Tips For Osteoarthritis Patients Struggling with Insomnia

It is challenging enough to deal with the pain of osteoarthritic joints as you go about your activities during the day; when night falls, you want the comfort of a refreshing night’s sleep. People with hip and knee osteoarthritis experience insomnia more often than their peers with healthy joints, but there are steps you can take to sleep better and wake ready for a new day.

Relationship between osteoarthritis and insomnia

Osteoarthritis and insomnia are intimately related, and studies suggest that poor sleep may be the trigger to joint pain, rather than the consequence of joint pain. This is hopeful news, because sleep issues are easier to treat than joint pain.

Researchers hypothesize that osteoarthritis sufferers may indulge habits not conducive to sleep, like an irregular sleep schedule, daytime napping, eating heavily or watching TV before bed, or cultivating a noisy, uncomfortable bedroom. If you can reform behaviors that result in poor sleep, you may be able to rest more soundly and modify your joint pain.

What you can do

There are a number of things you can do to improve your sleep, short of using sleep medications and experiencing the side effects that come with them. Try some of the following behavior changes instead:

• Avoid heavy meals right before bed.
• Stay away from caffeinated or alcoholic beverages in the few hours before you retire.
• Keep your television set out of your bedroom.
• Maintain a sleeping environment that is comfortably cool, quiet, and dark.
• Go to bed only when you feel tired and sleepy.

With a few adjustments in your evening habits, you may find yourself enjoying more restful nights, and relief from the discomfort of osteoarthritic joints.

When to seek treatment for your arthritis

Arthritis doesn’t have to spell the end of an active life. If you are experiencing worrisome symptoms or persistent pain, the renowned arthritis specialists at Summit Orthopedics can help. We work with you to confirm a diagnosis and develop an appropriate conservative treatment plan. If nonsurgical treatments fail to support your lifestyle goals, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons will consult with you and discuss appropriate surgical options. Summit is home to innovative joint replacement options. Our Vadnais Heights Surgery Center is one of only two surgery centers nationally to receive The Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement.

Start your journey to healthier joints. Find your arthritis expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a consultation.

Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Plymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.

More resources for you

• Osteoarthritis May Interfere With Your Good Night’s Rest
• Learn more about choosing a mattress to support spine health.
• Watch the video: Can arthritis be prevented?
• Massage: A Luxurious Gift with Health Benefits

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