A Good Night's Sleep?

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YellowFish
YellowFish NonActiveMember5yrs Posts: 33
edited 8. Mar 2012, 02:10 in Living with Arthritis archive
Does anyone have any tips on how to get a good nights sleep? I have RA (thought the meds had got it under control but it seems to have flared up again. Grrr).
I have been very uncomfortable at night, especially in my hips and shoulders. When I lie on my back, my knees hurt from being straight; if I lie on my sides my shoulders and hips hurt. If I sit up in the chair - same discomfort.
Any tips for getting yourself in a position where it doesn't hurt??! The only place I've found is the bath and I can't sleep in there!!

Comments

  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi YellowFish
    I dont think we have met...so if you are new to the forum a big welcome from me.
    I use a body pillow, they are just a very long pillow that you can put your arm and legs over or whatever is hurting.
    I also take amitryptalines, I always said I wouldn't take anything to help me sleep, but I gave in, and I must say I do sleep well most nights.
    I do wish you well and hope you find something to help soon xx
    Love
    Barbara
  • Colin1
    Colin1 NonActiveMember5yrs Posts: 1,769
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hello fish if you find the answer please let me know i cant remember when i last had a good nights sleep or for that matter a full nights sleep
    Take care
    Colin
    WHEN GOD GIVES YOU LEMONS MAKE LEMONADE
  • skezier
    skezier NonActiveMember5yrs Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Yellowfish,

    Sleep is a hard one... I also find 2 hours before I wake and hurt so much again but I have helped it a bit by putting 2 duvets under the sheet and also you might be able to find a way with pillows to help keep the legs and hips happier.

    My 'cure' is yet more pain killers and even thats no a certainty.

    It might be worth talking to the doc cus like Barbara says there are drugs to help both relax and to get you off to sleep. I hope you can find a way cus lack of sleep isn't good for you at all. Cris x
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy NonActiveMember5yrs Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    A good night's sleep exists but its quality is not the same as that of a non-arthritic. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • PollySid
    PollySid NonActiveMember5yrs Posts: 343
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I wish I knew the answer. I went to bed at 10pm, and now I'm up again.
    I would love a restful nights sleep.
  • jan50ish
    jan50ish NonActiveMember5yrs Posts: 47
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi yellowfish

    I normally sleep well but not tonight obviously.

    Since having my hip replacements and having ongoing probs with my left hip I can't sleep on either side.Too painful on my left and when on right the bed clothes irritate the left. I sleep all the time on my back. My knees hurt from being straight and I spent ages trying to find a good sleeping position and found that sleeping with a couple of rolled up towels in a pillowcase under my knees helped. Then I bought a wedge which is higher again so now I sleep with my head and shoulders supported by a V pillow and legs supported by the wedge. This with my normal painkillers plus a low dose amitryptaline gives me a good nights sleep.

    The down side (nothing perfect) is it takes a bit of time getting in position and I am very stiff in the morning,but it beats lying awake hour after hour trying to get comfortable. I hope you manage to find a waythat suits you. Back to bed for me now Goodnight!

    Jan
  • pinkbritishstars
    pinkbritishstars NonActiveMember5yrs Posts: 731
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Yellow

    What music do you like? A relaxation cd might help you.

    I know what you mean about not getting a good nights sleep as the pain keeps me awake most nights too but recently I've been put on a sleeping tablet and that helps.

    PM if you want to chat

    Pink x
  • YellowFish
    YellowFish NonActiveMember5yrs Posts: 33
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Thanks guys.

    Barbara - I've ordered a body pillow and expecting it to arrive tomorrow - thank you for the tip. Good idea.

    Went to the GP today and she's given me a steroid injection so I'm hoping things improve in a few days.

    Thanks again :-)
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,446
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Good luck Yellowfish. I hope you are feeling a good bit better by now.

    Love

    Toni xx

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