Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) comes with its own set of unique challenges, and the environment you live in can significantly impact your condition. For many people with MS, a cold home can worsen symptoms, making daily life even harder to manage. With high energy costs facing even more becomes a struggle, but understanding how the cold affects your body and exploring practical solutions can help you regain some control.
What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition that impacts nerves in he brain and spinal cord, otherwise known as the Central Nervous System (CNS). This means that it disrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body. There is currently no cure, but there are medicines to treat it and make it more manageable. The conditions varies in severity and symptoms for different people. Some of the common symptoms include:
- extreme tiredness
- eye problems
- numbness
- feeling dizzy
- muscle problems
- memory issues
- walking difficulties
These are just a few of the potential symptoms a person with MS may experience. For some. the condition only has a small impact on day-to-day life. for others , symptoms may be more severe and impact your ability to work and complete daily tasks.
How Does A Cold Home Affect MS?
Colder temperatures can worsen some of the symptoms of MS. This is because the condition often impacts the nervous system, which can be sensitive to temperature changes. These changes can include:
Fatigue: Cold weather can increase fatigue levels, which is already a common symptom of MS. This is because the body has to use more energy trying to maintain its core temperature, resulting in greater fatigue.
Pain and Discomfort: Cold temperatures can intensify chronic pain or trigger neuropathic pain in some individuals with MS. This might include sensations like burning, stabbing, or freezing pains.
Increased Risk of Illness: The cold season often coincides with flu and cold outbreaks. Infections can exacerbate MS symptoms or lead to relapses, making the colder months particularly challenging.
Challenges Moving Around: If it’s cold indoors, it might be harder to stay steady or keep joints flexible, increasing the risk of falls or injuries.
Tips For Managing MS In A Cold Home
We have listed below some tips to help people with MS stay warm and mitigate these symptoms. Our blog has lots of resources that outline affordable ways to keep warm.
1. Wrap up warm by layering clothes
- Choose the Right Fabrics: Wear thermal undergarments, fleece, or wool layers to trap heat. Avoid cotton as it doesn’t insulate well when damp.
- Compression Clothing: Consider lightweight compression wear for added warmth and to support circulation.
- Accessories: Use gloves, thick socks, and a warm hat even indoors, as much heat is lost through the extremities and head.
2. Use Localised Heating
- Heating Pads: Apply electric heating pads to stiff or painful areas (ensure they don’t get too hot to avoid burns).
- Hot Water Bottles: Wrap them in a cloth to provide gentle warmth for hands, feet, or the back.
- Heated Clothing or Blankets: Invest in an electric blanket or heated vest to stay consistently warm.
3 . Reduce Draughts and Heat Loss
- Insulate Windows and Doors: Use draught excluders, foam strips, or plastic insulation film.
- Block Chimneys: If unused, seal the fireplace with a draught blocker.
- Seal Gaps: Check for gaps around windows and doors and seal them with weatherproofing tape.
Energy Support For Those With Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in a cold home can be particularly difficult, as cold temperatures can worsen symptoms like muscle stiffness, fatigue, and nerve pain. However, there are grants and financial support available to help improve living conditions and manage heating costs, which can make a significant difference.
If you or someone in your household has MS, you may qualify for a government-backed home energy grant. These provide funding for home improvements, like insulation or energy-efficient heating systems, to make your home warmer and more comfortable.
To apply, simply click the button below. It only takes 30 seconds!
