Sleep

bendy

I am new to this support group. After reading all comments regarding sleep, I realise now that this is normal to be up 2 or 3 times in a night with pain. I keep painkillers for daytime so at least I can walk about during the day. I can still take my dog out for short walks each day but am wondering if I reduce the amount of walking in the day will this reduce the pain in legs at night ?

Naomi33

Morning @bendy and welcome to the online community.

Sorry to hear your concerns about sleep or lack of sleep.

I have tried every which way to help my sleep but still not conquered after 2 years.

I try and wear myself out in the day then tried to rest all day but still no joy.

Also stopped drinking after 7pm but still have disturbed sleep up usually every 2-3 hours to stretch out limbs as in so much pain. Glad of hotter weather but not helping but hey ho keep plodding on regardless but slower 😍😍

The following link may be of interest …

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2022/february/top-tips-for-good-sleep/

Keep posting I am sure others will connect with you soon.

Best wishes @Naomi33

Baloo

@bendy walking is particularly punishing on the joints because of the weight and impact, which can set off the inflammation. Even just standing for a long time can do it.

I found if I completely rest for a weekend and don't overdo the walking in the week, and get away from standing, I can get the better of it, using only mild pain killers.

Its a bit of a wrench. I have to take taxis and currently working at getting some bicycle exercise instead.

Sleep is different. Removing the pain wasn't enough and I still get cold aches and short sleep, which are not pain they are something else.

I am starting to think I might need some anti inflammatory for the sake of sleep, which at the moment I only take it for unexpected joint aches that are failing to go away. I might be short changing myself on not enough drugs.

Woofy

Hi@bendy.

Sorry you are struggling with pain and sleep. It’s horrid isn’t it.

Have you asked your doctor to put you on a short course of steroids? if you can take them, they will help with the pain, and you will get some much needed rest. You are probably already on omeprazole to protect your tummy, you will need to take those with the steroids.
at least if you get some sleep for a few weeks, it will help. Good luck.

Trish9556

Hi @bendy

Pain and sleep go hand in hand and i have not slept well with my arthritis for many years. Even now, post hip replacement i struggle due to the swelling pain around the surgery site.

I am lucky enough to be retired now and can nap when my body tells me to.

Prior to this though my routine was to take my painkillers regularly instead of only when i needed them. Take the last dose anout 30 mins before bed.

All sound advice which anyone will give, but what about all those sleepless nights when youre woken and cant get back to sleep?

My go to was, and still is, to go downstairs, make some hot chocolate, sit and do a jigsaw puzzle, put my walkman and headphones on, crash on the sofa under my snuggle blanket and listen to classic fm. Invariably i would then get at least for an hour or two. Wheat bags and alternating with frozen peas also help reduce swelling and joint pain.

The Important thing is to listen to your body. If your painkillers are not working, tell your gp. If you need to sleep, sleep.

Good luck

Trish xx

jamieA

Hi @bendy

I think @Woofy has a point. A rheumatologist I saw a couple of years ago told me that the body produces it's own steroid - cortisol - but that it doesn't do so during the hours of sleep as it's production follows the circadian rhythm. My rheumatologist gave me a steroid injection at the start of this month as my enthesitis has increased and the following week I had undisturbed sleep. The steroid has gradually worn off now and I'm back to waking 2-3 times a night.

SoniaR

I feel your pain, literally! I have osteoarthritis in both knees, and sleeping can be difficult. I find if I take my last pain meds about an hour or less before bed, then at least I can get to sleep. Make sure you take your pain meds regularly, every 4 hours or as prescribed by your doctor, rather than wait until you are in agony. Another change I have made is to go completely decaf with your tea and coffee. It’s made a huge difference to my sleep. I almost sleep like a baby! It tastes much the same. Ditch coke and other caffinated drinks. This has all worked for me.