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People with psoriatic arthritis tend to have trouble sleeping, and that makes their symptoms worse. So how to overcome insomnia because of psoriatic arthritis?1. How does psoriatic arthritis affect the patient's health?
Psoriatic arthritis belongs to the group of seronegative spondyloarthritis. This disease affects many organs in the body, from the immune system and digestive system to the large joints in the lower extremities, joints of the fingers, toes and spine. Psoriatic arthritis often causes insomnia for patients.
2. Some remedies for insomnia because of psoriatic arthritis 2.1. Maintain proper sleep Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to put the body clock in the best rhythm. Start by turning off all electronic devices with screens 1 hour before you return. This will help you start thinking about sleep. Instead, you can listen to soothing music.
2.2. Relaxation to overcome insomnia due to arthritis You can relax with regular exercise . It will help you relieve pain and stiffness. But stick to a slow, gentle pace at night. You can also stretch after bathing or showering with warm water. By doing this can help you sleep easier and reduce stress the next morning.
Yoga is also ideal as it is both a way of reducing stress and stretching the body. Another option is tai chi. The specialist can create a program for you to do at home.
2.3. Create a fresh bedroom space You redecorate your bedroom according to your personal taste to get a feeling of relaxation every time you step in. Make your bedroom just for sleep - without any other devices interfering. You can use an air purifier to keep your bedroom fresh. If the air is dry, add humidity with a humidifier. It is advisable to use blinds so that the sun does not wake you up too early.
2.4. Use pain relievers Consult your doctor about medications you can take at bedtime, such as Aspirin or Acetaminophen for painful joints. For another alternative, try heat and cold therapy to see which works best. Heat or ice packs can soothe painful swollen joints as well as itchy patches of skin.
2.5. Acupressure relieves pain With acupressure, you use your fingers or even a tennis ball to press on acupuncture points on the body and hold for a few minutes to relieve pain. To combat overall pain, try the position between the big toe and the 2nd toe on the top of your foot.
2.6. Soothe the itch If you have psoriasis, don't let the itch flare up while you sleep. Moisturize with a special cream after showering or before going to bed. Ask your doctor if you can double the amount of hydrocortisone cream or vitamin D.
Wear loose cotton or silk clothes so that they don't cause irritation when they come in contact with your skin. Check different types of sheets and pillows to make sure they're clean before bed.
2.7. Cotton Gloves What keeps you awake in the middle of the night is scratching, not itching. So keep your nails short. To really limit your exposure to your skin, wear cotton gloves to bed. If psoriasis is already present on your nails and applying a cream is part of your treatment, gloves will also help keep the nail in place.
2.8. Reduce stress Anxiety about illness and not being able to sleep can develop on its own. Deep breathing along with mindfulness practice or meditation will help you relax. Focus your thoughts on a happy image. This can help you manage your emotions and sleep better.
2.9. Aromatherapy Use your favorite scent to keep your mind calm and peaceful. Try using a scented candle (before you go to bed) or an essential oil diffuser. In one study of people with constant pain, aromatherapy even eased the pain.
2.10. Sip a favorite beverage Your favorite drink can help you relax and feel drowsy. However, alcohol will interfere with deep sleep. It can also interfere with some psoriatic arthritis medications and worsen side effects. Chamomile tea, lotus tea, .. are some good suggestions for your sleep.
2.11. Changing your medication If medication isn't enough to control symptoms that keep you up at night, talk to your doctor. Another dose or medication may give you enough relief to finally rest. Some people in studies that have tested the effectiveness of drugs called biologics, which work to slow disease, also have better sleep.
2.12. Positive self-talk Depression has been linked to psoriatic arthritis and keeps you from sleeping well. A therapist can show you ways to improve your mood and quality of sleep. An approach to mind problems called cognitive behavioral therapy helps you see the challenges of your condition in a more positive light. You can practice on your own before going to bed.
Psoriatic arthritis makes you more likely to have other conditions related to sleep problems. These include sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, TMJ disorders, and fibromyalgia, especially sleep apnea. Hopefully with the information, it has partly helped those of you who are suffering from insomnia because of psoriatic arthritis find a suitable improvement method.
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