While many are familiar with the more common side effects of varicose veins, such as itching, redness, and discomfort, there are a range of less common side effects that can trouble those with varicose veins.
One of those side effects is sleep disruption. If you’re curious about whether your varicose veins can impact your sleep, the answer is yes. Frequently, the side effects felt during the daytime become more pronounced at night when one is free of distractions. As a result, these side effects can combine into a general discomfort that makes it difficult to sleep.
We hear about sleep difficulties related to varicose veins all the time in our Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based offices. Despite this, there are few resources online dedicated to the topic.
That’s why in this article, we’re going to explain why exactly varicose veins make it difficult to sleep, what short term solutions are most effective for vein-related insomnia, and what you can do to fix your vein issues for good.
What is varicose vein-related insomnia?
Varicose vein-related insomnia is a phrase we’re using to describe a condition experienced by many people with varicose veins.
As vein valves begin to stop working, blood pools in the veins and causes them to appear thicker. This can also thin the skin underneath the vein.
These factors work in tandem to produce a host of side effects. People with varicose veins report burning sensations, general discomfort, and itching, along with many other potential impacts.
While most people with varicose veins can distract themselves from these side effects during the day, this becomes more difficult at night. As the mind is free from outside distractions, it can more easily concentrate on the pain and discomfort in the legs, leading many with varicose veins to have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
Additionally, some people with varicose veins experience Restless Leg Syndrome. Restless Leg Syndrome causes one to feel fidgety and anxious. This can, in turn, lead to sleep difficulties.
What are short term solutions to varicose vein-related insomnia?
There are many ways to alleviate vein discomfort. By doing these, you can reduce the chances of your veins keeping you up at night.
First, you can buy a pair of well-fitted compression stockings. These promote circulation in the legs and will hopefully reduce the side effects of varicose veins.
Next, you can make efforts to prevent the development of more varicose veins. Some typical first steps to doing this include exercising more (even if it’s just for 15 minutes a day), quitting smoking, and improving your diet.
If you still cannot sleep after trying these methods, consider an over-the-counter sleep aid. Many people with varicose veins find they achieve slumber more easily after taking a dose of melatonin or a comparable sleep aid.
If you find all over-the-counter products are still not effective enough for your needs, you might want to consider a prescription strength solution. Talk with your doctor about your sleep troubles, and discuss potential solutions specific to your situation.
However, if you want to get rid of varicose vein-related insomnia forever, there’s only one true solution: varicose vein treatment.
How do I stop varicose vein-related insomnia for life?
Nothing is more frustrating than a bad night of sleep — especially if it comes after many nights of bad sleep in a row.
If you are experiencing insomnia or other sleep trouble related to your varicose veins, it may be time to consider vein treatment.
Vein treatment is one long-term solution to varicose vein related issues. Through a variety of specific treatments, a vein expert will get rid of your varicose veins. This should, after recovery, result in improved sleep and a better quality of life overall.
Through work at our clinic, we have helped many people quickly resolve their vein-related issues. In fact, in a majority of cases, our clients are able to return to work or their everyday lives on the same day as their treatment.
If you’re curious about varicose vein treatment, or if you simply would like more information, simply reach out to us via our contact form. We will be more than happy to work with you to solve your vein issues for good.