Sleep Better With Psoriatic Arthritis
Start With the Basics
People with psoriatic arthritis tend to have more trouble with sleep, and that can make their symptoms worse. You should have a nightly ritual that checks all the usual boxes for good sleep. Then take steps to manage the top sleep robbers linked to psoriatic arthritis: pain, itch, and stress.
Shut Down and Unplug
Go to sleep and get up at the same times every day to put your body clock in the best rhythm. Start by turning off all electronics with a screen an hour before you turn in. This gets you into the mind-set for slumber. You can listen to soothing music instead.
Wind Down
Regular exercise eases pain and stiffness in achy joints. But stick to a slow, gentle pace at night. Stretching after a warm (never hot) shower or bath can help with sleep and next-morning stiffness. Yoga is ideal because it's both a stress reliever and a stretching routine. Another two-in-one choice is tai chi. An expert can create a program for you to follow at home.
Create a Bedroom Oasis
Make this room just for sleep -- no gadgets of any kind. Set your thermostat so that the temperature is cooling. If the air is dry, add moisture with a humidifier. Close the shades to keep your bedroom dark and the sun from waking you up too soon.
Ease Pain
Talk to your doctor about medication you can take before bed, like aspirin or acetaminophen, when your joints are bothering you. For a nondrug alternative, try heat and cold therapy and see what works best. A heat pack or an ice pack (or bag of frozen food) can soothe sore, swollen joints as well as itchy skin patches.
Acupressure
With this form of Chinese medicine, you press on key points on your body with your fingers or even a tennis ball and hold for a few minutes to relieve pain. For overall pain fighting, try the spot between the big and second toes on the top of your foot. Get an acupressure chart to see how to target pain in a specific joint.
Soothe the Itch
If you have psoriasis, too, don't give itch the chance to ramp up while you sleep. Moisturize with a thick cream after your evening bath or shower. Ask your doctor if you can double up with a hydrocortisone or vitamin D cream. Wear loose-fitting cotton or silk clothes that won't irritate as they touch and rub against you. Test out different sheets and blankets to find the least scratchy.
Cotton Gloves
It could be scratching, more than the itch itself, that wakes you up in the middle of the night. So keep nails short. And to really limit how much you can go after your skin in your sleep, wear cotton gloves to bed. If psoriasis has pitted your nails and applying a cream is part of your treatment, the gloves will also help keep it in place.
Stress Relief
Anxiety about your illness and about not being able to sleep can build on itself. Use deep breathing along with a mind-body practice like mindfulness or meditation to relax. Focus your thoughts on a happy image. This can help you better manage your emotions and, in turn, sleep better.
Aromatherapy
Fill the air with a fragrance you like to help put you in a calm, peaceful state of mind. Try a scented candle (snuff it out before you go to sleep) or scented oil diffuser. In one study of people with constant pain, using aromatherapy even eased the pain itself.
Sip Wisely
Your favorite drink might relax you and make you feel drowsy. But alcohol gets in the way of deep sleep, the kind you need to feel well-rested. It can also interfere with some psoriatic arthritis medications and possibly worsen side effects. If you find a hot brew soothing, be sure to go decaf. Chamomile tea in particular seems to encourage sleep.
Change Medications
If your medicine isn't doing enough to control the symptoms that keep you up at night, talk to your doctor. A different dose or drug may bring you enough relief to finally rest. Some people in studies that tested the effectiveness of medicines called biologics, which slow down the disease, also had better sleep.
Positive Self-Talk
Depression has been linked to psoriatic arthritis, and it could be a reason you're not getting a good night's sleep. A therapist can show you ways to boost both your mood and sleep quality. The mind-over-matter approach called cognitive behavioral therapy helps you see the challenges of your condition in a more positive way. You can practice it on your own before bed.
Related Sleep Thieves
Psoriatic arthritis makes you more likely than the average person to have other conditions that are linked to sleep problems. These include sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, TMJ disorder, and fibromyalgia. Get tested, which often means a sleep study. Treatment, if needed, may bring the rest you crave.
Sources Medically Reviewed on 10/07/2020 Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on October 07, 2020
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Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on October 07, 2020
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information.
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
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