Arthritic Insomnia

For those with arthritis, one of the most difficult and frustrating issues that they deal with is arthritis related insomnia. Those with arthritis need proper rest in order to stay healthy however suffering through a sleep disorder interferes with that, potentially making the arthritis worse. This can spiral into a dreadful cycle adding stress on top of not getting adequate rest. The good news is that you find a solution and begin to break this cycle.

Insomnia is diagnosed through using a number of factors. The most obvious symptom is trouble falling asleep. It is not uncommon for people to suffer with insomnia at some point in their life. If you find that difficulty with falling asleep becomes persistent and frequent, consult your doctor to see what can be done. Waking up throughout the night is also a symptom of insomnia. New parents often suffer from this. Tossing and turning more than once a week will often mean that you are suffering from insomnia. Sometimes insomniacs will sleep through the night but they will either wake up after a few hours or the will not feel rested despite getting several hours of sleep. If you can relate to these symptoms, you may suffer from one of three types of insomnia. Short-term, intermittent, and chronic insomnia are the three types of insomnia. Consult your doctor and they will diagnose you. Based on your symptoms.

People with arthritis usually also suffer from sustained, chronic insomnia. Insomnia often afflicts arthritis sufferers for a variety of reasons. Pain keeps some people awake at night and often occurs with illness. Some patients have painful, inflamed joints after they participate in physical activity. The increased stress level of many arthritis patients is another cause of insomnia. Lying awake at night worrying about doctor appointments, test results, medications, etc results in a brain that is to active to rest. The effect of stress is no different for those that have had arthritis for many years and those that have just been diagnosed. A side effect of some arthritis medications is insomnia. Although these medications ease or eliminate the pain, they can keep you awake at night. It is six of one or a half dozen of the other. Without taking the medicine, the pain would interfere with sleep.

There are a number of measures that can be taken to diminish the symptoms of insomnia. Have a frank discussion with your doctor regarding all medications that you are on. Some drugs may have side effects, some may be habit forming, and some may interacted badly with other medications you are taking. Taking steps to remove stress from your life will help you be able to sleep at night. Working with your doctor, you should be able to find a resolution to your insomnia without jeopardizing your arthritis treatment. Not only is getting proper rest essential to your body’s battle against arthritis, it is essential to a healthy life.