Have you ever noticed certain symptoms seem to get worse when your day is winding down? Maybe your pain flares up more at night, or your allergies seem to kick in just as you’re trying to relax. You’re not imagining it — there are real, natural changes that happen in your body’s chemistry toward the end of the day that can make symptoms feel stronger.
Here’s why that can happen:
- Histamine levels rise: Histamine, the chemical that drives allergic reactions and inflammation, tends to increase at night. That can mean more itching, congestion, or even nerve sensitivity when you’re trying to fall asleep.
- Cortisol levels drop: Cortisol — your body’s natural anti-inflammatory hormone — is highest in the morning and lowest at night. When it drops, pain, swelling, or irritation that’s been quiet during the day can become more noticeable.
- Blood flow and pressure change: As your body relaxes, your blood vessels widen and circulation patterns shift. This can cause sensations like throbbing, fullness, or warmth, making pain or pressure feel stronger.
- Body temperature shifts: Your core temperature drops at night as your body prepares for sleep, but surface circulation increases. That can heighten nerve sensitivity or amplify discomfort in areas already irritated.
- Immune activity increases: Your immune system becomes more active at night, working to repair and restore tissues. That’s a good thing — but for some, it can also briefly increase inflammation, making things like joint pain or congestion flare up.
These shifts are a normal part of your body’s rhythm — but they can also make living with chronic symptoms more challenging. At Connecticut’s Best Acupuncture, we help your body find better balance so that your symptoms stay more regulated — day and night — so you can get back to living your best life.
