Elder care

Managing Arthritis Pain During Bedtime

arthritis

Arthritis pain is no joke; people who suffer from arthritis experience chronic pain that bothers even when they're asleep.

I Just Can't Sleep Enough

Sleep deprivation is a common problem with people who suffer from arthritis. They find it tough to go to sleep, thus most of them suffer from fatigue. Pain is a major problem with the majority of people who cannot get a full night's sleep.

According to research, those who suffer from chronic pain—especially arthritis—do not only endure from sleep disturbances but they can also experience short-term memory loss followed by decreased attention span, and poor performance to complete tasks.

However, it was found out that chronic sleep disturbance may lead to increased risk of high blood pressure, decreased glucose tolerance, and increased appetite that may lead to weight gain; certainly not a good sign for someone with arthritis. Moreover, a marked increase in C-reactive protein, an indicator of arthritis, has been proven by a research conducted by the Department of Cardiology in Lahey Clinic Medical Center, Burlington, Boston, Massachusetts.

Good Night, Arthritis

Pondering upon the effects of sleep deprivation, let's move over to the solutions to the problem. Here are some tips that could help you get a good night's rest, even with the bothering pain brought about by arthritis.

  • Check up on your sleeping habits. Well, it is a fact that pain can bother you, but you got to check out if you own sleeping habits might have caused the pain too. It has been found out that lack of sleep also causes pain in arthritis. Perhaps you sleep too late and wake up late, then it's about time you make some changes.
  • Set a sleeping schedule. Sleep early, wake up early. Get into bed by 10PM and wake up by 8AM. You'll feel very refreshed; however, do avoid taking naps. It'll disrupt your sleep-wake cycle and it can decrease the capability of the body to fall asleep when bedtime comes.
  • Diet. Of course what you eat and drink can also affect your body, so avoid eating too much during dinner. If possible, arrange your bedtime schedule at about an hour after you sleep. Avoid caffeine intake as this keeps you awake and alert throughout; keep this out of your system six hours prior to sleep. In addition to this, if you smoke or drink alcohol, avoid doing so two hours before bedtime. Alcohol, although a depressant, does not really help to get you into sleep.
  • Activities. It is recommended that you get enough exercise; but avoid from strenuous activities. Moreover, limit activities prior to bedtime; switch off that TV and stop using the computer. However, if you can't just sleep, don't lie awake in bed. Get out of your bedroom; read or watch something that's not too stimulating until you get drowsy.
  • Bedroom Tips. It is always advised that the bed should only be used for two things; sleep and sex. Don't read on your bed, don' do work on your bed. You must enhance the environment of your bedroom into a calm, sleep-conducive state. Turn on the air conditioning to a tolerable setting; avoid extreme temperature. Meanwhile, it is recommended by some doctors that you use memory foam pillows or toppers with you while you sleep.

Of course it is best to consult your rheumatologist if you plan to try out complementary medicine as an alternative. Remember it is imperative that you keep stress and other factors at bay to avoid exacerbations of pain episodes from the stiffness of arthritis. May these simple tips help alleviate your problems with arthritis. Good night!

Ms. Alexe writes for Divan Beds Centre, selling quality divan beds at the cheapest prices.

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