And, of course, youll want to avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, which can make you feel even hotter. Only use a moisturizer that contains Aloe Vera or Soy. Lauren Silva is a copywriter and unsuspecting Mattress Firm Sleep Expert. Thats why its important to know how to sleep with sunburn so that we can stay prepared. 9 ways to sleep better with your partner. 1: Control Pain With Paracetamol, Aspirin, or Ibuprofen, 3: Apply Aloe Vera Gel to Soothe Discomfort and Dryness, 4: Try Home Remedies for Natural Pain Relief, 5: Reduce Pain and Itching With Hydrocortisone Cream, 6: Modify Your Sleeping Position to Reduce Abrasive Pain, 7: Optimize Your Sleepwear and Bed Sheets, 8: Moisturize Your Skin to Speed Up Healing, 9: Create a Cool Sleeping Environment to Trigger Sleep, 10: Take a Cool Shower to Soothe Your Skin, 11: Protect Your Burnt Skin From Further Damage, 12: Avoid Irritating Your Skin With Soap and Anesthetics, 13: Talk to Your Doctor if Symptoms Persist or Worsen. Just be sure not to take it on an empty stomach, and drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration. 7th ed. For over 5 years, Breanna suffered from sleep problems. Sleep increases the chance of dehydration and sunburn makes it even worse. According to a poll by the National Sleep . If youre unsure about taking medication, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Some of the redness may be reduced when these medications are used early enough. Plus, it prevents sore throats and dry mouth in the morning. In addition, most people move around in their sleep, which inadvertently stretches the skin resulting in pain or soreness. Its advisable to keep the area hydrated which might otherwise lead to itching and peeling of the skin. Sunburns are a result of damage to the DNA of the skin cells. Taking plenty of water hastens the healing of the blisters. However, limited data exist in the literature to support this claim. Chest burning can result from: heart pain due to spasms heart pain due to lack of blood flow pain in the esophagus due to heartburn musculoskeletal pain in the chest area lung pain infection Green Tea In addition to baking soda compresses, green tea can also be an alternative. Sunburns are quite common, especially among those who work outside or during the summer months. Be extra careful around water, snow, concrete and sand because they reflect the sun's rays. Risk of serious and potentially fatal blood disorder prompts FDA action on oral over-the-counter benzocaine products used for teething and mouth pain and prescription local anesthetics. Blisters protect the skin underneath as they heal. How can you sleep with sunburn on your back? "Some research suggests that temperature can impact how the body processes fat, and sleeping in a cooler room can help burn more calories overnight," Dr. Bohl tells us. It can be applied directly from the plant or you can use a lotion. Click here to see the best cooling bed sheets to buy now. These could be signs of an infection. Apply sunblock especially on the affected area. There are many resources available to help you quit. So, lather up with the sunscreen right away. Initially, coconut oil should be applied to healthy skin to check for any unwanted side effects. Try to remove the burning sensation from the skin by taking frequent cool showers or baths, have the water on the cooler side, and be cold if you can withstand it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. All of these are factors that keep the rotator cuff in the shoulder from properly working, resulting in strain and discomfort. Buy Benadryl aloe gel. These simple steps can help you avoid sunburn in the first place. How to Hang a Curtain on a Bunk Bed? In the rest of this article, I have used my professional knowledge as a practicing medical doctor to provide you with 13 actionable strategies to help you get to sleep when you have sunburn. This can be worse when one has no clothing. If you have a burn on your chest you should sleep on your back or either side. It will absorb heat from the affected area and relieves inflammation by constricting blood vessels. It is especially important when you're outdoors, even on cool or cloudy days. They're often found on the sun-exposed areas of the head, face, neck and hands of people whose skin burns easily in the sun. They are aggressive and will dry the skin out. You have already subscribed. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Steep the tea for 5-10 minutes to release the herbs full flavour. If youre not the type to awaken refreshed and ready to hit the ground running, you may be wondering how youll ever feel motivated to get out of bed. If you have a mild sunburn, you will experience the following symptoms: Thankfully, most of these symptoms can be home-treated. Kelly AP, et al. Unfortunately, there is no silver bullet for immediately getting rid of a sunburn. The application of moisturizer helps relieves the discomfort and speed up the healing process of the skin. Accessed April 22, 2020. The UV light damages skin cells. A tepid (but not too cold) bath or shower can do the trick. Gently pat your skin dry after bathing or showering. Apply a topical treatment with more soft power than all-natural Aloe Gel and hydrocortisone for more severe sunburns! 7th ed. Soap causes dryness by removing the moisture from the skin. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Burning pain is often described as a stinging or prickling sensationsimilar to the pins-and-needles feeling you get when your foot falls asleep, or the "zinging" sensation of an electric shock. Black tea contains tannic acid that provides a cooling effect on the sunburnt area. An aloe vera lotion or gel or calamine lotion can be soothing. Also works for bug bites and poison rashes. "Famous" Physical Therapists Bob Schrupp and Brad Heineck present the most important exercises one should do to help a pinched nerve & neck pain. Sunburn. However, if youre struggling to get comfortable, you can try sleeping without a sheet. Take an over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, at the first sign of sunburn to reduce pain and inflammation, as long as you don't have any health reasons to not use these medications. Interventional Pain Management Specialists/Physiatrists, http://www.pillowpancake.com/sleep-sunburn-back/. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the pain and swelling associated with sunburn [4,5]. With melanoma, an existing mole may change, or a new, suspicious-looking mole may grow. Apply a skin moisturizer while your skin is damp. However, lots of water can cause you to wake up (a lot) in the middle of the night to use the bathroom. [1] Guerra KC, Urban K, Crane JS. Required fields are marked *. One of the best things to do before going to bed is soak your feet in cold water. Keeping hydrated is vitally important to a fast recovery. Use over-the-counter painkillers such as Ibuprofen. - Your team at Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C. The American Academy of Dermatology and the FDA don't suggest sunscreen for children under 6 months. This method will deliver the medicine to the affected area and prevent systemic side effects. Slumping Over At Work "We basically spend most of our time hunched over instead of sitting upright, and that puts more of a load on your back and your neck's muscles." Here's the irony. https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/Pages/Sun-Safety-and-Protection.aspx. Moisturize the burn area using non-dyed, non-perfumed lotions, such as Aquaphor or Aveeno. Another innovative and effective use of aloe vera gel is to fill an ice-cube tray with the aloe gel and keep it in the freezer until the gel sets. Wear sunscreen, stay in the shade, and cover up when youre out. Here is how to sleep on your side without hurting your shoulders. It is easy to become dehydrated and overheated when you are in the sun for a long time. Honey should not be used for children younger than 1 year of age as accidental ingestion of honey can result in the development of paralysis. Do people who have naturally dark skin get sunburn? A few important points should be remembered while using coconut oil to remedy sunburn: Vinegar has antiseptic properties and helps fight the harmful bacteria that can cause infection in the burn area. Yup, it does. Drinking more water than usual when you're sunburned can help keep you from getting dehydrated. It also boosts collagen production, which expedites the healing process. Try taking a cool bath or shower. If youve ever been unfortunate enough to experience a sunburn, you know how uncomfortable it can be. How to Wake Up Feeling Refreshed and Alert and Why Sometimes Its Hard, The Week in Sleep News: February 17, 2023. Additionally, the fluid inside a blister protects the skin beneath. This results in reduced inflammation. There are a few home-based remedies that will help you to get rid of sunburn, if not immediately but fast: Yes. Instead, rinse with cool water. Keep your bedroom on the cooler side. Use water-resistant, broad-spectrum lip balm and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days. Accessed May 23, 2018. Another recommendation is to use breathable cotton sheets along with similar clothing to minimize discomfort while sleeping. [2] By performing upright rows with a wide grip, you can work the muscles on the outer edges of your shoulders and this may make it easier to widen your shoulders. No exceptions. Apply a moisturizer, lotion or gel. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Keep a jug of water next to your bed, so you dont have to get up to get a drink during the night. There are good reasons to leave blisters alone. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534837/, [2] Dehydration and sunburn the big dangers as temperatures forecast to top 30 degreesJuly 19, 2016- available at https://www.blackburnwithdarwenccg.nhs.uk/dehydration-sunburn-big-dangers-temperatures-forecast-top-30-degrees/, [3] Moore, N., Carleton, B., Blin, P., Bosco-Levy, P., & Droz, C. (2020). https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12058, [7] How to Treat Sunburn American Academy of dermatology association-accessed 28-06-2021 available at https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/treat-sunburn, [8] Srivastava, P., & Durgaprasad, S. (2008). Within a few days, the body may start to heal itself by peeling the damaged skin's top layer. First-degree sunburns can be red and painful to the touch, but affect only the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. Briggs JK. More and more high schools across the country are choosing to push back their start times in an effort to get teens more sleep. try these 31 techniques to help you sleep cooler in a hot and stuffy room. Or place wet, cold washcloths on the burn for 10 to 15 minutes, several times a day. Licking can further dry out and irritate your lips. Sunburnt feet can lead to increased discomfort and skin irritation. Alcohol dehydrates the skin, which can lead to further irritation and dryness. It contains a high amount of saturated fats that are very good for moisturizing the skin. Ive recently been outside a lot due to the nicer weather and found myself with sunburn. Avoid Friction & Lie On Your Stomach When dealing with sunburn, the first step should be cooling down the skin, says Alan Greene, M.D., FAAP. If the back is affected by the burn then you can sleep on the left or right side. Dan is the founder and head content creator at Bedroom Style Reviews. Take an ibuprofen or acetaminophen These two meds (which can be found in the brands Tylenol and Advil, respectively) will help with the symptoms of a sunburn, as they reduce swelling and. It can be uncomfortable and distracting, and can make mobility a challenge. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0124758. Burning Skin - feels like your skin has been burned, like a sunburn, yet it hasn't - is a common anxiety disorder symptom, including anxiety attacks, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, Obsessive Compulsive disorder, and others. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires all sunscreen to retain its original strength for at least three years. As a warmer sleeper, I personally found that the DreamCloud mattress helped me sleep the coolest out of all the mattresses Ive tested so far. Check sunscreen labels for directions on storing and expiration dates. Jameson JL, et al., eds. Burn wound healing property of Cocos nucifera: An appraisal. Romanian deadlift Muscles worked: Hamstrings, glutes, lower back. Sunburns in childhood and adolescence may increase the risk of melanoma later in life. Of course, you can drink the milk, which is perfectly fine, but if you soak a cloth in cold milk and apply it to the sunburn area, the antioxidants in milk can reduce the redness from the sunburn. Accessed Jan. 13, 2022. An alternative option is to take a calm, soothing oatmeal bath. Injury to the rotator cuff can cause inflammation, compression, or damage to the shoulder nerves This. In that case, use aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce the swelling and redness. If you feel that you must clean your skin then you should use gentle skin cleansers. For some people, summertime is as synonymous with gnarly sunburns as with backyard BBQs, pool days, and beach trips. Gently dab at the sunburn with a cloth soaked in the tea, the more, the better. If youre using a top sheet, tuck it under the mattress, so it doesnt touch your skin. But being tired after a full day of sun exposure doesnt mean youve unlocked the secret to falling asleep. These formulations are available as gel, cream, paste, or oral forms. https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/UnderstandingOver-the-CounterMedicines/ucm239463.htm. Herbal teas can be soothing and relaxing, which can help you to fall asleep more easily. Available in ointments, creams, sprays, and lotions, this topical medication can help reduce swelling, redness, itching and skin discomfort. Aloe vera: a short review. To help relieve some of your sunburn symptoms and to soothe your parched skin, slather on aloe vera gel or moisturizing cream. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Accessed May 23, 2018. When you have sunburn, its essential to avoid smoking. The humerus fits into the rounded socket of the scapula on each side of your body. If you pop the blister, you may increase your risk of developing a secondary infection. Ian Roth: And Dr. Empty and clean your humidifier every day to prevent the growth of mould or bacteria. Long Island Spine Specialists. If you have severe sunburn, you may need to consult your health worker or a pharmacist for advice on the best products. If its a mild sunburn, it lasts for 2-3 days. Photosensitivity and other reactions to light. Bedroom Style Reviews is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. If you need help quitting smoking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. If you have blisters on your back or shoulder, you have a more serious second-degree burn from sun exposure. Accessed Jan. 13, 2022. Indian journal of pharmacology, 40(4), 144146. Lastly, dont forget to hydrate. Overall, people spend less than 10% of time asleep on their stomachs. Use sunscreen often and generously. Below are four of the biggest ways a bad sunburn can affect your sleep: What are a few lousy nights of sleep really going to do to me in the long run? you ask. Oatmeal is also helpful in the bath. Your body is doing a whole heck of a lot more than you thought as you were lounging by the ocean. And unfortunately, its when trying to sleep with a sunburn that the burning sensation is at its worst. A cooling gel or lotion can help soothe the pain of a sunburn. So, if your mattress traps heat, it's advisable to use gel padding or a layer of cooling sheet to protect your arms. If you found my article, chances are that you already have your sunburn and want to know now to sleep with sunburn on your back. Sunburn will get incrementally worse for the first 24 to 36 hours, so refrain from being exposed to the sun. Acute effects of light on skin. Sleeping on your back will allow your skin to heal without any added discomfort. Avoid letting the water and soap run over your sunburn if shampooing your hair. Steroids are used to treat a variety of disorders like joint pain, swelling, kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders. Similar to your arms and feet, your sunburnt neck too requires care to heal quickly. If you have to get up at night to pee, this is a reliable sign that your body is well hydrated. To further offer you peace of mind, we have increased the frequency of the cleaning of our office. The first step is to treat your burn. Don't pop or pick them. Each shoulder is held in place by a group of four muscles and tendons, called a rotator cuff, which covers and. Repeat this process every few minutes as the cloth warms up. Apply the gel on the affected area at the night. Taking a cool shower before going to bed will cool the skin and relieve the pain resulting from dryness and itching. Insect repellent goes on last. A bad sunburn may take several days to heal. Therefore, in my professional opinion, loose-fitting, lightweight, and breathable natural fabrics like cotton are the best clothes to wear to increase the likelihood of a more comfortable nights sleep when you have sunburn. So naturally, the last thing you want to do when youre in that much pain is put your skin against bedsheets! If you have sunburn on your legs or feet, put your feet up when you go to bed. Any exposed part of the body including the earlobes, scalp and lips can burn. If you're worried it'll wake you up later, try freezing a water bottle that you can bring to bed and rest atop your sheets as a cooling device, like summer's answer to a hot water bottle. Caffeine can also dehydrate the skin and make sunburn worse. This is especially important if youre taking any medication for the pain, as some can cause dehydration. Rubbing coconut oil and aloe vera gel gently into the sunburned area may relieve discomfort and promote healing. Use moisturizing creams or aloe gel to provide comfort. Indian journal of dermatology, 53(4), 163166. Mayo Clinic. Cool the burn. Only non-symptomatic patients will be seen. The benefits of enjoying sunlight (especially in the morning) can help us get our natural circadian rhythms set for the best sleep ever. Apply Coconut Oil. When your snooze alarm goes off, it's possible that you'll be right in the middle of that REM cycle. The best way to protect your precious nighttime Zzzs is to practice thorough sunburn prevention in the first place, of course. However, there are some things you can do to help ease the discomfort and speed up the healing process. Cool the skin. If a sunburn is severe enough to wake you up, get out of bed and try some of the above tips, like applying a cool compress, taking a pain reliever, or drinking water. A cool sleeping environment helps you sleep better and is especially useful if you have sunburn aim for a room temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 degrees Celsius) or lower. Any lingering changes in skin color usually go away with time. But too much sun can disrupt our sleep both in physical and hormonal ways. Lying down with sunburn causes the skin to be stretched, resulting in soreness. Additionally, if you have recently traveled to a country with high rates of the coronavirus or have been on a cruise, please reschedule your visit for at least 14 days from your return date. Spread this paste over the affected area. 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. The good news is that you can do a few things to make it more bearable. Compresses should be applied intermittently as placing a cold cloth for too long can damage your skin. Sleeping with sunburnt skin is painful. However, in case of a serious level of sunburn, the situation may require an advanced treatment level. Hydrocortisone relieves pain, redness, itching, and discomfort associated with sunburn. Stomach sleeping can increase the likelihood of back, neck, and shoulder pain . Be sure to read the labels carefully before purchasing, as some products may not suit people with sensitive skin. It is used in a variety of skin products and has been shown to reduce wrinkles and delay aging. Please try again later. None of the content on Sleep.com is, or is intended to be a substitute for, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This article was written by Dr. Babar Naeem (MBBS, MRCPCH) to ensure maximum factual accuracy and unique content. 12. So every effort should be made to avoid exposing the damaged area to the sun again until you are fully healed. However, if blisters are causing discomfort they can be drained with a sterilized needle. Up next: 9 ways to sleep better with your partner. Avoid wearing anything tight or constricting, as this could irritate your skin. When the sun goes down, melatonin levels in our brains rise, signaling that its time for sleep, and when the sun rises, our hormone levels rise and tell our bodies, Its time to start the day, baby!. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534837/, https://www.blackburnwithdarwenccg.nhs.uk/dehydration-sunburn-big-dangers-temperatures-forecast-top-30-degrees/, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40264-020-00953-04, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burns.2006.10.384, https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/treat-sunburn, https://doi.org/10.1186/s13054-015-0740-0, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0124758, 8 Small Bedroom Decorating Ideas On a Budget, How to Sleep Cooler in a Hot and Stuffy Bedroom (31 Ways), How to Decorate a Bedroom with Blue Carpet, 20+ Trending Bedroom Design Styles for 2022, Emma ComfortAdapt Hybrid Mattress Review (July 2022 Discounts), Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress Review (June Discounts), Does Benadryl Make You Sleepy? Turn your neck so that your eyes are also facing to the left. Read the tag instructions to see if you can wash the pillow or if it must be dry cleaned. Use a soft pillowcase made from natural fabric like cotton. A too-firm spring mattress would just apply pressure on these spots, while a too-soft mattress would mean that you sink in too much to stay comfortable and supported. These include premature aging of skin (photoaging), precancerous skin lesions and skin cancer. Sunscreen FAQs. Dont pop blisters. Use this procedure twice or thrice a day. But instead of just soaking it in water, use cold milk to not only help with. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases on Amazon. Cup your left elbow with your right hand. Always ensure that it is 100% pure and does not contain alcohol or other substances that can irritate the skin. Even sleeping on a soft bed sheet can feel very uncomfortable on a burnt area. 21 Cuddling Positions to Help You Connect With the Ones You Love, Heres the Ideal Amount of Sleep by Age for Kids and Adults, How to Sleep Train Your Baby Using the Ferber Method, Wake Windows are the Key to Unlocking Babys Sleep Schedule, Fall Asleep to These 7 Adult Bedtime Stories, Apps, and Podcasts. An ice pack or even a cool, wet washcloth helps to reduce pain and skin inflammation. This 7 minute anxiety test will score your anxiety severity, help you determine if anxiety is leading to numbness, and give you treatment recommendations. Avoid using hot water, as this can dry out your skin. 4. In: Taylor and Kelly's Dermatology for Skin of Color. Sign up to get insider tips & expert advice in your inbox. Sunburn is inflamed, painful skin that feels hot to the touch. Thus, for starters, you need to avoid any sort of friction and lie on your stomach for a few days should the need be. This won't be a totally successful fix, of course, because most people change positions during the course of the night. Use a soft cloth, so you dont further irritate your skin. Sleep deprivation can contribute to dehydration and sunburn, so make sure you have a glass of water to drink before bed and during the night. Pain relievers you should consider are naproxen, commonly called Aleve, and ibuprofen, commercially known as Motrin or Advil. Got sunburn? Its also important to avoid any sort of friction while you sleep to expedite the healing process. If youre uncomfortable sleeping without clothing, you can try wearing loose, light-coloured clothing. Sunburn can be debilitating and ruin a holiday experience, so taking care of your sunburn is a priority. In addition, medical conditions like diabetes, obesity may cause inflammation in the nerves causing. Or, you can take a cool shower or bath before bed this will help soothe the burning sensation and make it easier to fall asleep. sunscreen throughout the day, particularly if youve been in the water. If left untreated, the consequences can be serious. Inflamed skin, which looks pink or red on white skin and may be harder to see on brown or Black skin, Small, fluid-filled blisters, which may break, Headache, fever, nausea and fatigue, if the sunburn is severe, Develop blisters on the face, hands or genitals, Experience severe swelling of the affected area, Show signs of infection, such as blisters with pus or streaks, Experience worsening pain, headache, confusion, nausea, fever or chills, A fever over 103 F (39.4 C) with vomiting, Living or vacationing somewhere sunny, warm or at high altitude, Swimming or spraying your skin with water or baby oil, as wet skin tends to burn more than does dry skin, Mixing outdoor recreation and drinking alcohol, Taking a drug that makes you more likely to burn (photosensitizing medication), Weakening of connective tissues, which reduces the skin's strength and elasticity, Fine red veins on the cheeks, nose and ears, Freckles, mostly on the face and shoulders, Dark or discolored spots (macules) on the face, back of hands, arms, chest and upper back also called solar lentigines (len-TIJ-ih-neez), A change in the look or texture of a mole. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The most effective home remedy that helps you to sleep better by relieving the pain and itching from sunburn is aloe vera gel. Ian Roth: You're heading to the pool or beach, and you stop to pick up some sunscreen. Accompanying family members including children are asked to remain in the waiting area and will not be allowed to enter the exam rooms. Elsevier; 2017. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Green tea leaves contain anti-inflammatory polyphenols. Sun exposure and repeated sunburns speed the skin's aging process. Its generally best to sleep without clothing if you have a sunburn, as this will help keep the affected area cool and dry. Make sure you pat yourself dry and not rub the burnt skin with a towel when you are done. RACHEL ANNIE BELL/Getty Images/Cavan Images RF. This will remove the painful sensation and heat from that area and will help you sleep better. Use a compress to reduce swelling and redness in the sunburned area. I usually recommend that my patients avoid anything that ends with caine like benzocaine, lidocaine, etc. Ibuprofen is a good option as it will also help to reduce inflammation. There is an easy solution that requires no special fitting or discomfort. To see if anxiety might be playing a role in your anxiety symptoms, rate your level of anxiety . Apply the gel or lotion to the affected areas before going to bed and again when you wake up in the morning. Movement: Roll your shoulders down and back, then gently pull your left elbow across your chest as you extend your left arm. Simply add a rinse cycle, or wash the pillows again without soap. So its best to avoid alcohol if you have sunburn. These can help. This will remove some heat from the burns and relieve the pain. Extra Tips: - Soak in the bath for 10-20 minutes. But there are things you can do to make it more bearable. Ice-cold water is also an option. It is a good idea to chill the gel before applying. Rest assured that hand washing is strictly followed. The application of aloe vera moisturizes the skin and alleviates the dryness and discomfort associated with sunburn. . In addition, Aloe vera gel can help calm and soothe the skin and is also said to have healing properties. Keep dehydrated. It is used to treat many skin diseases as well as for cooking purposes. Drug safety, 43(7), 611614. Some experts believe that coconut oil provides a soothing effect to the affected area and helps with sleep. Luckily, sleep specialists have some go-to strategies to help you feel energized and happy in the mornings. If youre using a store-bought gel, check the label to ensure it doesnt contain any other ingredients that could irritate your skin. Many of the old wifes tales of treating sunburn with household items like petroleum jelly and butter are just utter nonsense and can make the symptoms worse and prevent speedy healing. The most effective way to sleep more comfortably with sunburn is to take paracetamol, aspirin, or ibuprofen to lessen the pain. Put a pillow behind your back so you don't roll over. To replace the water that has been lost by sunburn as well as to prevent dehydration, I always advise my patients to drink plenty of water during the day. So if youre dealing with a sunburn, resist the urge to pop those blisters. For example, taking a pain reliever, having a cool shower, and then applying aloe vera gel or hydrocortisone cream to the burned areas is an effective multi-pronged approach for sleeping better with sunburn. You can also try sleeping on your back to avoid putting pressure on your sunburned skin. While humans don't hibernate, new research shows that they do spend more time in REM sleep during the winter. The only way to truly prevent a sunburn (and the painful blisters that can come with one) is to apply sunscreen regularly: Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Thank you very much for contacting Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.