Anyone with arthritis symptoms will tell you that the tightness and sore joints do not make it easy to sleep. In fact, many people with arthritis suffer from mild to severe insomnia because they just can’t get to sleep with arthritis. It’s not like a common crick in the neck that can go away after some light stretching. Arthritis pain is constant, and what’s worse, arthritis pain can increase with a lack of sleep. Luckily, there are many things you can do to get a better night’s sleep, no matter your symptoms. With a little foresight and discipline, you can find yourself sleeping through the night just like you did before your arthritis pain.
Arthritis is a term that covers over 100 different joint conditions. However, they all work the same way. A loss of cartilage in the joints or muscles results in various symptoms that range from bad to terrible. The important thing to note is how it affects your specific body because no two symptoms are alike. Some people describe the pain as an ongoing dull ache or a burning or grinding sensation accompanied by swelling and stiffness. This means that all night long, there’s pain. In turn, that pain means a lack of sleep.
Doctors Study Those Who Sleep With Arthritis
Doctors have studied the links between arthritis pain and sleep for years. The increased pain causes a lack of sleep, and the lack of sleep causes increased inflammation, which leads to more pain. It’s a dangerous “chicken and the egg” situation. They’re not sure which causes what, but they know there is a link between the two. Unfortunately, many people with arthritis suffer from insomnia. This lack of sleep doesn’t allow the body to have time to repair and replenish during the night. Every night of no sleep makes the following night all that much worse. The good news is that there are things you can do to still get a good night’s sleep.
Check your Bed
The first and most important thing is ensuring your bed is right for you. If you’re on an old, worn-out mattress and a pillow that’s too firm, you’re going to have some trouble sleeping, with or without arthritis. The best thing is to get a pressure-relieving mattress or pillow top made of memory foam or latex. This will reduce the pressure on sensitive hip and shoulder joints and is perfect for side sleepers. Those who sleep on their backs can put a pillow under their knees while they sleep. This can take the pressure off your lower back, legs, and knees. The best tip is to not sleep in one position all night. Changing positions allows your body to keep moving and increases blood flow even while sleeping. If you wake up in the middle of the night, flip over and try a new sleeping position.
The Daytime Helps The Nighttime
The most important things you can do are well before you rest your head for bed. The best thing for arthritis is to get at least 20 minutes of exercise daily. There is no better remedy than to get your heart pumping and your blood flowing. Good circulation helps combat inflammation, which leads to the tightness and pain that comes with arthritis. High-intensity cardio exercises are the best, but whatever gets your body moving is good.
Good Food Helps You Sleep With Arthritis
Exercise is good, but diet is better. Many people say their arthritis symptoms are so bad that they can’t exercise. However, everyone still needs to eat. Cut out junk food and try to stick to a Mediterranean diet. This is a diet rich in nuts, seafood, and beans. These foods are fantastic anti-inflammatory foods. You’ll feel better and therefore sleep better if you eat the right foods during the day.
Getting a good night’s sleep is imperative in your arthritis journey. Winning the little battles each day will help you eventually win the war against arthritis. Finally, when you can adjust your habits, you’ll soon see the full benefits and be rid of daily arthritis pain once and for all.
