Why arthritis pain worse at night

It could be that levels of the anti-inflammatory hormone cortisol are naturally lower at night; plus, staying still in one position might cause joints to stiffen up. Another explanation: The way you experience the same pain may actually change in the wee hours.

Schiopu says. Not keeping weight in check is also linked with sleep apnea, which causes further sleep problems. Tiredness is also linked to greater depression in arthritis patients, which is again linked to worsening pain. Keep your room dark and at a comfortable temperature for you.

Any mental technique that can help you relax before bed is worth it. Never have I gotten to one hundred. I also enjoy crocheting when I feel up to it. Schiopu suggests a boring book to put you to sleep. In addition, Gibson says to eliminate anything that riles you up. Pain is partly psychological, which is why research shows that cognitive behavioral therapy CBT can help train your brain how to respond to pain.

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Sleep and Pain Arthritis pain can ruin your sleep and sleep problems can make your pain worse. Poor Sleep, Pain, Disability and Depression Research shows that individuals with osteoarthritis pain who have sleep problems are more likely to experience depression and even become disabled over time. Managing Pain View All Articles. Managing Pain Arthritis Pain at Night: Tips to Position Yourself for Pain-Free Sleep Learn how to position yourself and your pillows to ensure that arthritis pain does not interrupt a good night's sleep.

Learn more about them and how to sleep better. Quiz to Help Manage Pain This eye-opening quiz may be just what you need to help you take control of arthritis pain. Arthritis Network. Help yourself and help others. Stay in the Know. Live in the Yes. Green tea is generally viewed as the most beneficial of all because its active ingredient is a polyphenol known as epigallocatechin 3-gallate EGCG.

EGCG has been shown to be as much as times stronger in antioxidant activity than vitamins C and E. Bonus: add in a bit of local honey for an added boost of antioxidant and antiviral properties.

Avoid these types of teas at night because of the caffeine content. Finally, replace an old pillow or mattress. Check with your Doctor for suggestions on the best brands for the type of joint pain you are experiencing. The investment on a new mattress can be a game changer in the quality of your sleep!

The CNS misreads messages from other parts of the body and registers only slight touches as pain stimuli. People with fibromyalgia very often have poor sleep patterns. They often say they had disturbed sleep before the pain and stiffness began. Restless legs syndrome gives people unusual and sometimes unpleasant sensations in their legs that can disrupt sleep. It can make you feel like you want to move your legs. It can occur at any time but is often worse at night. A related condition called periodic limb movement disorder only occurs at night and causes the arms or legs to jerk or twitch.

These conditions can affect anyone but are quite often linked with long-term conditions. They can also be a side effect of some medications or be caused by not having enough iron or vitamins in your body.

If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may suggest treatment with a group of drugs called dopamine agonists. Examples of these drugs are ropinirole and pramipexole. Snoring is common and can be a symptom or a cause of sleep disturbance. Severe snoring may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, a condition caused by brief blockages of the upper airway during sleep. It can cause fatigue and can be diagnosed by measuring the level of oxygen in the blood during sleep.

If your sleep is disturbed by pain, then physiotherapy , exercise and possibly drug treatments could help. However, sleep disturbance is often caused by a number of issues, which may include pain but also fatigue , stress or depression. These issues can sometimes be difficult to deal with and might require long-term treatments or solutions.

There are also things you can do in the short term. Have a read through the sections below, and see if you can try some or all of these tips.

Read real-life hints and tips for getting a good night's sleep when you have arthritis, including how to buy the correct bedding and mattress to suit you.