How To Sleep Better If You Have Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is accompanied by symptoms that reduce the patient’s quality of life. Therefore, patients need to follow a series of strategies that allow them to alleviate the negative effects. Today, we’ll look at some tips to help you sleep better if you have psoriatic arthritis.

According to a study by Dr. Kristina Callis Duffin, a professor of dermatology at the University of Utah, the itching and pain that this condition causes can lead to poor quality sleep. This, in turn, increases stress and causes exhaustion during the day. In addition, these patients are at risk for more serious sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea.

What is psoriatic arthritis?

Before going into detail on how to sleep better if you have psoriatic arthritis, it is important to briefly discuss the basics of the disease. Psoriatic arthritis is a condition that combines joint pain and swelling with psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a skin disease characterized by the presence of scaly red spots on the skin and scalp. It is estimated that 30% of psoriasis cases are associated with psoriatic arthritis.

There are several subtypes of this relentless condition:

• Symmetrical: This type of arthritis affects the same joints on both sides of the body. Its symptoms are similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
• Asymmetrical: It affects one or more joints on the same side of the body. The patient may also experience redness in the joint area.

• Predominantly distal interphalangeal (PID): This affects the joints near the nails.
• Spondylitis: This involves the spine and causes pain when moving.

Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis

Symptoms may vary from person to person. In fact, they may manifest intermittently. Sometimes they can be mild, other times they can get significantly worse.

The most common symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are:

• Inflammation and stiffening of the joints
• Numbness on waking
• Muscle aches
• Scaly patches on the skin
• Scalp scaly
• Fatigue
• Splitting the nail from the root
• Redness in the eyes (conjunctivitis)

Psoriatic arthritis and sleep

According to recent studies, complications of psoriatic arthritis can affect the quality of sleep. A study conducted in 2017 found that 84% of patients with psoriatic arthritis have poor quality sleep.

Symptoms such as itching, pain and stress can significantly affect the quality of sleep. Although not a direct cause of insomnia, the effects of psoriatic arthritis can affect rest. Patients often have trouble sleeping uninterrupted. They also have a higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea.

How to sleep better if you have psoriatic arthritis

To sleep better if you have psoriatic arthritis, it is necessary to resort to certain strategies. In fact, your doctor may recommend them to you during the check-up.

1. Wear comfortable clothes

Cotton fibers are breathable and thus prevent skin discomfort. Although it may seem irrelevant, choosing the right clothes can help you sleep better if you have psoriatic arthritis. To keep skin dry and itchy under control, choose cotton or silk clothes. These materials prevent skin irritation while you rest.

2. Try low and high temperature therapy

Temperature therapy is a way to relax the joints before bed. The cold temperature works best for some people, while the warm temperature works best for others. Try them both and choose the one that suits you best. If you prefer, alternate both temperatures.

3. Moisturize your skin

Applying creams and oils before bed will help keep your skin hydrated and reduce the discomfort felt.

One of the easiest steps to keep your skin symptoms under control is to moisturize your skin regularly. If your symptoms tend to get worse at night, you should use a moisturizer before bed. Opt for natural alternatives, such as coconut oil or shea butter.

4. Use relaxation techniques

Yoga, meditation and other relaxation techniques are excellent alternatives that will help you sleep better if you have psoriatic arthritis. These therapies promote joint relaxation and reduce the stress derived from symptoms. You can practice them 30 minutes before bed.

5. Take advantage of aromatherapy

Aromatherapy relaxes the body. You can take advantage of the benefits of aromatherapy to reduce the symptoms of many diseases. Due to the properties of some essential oils, you will be able to reduce the stress and other discomforts caused by psoriatic arthritis. Aromatherapy can also help relieve pain. Make sure you use essential oils, such as:

• Lavender
• camomile
• Mint
• lemon
• Sandalwood
• rosemary

Don’t forget to talk to your doctor about sleep problems you have due to psoriatic arthritis. It is very important that he checks to see if you are also suffering from obstructive sleep apnea.