember is to take care of your sunburn and listen to your body. How to sleep with sunburn: 16 helpful pointers American Academy of Dermatology. With this burn, you can also run the affected area under running water, but for a longer period of at least 15 minutes. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. Using gentle touch and soft materials will help minimize discomfort and promote faster healing. In severe cases, sunburn can lead to skin infections, dehydration, and fever. Unfortunately, there is no silver bullet for immediately getting rid of a sunburn. Shutterstock. To best serve your individual needs, please choose from the following options: Anyone who has experienced a harsh sunburn has also gone through the hell of trying to sleep with the burning pain. You can also take a cool bath or shower. In this case you should take freqent naps during the next day, Weighted Blankets for Restless Legs Syndrome. Sunburns occur from exposure to the suns UV rays or UV light from artificial sources. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. However, consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications. It helps to cool the skin and hydrate the cells. Accessed June 8, 2020. If youre wondering how to sleep with sunburn, there are several steps you can take to make it easier on yourself. However, if you have a more severe sunburn, sleeping without your shirt could be more comfortable as it might cool your skin. Sunburn Its available over the counter in a variety of strengths. Or it could happen if you fall asleep in the sun for many hours near the equator. Take over-the-counter pain medicines (analgesics). Keep your nails short and clean to prevent accidental scratching during sleep, and use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to help alleviate itchiness. This may provide temporary relief. Make it short, though excessive time in the water dries out your skin. Sleeping with a sunburn can be uncomfortable and painful. Run cool or room-temperature water over the burn to soothe the pain. This causes the skin to rub, press, and twist on the sheet, causing more pain to the already sensitive, sore, and tender skin. Avoid using soap on the sunburned area, as this can further irritate the skin. Soak a clean cloth in cool water, wring it out, and gently apply it to the sunburned area. Furthermore, any loose skin or peeling caused by sunburn can exacerbate the discomfort, making it even harder to get a restful nights sleep. Besides, while sleeping, people move and turn on the bed during the course of the night. Even if you do not sleep on your back, it can be difficult trying to figure out how to sleep with sunburn on your back. What suspicious changes in my skin might I watch for? Raise your legs and feet. There are many reasons to drink water and keep hydrated from preventing health problems such as dehydration, to soothing the pain of sunburn. You can also put a cool, damp cloth on the sunburned area. How to sleep with sunburn on your shoulders: As people who have experienced sleeping with sunburn on our legs, we can say that its not an easy task. Sleepwear: Too much friction can aggravate the sunburn, so choosing fabrics like jersey cotton, loosely woven linen or silk can offer a bit more comfort. Pro tip: Sleeping nude may actually be your best bet, unless your sheets are harsh on the skin. (In that case, it may be time for new sheets. Choose between linen, jersey cotton, or bamboo). Sunstroke is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment to prevent serious complications. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. We can provide the care you need and educate you on how to prevent complications moving forward. Take Deep Breaths To fully understand the types of burns there are, you need to first know your skin. With a sunburn you should sleep as much as you can to speed up healing. Take an over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, at the first sign of As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Over the next day to day-and-a-half, the symptoms of your sunburn may actually get worse once you have one. Severe sunburn can also lead to sunstroke and heat exhaustion, and both of these are medical emergencies. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Sun protection for children -- and adults, Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to Raising a Healthy Child, Sun Protection Products from Mayo Clinic Store. Use pillows or folded blankets to prop up the affected body parts while sleeping or resting. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Lying on your stomach or side can cause more damage and increase the pain you are feeling. Ice: This can lead to frostbite, converting one injury to another. This leads to enhanced pain at night. For the first 1-1/2 weeks after my recent right TKR, I felt a lot of a burning type pain each time I lowered my leg after having it elevated. Photosensitivity and other reactions to light. Try stopping any afternoon or evening caffeine intake, as this can sometimes contribute to the problem. Though they may take up to an hour to take effect, they will help you fall asleep and stay asleep. With patience and the right self-care, you can get the rest you need to heal and recover from sunburn. Signs of dehydration, including dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, thirst and reduced urination. We know how important cleanliness is and always maintain the highest standards of cleanliness. Sunburn does not start to hurt immediately. In: Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies. As people who have experienced sleeping with sunburn on our shoulders, we can tell you that its not a pleasant experience. You can treat most first and second degree sunburns by yourself at home. Sunburns can be mild to severe, depending on the level of exposure to UV radiation and the sensitivity of the skin. Make sure to drink plenty of water and other hydrating fluids like coconut water or sports drinks to replenish lost fluids and support the healing process. If you are unable to sleep on your stomach, sleeping upright with pillows propping you up will help. So, if your mattress traps heat, its advisable to use gel padding or a layer of cooling sheet to protect your arms. If you cannot sleep on your side you can also sleep on your back to avoid putting pressure on your sunburned legs. - Your team at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C. If you have a third-degree sunburn, you may need a skin graft. How to sleep with sunburn: 16 helpful pointers.