How to Sleep With a Sunburn

Use Cold Water

Taking a cool shower, bath or applying cold compresses with a washcloth can provide relief to the burning sensation  of damaged skin. Taking these steps before bed may make it easier to get comfortable and fall asleep with a sunburn. 

Apply Appropriate Creams

Certain creams and ointments can decrease discomfort from a sunburn, but it is important to avoid the wrong types of products. 

A cream may soothe pain and can be used if there is no blistering around a sunburn. Aloe vera and creams with vitamin C or E may also be helpful. Some people also get relief from hydrocortisone creams, but research about their benefits Trusted Source UpToDate More than 2 million healthcare providers around the world choose UpToDate to help make appropriate care decisions and drive better health outcomes. UpToDate delivers evidence-based clinical decision support that is clear, actionable, and rich with real-world insights. View Source is limited. It is also important to consult your doctor on the length of steroid cream use as prolonged application can cause thinning of the skin.

Some creams and other products can cause adverse reactions and should be avoided. These include Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source : 

• Oil-based balms or creams
• Petroleum jelly
• Creams with lidocaine or benzocaine
• Butter
• Heavily scented products

Wear Non-Irritating Clothing

To be more comfortable when going to bed, wear loose clothing to prevent excess pressure against sunburned skin. Seek out materials that are light, breathable and soft, such as cotton or silk. 

Consider Pain Medications

Some over-the-counter medications can reduce pain from a sunburn. Before going to sleep, you can consider taking ibuprofen or tylenol. A pharmacist or doctor can answer questions about the safety and appropriate dose of these medications. Sometimes a prescription medication can be given by your doctor if the sunburn is severe.

Stay Hydrated

Along with a sunburn, excess sun exposure can lead to dehydration, which can further dry out the skin. Drinking plenty of water can replenish fluids and prevent worsening effects of dehydration. It is important to avoid coffee, tea and alcohol which can further dehydrate your body. Adequate hydration also makes sure your body is able to send extra fluids to the sunburned areas and help with flushing out toxins and healing the skin.

Care for Blisters

Blisters don’t always show up right away after a sunburn. They may take hours or overnight to show up. If a sunburn blisters, try to keep it from breaking open, which can make it vulnerable to infection. Place a dry, lightweight bandage over blisters to add a layer of protection when lying in bed. 

When a blister breaks, gently clean the area with mild soap and water and then apply a nonstick bandage over a thin layer of antibiotic ointment. A hydrocortisone cream may provide pain relief by decreasing inflammation.

Talk to a Doctor

Most sunburns do not require medical attention, but a doctor should be promptly consulted if severe symptoms arise, including: 

• Burns over more than 15% of the skin
• Extreme pain or blistering
• Lightheadedness
• Very fast heartbeat
• Excessive thirst
• Lack of urination
• Fever or chills
• Nausea
• No response to at home treatments

Why Do Sunburns Get Worse at Night?

While sunburns do not necessarily get worse at night, people may become more aware of them in the evening. It usually takes four or more hours Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. View Source for sunburn symptoms to arise, so a sunburn may first be noticed at night. 

In addition, pain from a sunburn generally worsens about six hours after a burn happens, which can mean intensifying pain when trying to go to sleep the night after getting a sunburn. Depending on where a sunburn is on the body, lying down at bedtime may also cause irritation.

Do Sunburns Make You Tired?

Fatigue or tiredness can occur after a sunburn, which may be related to overheating and dehydration from heavy sun exposure. When the body gets too hot, it has to use up resources, including fluids, to reduce its temperature. As a result, energy can be depleted and the body can become dehydrated, leading to more fatigue. 

How to Prevent Sunburns

Because of the skin damage that sunburns cause, experts recommend precautions to prevent sunburns. 

• Avoid intense sunlight: Sunburns are most likely when the sun is strongest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Snow and water can also reflect the sun’s rays and make it easier to develop a sunburn. This explains why it is easier to develop a sunburn while in water.
• Find shade: When outside during the day, seek out a shady spot where direct UV exposure is limited. 
• Use quality sunscreen: Be vigilant about putting on plenty of sunscreen when going out in the sun. Use a broad-spectrum, SPF 50 sunscreen and reapply it frequently to make sure all exposed skin is protected. The most commonly missed areas to apply sunscreen are behind the ears, back of neck and exposed areas of the scalp. The lips can be sunburnt too, and applying a SPF lip balm is recommended.
• Wear protective clothing: Use clothing such as long sleeve shirts and pants to keep skin from being exposed to the sun. Some clothing is especially designed to block UV rays. A hat with a wide brim can keep sun off the face and neck.