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Get Enough Sleep
Sleep restores your energy so that you can better manage pain. It also rests your joints to reduce pain and swelling.
Only you know how much sleep your body needs, so get into the habit of listening to your body. Most people need seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
If you feel tired and achy after lunch every day, taking a brief nap (15 to 20 minutes) can help restore your energy and spirits. If you have trouble sleeping at night, try relaxing quietly in the afternoon rather than taking a nap.
How to Sleep Better
- Do moderate exercise on a regular basis. Avoid exercise right before bedtime.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine, especially late in the day.
- Establish a regular sleep schedule. It's especially important to get up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
- Take a warm bath before going to bed.
- Listen to soothing music.
- Spend some quiet time by yourself before you go to bed.
- Read for pleasure. Avoid technical information, work-related material, scary novels or other materials that can keep your mind from relaxing.
- Avoid taking sleeping pills unless your doctor recommends them.
- If you are sleeping poorly, be sure to speak with your doctor.
Want more information?
- Learn more about the importance of sleep in the management of arthritis pain.
- Learn about actions you can take and tips for managing your pain.
- Find out some of the preventive meassures that can help ease pain.
- Discover other resources for dealing with arthritis pain.
- For disease specific information, visit the Disease Center.
- Connect with others in the Arthritis Foundation community.
- Find out about the latest in arthritis research.
- For information on living with arthritis, read Arthritis Today.
The Pain Center is brought to you by a grant from Thermacare.
