Ask the Expert: Neuropathy and Elevating Your Feet

Q: Will sleeping with my feet elevated help with the tingling sensation I feel at night? A: For many people with peripheral neuropathy, evenings and nights bring an increase of symptoms such as tingling, burning, numbness or prickling sensations in the legs and feet. Just when you want to wind down at the end of the  day, these symptoms can interrupt your night and rob you of the relaxation and sleep your body needs. There are many remedies, tips and tricks that our patients have tried to reduce their symptoms and help improve their ability to sleep. One question we get asked quite often is, “Will sleeping with my feet elevated help with the tingling sensation I feel at night?” The first answer we always give is that it depends on your particular condition and circumstances. Each person has a unique set of wellness factors and medical history to consider before making any decisions that might impact their health. The providers at Arrowhead Health Centers have gone through extensive education and training in order to serve you with the expertise and individual care you deserve. Before trying any new remedies or making any decisions about your peripheral neuropathy approach, please connect with one of our doctors and be sure that you are doing what is best for your body. After reviewing their particular case and concerns with one of our providers, some of our patients have found that sleeping with their feet elevated did help with the tingling or prickling sensations they felt at night. This could be due to the fact that elevating your feet reduces swelling and helps regulate blood flow in that area of the body. Other patients were advised to do just the opposite, and sleep with their head raised to help reduce symptoms of peripheral neuropathy at night. Keeping your legs below heart level can improve blood flow and help prevent numbness and burning sensations. The position and the conditions in which you sleep can have a great impact on your ability to relax and treat symptoms such as tingling, burning and numbness in your legs and feet. Adjusting your sheets, finding the right fabric and texture of bedding and wearing the right clothing to bed can also affect your comfort level. Give us a call at 623-334-4000, option 9 and get set up to visit with one of our professional team members about optimal sleep positions and other nighttime tips to help you get the rest and relaxation that your body needs