Sleep and Joint Pain

Sleep and Joint Pain

According to the Arthritis Foundation, studies suggest that as many as 80% of people with arthritis have trouble sleeping. If you have difficulty falling or staying asleep due to joint pain, sleep deprivation can make your pain feel worse and negatively impact your overall health.

If you are dealing with joint pain, you aren’t alone. Many people with arthritis find that joint pain contributes to having a restless night’s sleep. Fortunately, these tips can help you get a good night’s sleep:

Use Pillows for Comfort

Whether you use a neck pillow, knee pillow, or body pillow, these bed accessories can ease pain and help you feel more comfortable. According to the Arthritis Foundation, a neck pillow should support your neck without tilting your head forward when you are lying on your back. If you’re a side sleeper, the pillow you choose should support your head in line with your neck, not tilt your head up or down. Try several different types of pillows to see which type provides the most comfort to you.

Focus on Good Sleep Hygiene

Sleepless nights can make your joints feel worse, and you’re less likely to cope well with joint pain when you are sleep deprived. Work on creating a bedtime routine that makes you feel relaxed and ready for sleep. Avoid caffeine and don’t watch television when it’s time for sleep. Stick to the same bedtime every night, and don’t exercise too late in the day, as it can sometimes contribute to insomnia in some people.

Check Your Mattress

Is your mattress more than 7 years old? It might be time to buy a new mattress that provides the right amount of support and comfort for your body. Finding a mattress that is best for you is a personal choice, so be sure to test several mattresses and make sure it feels comfortable and supportive to you. Many mattresses come with a warranty, which is designed to protect consumers from product defects. Make sure your mattress comes with a warranty in case you experience any problems with it.

Talk to Your Doctor

If you have arthritis and have difficulty falling or staying asleep, talk with your doctor about strategies that can help you. Your healthcare provider can provide some specific recommendations based on the type and severity of your joint pain. Your doctor might also suggest using heat therapy at night to help you get a better night’s sleep. Your healthcare provider may also recommend that you have a sleep study to rule out sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.

Ask About Sleep Medication

Talk to your doctor to find out if taking a sleep medication for a short time could help you improve your sleep. There are a variety of sleep medications that may help you sleep better. If you decide to try a sleeping medication, the key is to use it only as a temporary measure. Improving your sleep hygiene and making lifestyle changes can result in better sleep habits over time. If you choose not to try sleep medication, ask your doctor for other suggestions to help you sleep more soundly while managing your arthritis pain.

Contact Flexogenix

If you have arthritis and experience joint pain, taking care of your joint health is even more important to your good health. Flexogenix® offers nonsurgical treatment options so you can avoid risky surgical procedures and return to your active lifestyle. Contact Flexogenix today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about nonsurgical treatment options that help you manage joint pain.

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† While we are in network for most major insurance carriers we have some treatment programs that are not recognized or covered by many insurance carriers.