May one itch himself in middle of one’s sleep if he has an itch in the above mentioned areas?[1]
If one has an itch in one of the above mentioned areas of his body then he is to scratch it using a cloth[2] and may not do so using his fingers.[3] However, some Poskim[4] rule there is no need to use a cloth or wash prior to doing so since one plans to return back to sleep. Practically some[5] rule that in a case of great need one may rely on their opinion. According to all if one woke up past Alos he must wash his hands prior to doing any of the above even if he plans to return to sleep.
[1] See Mishmeres Shalom Kudinav 1:3; Piskeiy Teshuvos 1:6
[2] Ben Ish Chaiy Toldos 15; Kaf Hachaim 4:18
[3] Kaf Hachaim 4:4 in name of Zechor Leavraham “It makes no difference whether one awakens in middle of the night and desires to return to sleep or is awakening in the morning.”
[4] Ashel Avraham Butchach 4 “Behanal Odos”: “I heard from my father in law [the Neta Shashuim] that the stringency of the Zohar not to walk four Amos prior to washing is only when one awakens in the morning without intent to return to sleep. This is opposed to one who temporarily gets up in middle of the night to use the bathroom and then immediately returns to sleep, in which case one may be lenient to walk to the bathroom without washing hands beforehand. This is a great justification for those that are lenient in this. The same applies regarding the prohibition of touching the orifices that this only applies when one awakens with intent to not return to sleep. This is also understood from the fact it is common for people to turn over during the night and subconsciously itch himself in these areas.” To note that even the Ashel Avraham ibid concludes that it is proper to be stringent. In his words: “One who adds in purity and cleanliness certainly is blessed.”
[5] The Mishmeres Shalom ibid questions this ruling and concludes as above that one may be lenient in a time of need; So rules also Rav SZ”A brought in Halichos Shlomo 13:16; However based on Kaf Hachaim 4:4 it would be forbidden just like one who awoke in the morning.