Piles and Sleepless Nights: Coping Strategies for Managing Insomnia

The Relationship Between Piles and Insomnia:

Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, are swollen veins found inside or around the anus and rectum. Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which one has difficulty falling and staying asleep. Piles can cause insomnia. This is because of symptoms created by piles:

• Itching:

Piles are often itchy because of skin-irritating mucus produced by the haemorrhoid lining. The itchiness can also cause the patient to wake up during the night and make it difficult for them to get back to sleep.

• Bleeding:

Haemorrhoids can bleed if the muscles in the anus and rectum put pressure on them. This can further disrupt sleep.This can further reduce sleep time or create trouble in sleeping peacefully.

• Pain:

Thrombosed haemorrhoids (haemorrhoids that do not have blood flow due to blood clots) can be painful. This pain can make it hard to sleep or cause one to wake up during the night. 

Strategies to Cope with Insomnia Caused by Piles:

Good sleep can help you get relief from the symptoms of piles. Here are some strategies for a piles patient to get good sleep:

• Establish a sleep schedule:

It can regulate your body’s natural sleep rhythms. By sleeping at regular times, you can get enough sleep and not suffer from a lack of sleep.

• Create a bedtime routine:

Relaxing before bedtime can help you prepare for sleep. It might include practises like taking a warm bath, reading a book or stretching. A bath can reduce the discomfort from piles.

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol:

Before your bedtime do not drink caffeine or alcohol. The stimulants within them can keep you from falling asleep.

• Do not use electronic devices in bed:

The light from screens disrupts the natural sleep hormones in your body. This keeps you awake for longer than usual.

• Avoid sleeping on your back:

Sleeping on your back can increase pressure on the piles. Sleep on your stomach or on your side to help reduce your stress on piles.

For immediate pain relief, your doctor may prescribe a numbing cream to ease your pain. To reduce irritation, clean and cotton underwear should be worn to keep the area dry.

Treatments for Piles:

The only true long-term treatment for insomnia created by piles is the removal of the piles themselves.

Infrared coagulation is one treatment option. It is a leading non-surgical treatment for haemorrhoids. This procedure involves a probe that exposes the vein above the haemorrhoids to short bursts of light. This causes the piles to shrink and recede. It does not cause any pain or bleeding.

There are many more such treatments available. If you want to be treated for piles, come to Chennai Laser Gastro where our doctors will give you world-class treatment at an affordable price. Please make an appointment with us and we will give you safe and competent treatment.