If you live with eczema, you know that the struggle doesn’t end when the sun goes down.
One of the most frustrating — and exhausting — parts of having eczema is not being able to get a full night’s sleep.
It’s common for people with eczema to wake up multiple times during the night due to itching, sweating, or discomfort. Lack of sleep doesn’t just leave you tired — it can also make eczema symptoms worse, creating a vicious cycle of irritation and exhaustion.
Over time, I’ve found a few things that made a huge difference in helping me sleep better with eczema. Here are my top two eczema sleep tips, plus a few bonus suggestions if you’re ready to fine-tune your nighttime routine.
1. Keep Your Bedroom Cool and Comfortable
Temperature regulation is essential when it comes to sleeping with eczema.
When your body gets too hot during the night, you’re more likely to sweat — and sweat can be a major eczema trigger.
Personally, I keep my room cold year-round. Even during the winter, I run a fan to circulate cool air and prevent heat buildup under the covers.
Here are a few ways to create an eczema-friendly sleep environment:
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Set your thermostat lower at night (around 65°F to 68°F is ideal for many people).
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Use a fan or air purifier to keep the air moving.
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Choose breathable bedding (more on that below) to prevent overheating.
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Avoid heavy pajamas that can trap heat and moisture against your skin.
Staying cool helps minimize nighttime itching and keeps my skin calm until morning.
2. Choose the Right Sheets and Bedding for Sensitive Skin
I used to think any old set of sheets would do — but I quickly realized that bedding material matters a lot when you have sensitive, eczema-prone skin.
The wrong fabric can feel scratchy, irritating, or trap heat and sweat, all of which can trigger flares.
Here are a few bedding materials that are favorites among the eczema community
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Jersey cotton: Soft, stretchy, and breathable.
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Tencel: A silky, eco-friendly material that wicks moisture away.
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Bamboo: Naturally breathable and gentle on sensitive skin.
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High-quality cotton: Look for 100% organic cotton if possible.
It’s also incredibly important to wash your sheets in a sensitive skin-friendly detergent — free of dyes, fragrances, and harsh chemicals. Even if the fabric works for your skin, irritating laundry products can leave residues that bother your skin.
Also don’t forget to skip on the fabric softner and dryer sheets. Plus double rinsing is a great way to make sure that there are no residues from the detergent left on your sheets.
Bonus Tip: Bedding is such a big deal for me that I pack my own sheets when I travel. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference in my sleep quality when I’m away from home.
Additional Tips for Sleeping Better with Eczema
If you’re still struggling with nighttime eczema itching, here are a few more ideas that have helped me:
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Moisturize Before Bed: Apply a thick, eczema-safe moisturizer before you sleep to help seal in hydration and protect your skin barrier.
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Wear Soft, Breathable Pajamas: Natural fibers like cotton and bamboo are best. Avoid tight, synthetic fabrics that trap heat. And I know of some with eczema who will go without wearing any clothing at night.
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Keep Nails Trimmed: Scratching in your sleep is almost unavoidable — keeping your nails short helps minimize damage to your skin.
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Try a Sleep-Friendly Eczema Treatment: Some people find that using wet wraps, cotton gloves, or overnight eczema balms can soothe itching and reduce flare-ups.
If you live with eczema, remember: a better night’s sleep is possible.
With the right temperature, bedding, skincare, and a few simple adjustments, you can create a soothing nighttime routine that helps your body heal — and lets you wake up feeling more rested and ready for the day.
Have you found anything that helps you sleep better with eczema? I’d love to hear your tips and experiences! 🌙