Be it the infusions, the occasional steroid injection for painful joints...or it might just be another crazy symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. Feeling lethargic, having fatigue and having insomnia is just another painful gift of rheumatoid arthritis.
I've been feeling like this for the past year (I've also been on infusions for a year). Hmm, coincidence? How can it be that you feel tired all day but can't find any sleep during the night? Joint and muscle pains will wake one up from their sleep cycle...and will keep them up for hours. So what to do? I use Advil PM, which is great for the most painful nights. It works just enough for me to get some good sleep.
But I don't want to use ibuprofen every night because...well...I love my liver and want to keep it safe and healthy (milk-thistle people...good for your liver!) And besides, there are those nights when you lay on the couch because you feel tired but not sleepy...you're not ready to commit to the bed ...yet. What then? Here's my little list of get-to-sleep helpful hints (well, it works for me and it's NOT in any particular order):
1. I turn down the thermostat. Anywhere between 66-69 degrees. Makes we want to get in those cozy warm covers.
2. Put away the devices an hour before your bedtime (read a book instead).
3. Drink some chamomile tea with manuka honey while you read that book. Manuka honey has great health benefits.
4. Turn on a small fan or buy a natural sounds device (white noise does wonders!)
5. Tart cherry juice (an hour before bed). I heard it helps kids sleep...adults too.
6. Hot shower or bath before bed.
7. Use essential oils in combination with any body cream you already use. (Always consult doctor /test a little on your skin to check for any reactions).
8. If your significant other is nice enough to do so....get a foot massage...arm massage...shoulder massage.
9. If number 8 isn't an option, you can purchase a foot massager. :)
10. If all else fails...hello Advil PM...
Once again, these are things that work for me and might not work for everyone else. I hope and pray that you all find your great sleep routine! :)
