How to Deal With Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain at Night

Rheumatoid arthritis can be especially painful at night, making sleeping difficult or uncomfortable, and interfering with the quality of sleep. Instead of resigning yourself to a lifetime of poor sleep, learn some strategies that can help you sleep better and manage your rheumatoid arthritis pain.

Things You'll Need

• Heating pad
• Ice packs
• Pillows
• Pain medications

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Instructions

• 1

  Check with your doctor about changing your medication schedule if you feel the most pain at night. Some medications may offer relief quickly, while other medications may release their active ingredients all day, giving the most relief hours after you've taken them. By adjusting your schedule, you can get the most effect from your medications during the time of day when you most need pain relief and inflammation control.

• 2

  Consult your doctor about over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen and other pain relievers, which can help with pain and inflammation. Night-time formulations include a medication to induce drowsiness and may help prevent waking up in the middle of the night.

• 3

  Adjust your sleeping position, which may be intensifying the pain. Make sure swollen limbs are supported with pillows or other soft material. If you sleep on your side, put pillows between your legs so that your spine is supported in a neutral position. Use splints and other aids on your hands or other joints if you move about in your sleep; this will help protect them when you move involuntarily.

• 4

  Practice deep, rhythmic breathing, relaxation and other drug-free pain management techniques. Take deep "belly" breaths, hold for five seconds and exhale. Focus on relaxing the areas of tension and pain in your body while you breathe. Repeat this rhythmic breathing for up to for up to ten minutes. Also use heating pads or ice packs (depending on the kind of inflammation and pain you are experiencing) before bed to help with pain.

• 5

  Exercise during the day. When joints are inflamed and sore, gentle range-of-motion exercises and nothing more strenuous than walking should be attempted. When pain is less severe and the disease is less active, engage in regular exercise that includes cardiovascular and strength training (under the supervision and consent of your doctor). Beyond the expected health benefits of exercise, it helps rheumatoid arthritis patients with mobility, joint function and pain relief. Regular exercise will translate into better sleep and less pain for rheumatoid arthritis patients.