Psoriatic Arthritis – 5 Tips For Better Sleep

Psoriatic arthritis is associated with a host of symptoms that reduce quality of life. Therefore, patients must follow various strategies that allow them to minimize them. Today we want to introduce you to some tips to help you sleep better if you suffer from psoriatic arthritis .

According to research by Dr. By Kristina Callis Duffin, professor of dermatology at the University of Utah, the itching and pain that accompany this disease can lead to poor sleep quality. This in turn increases stress and exhaustion for the rest of the day.

In addition, patients with this type of condition are at risk of developing higher-order sleep disorders such as sleep apnea syndrome. What measures help reduce it? Later in the article, we will share some key recommendations with you. So read carefully!

What is psoriatic arthritis?

Before we get into the details of how to sleep better, we’ll take a closer look at the disease itself. If you have psoriatic arthritis, it is important to briefly review the basic concepts associated with this condition. Psoriatic arthritis is a condition in which pain and swelling caused by inflammation in your joints combine with psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a skin disease that symptoms include red, scaly patches on the skin all over your body and on the scalp. It is estimated that 30% of psoriasis cases correspond to psoriatic arthritis.  In this disease, however, we can distinguish several subtypes:

• Symmetrical polyarticular form: This type of psoriatic arthritis affects the same joints on both sides of the body. Its symptoms are similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
• Asymmetric sparrowed form: affects one joint or joints only on one side of the body. The joints are clearly red.
• Distal phalangeal arthropathy: This involves the finger joints near the nails.
• Axial form, or arthritis of the spine : affects the spine and can cause painful movements.
• Psoriatic Mutilans Arthritis: This is one of the most severe forms of psoriatic arthritis. May cause deformation of the hands and feet.

Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis

However, the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis can vary from person to person. In fact, they may appear intermittently. They are mild in some periods, and worsen in others. The most common are:

• Inflammation and sensitivity in the joints
• Morning stiffness
• Muscle pain
• Psoriatic scales on the skin
• Psoriatic scales on the scalp
• Fatigue
• Separation of the nail from the nail bed
• Redness of the eyes (conjunctivitis)

Relationship of psoriatic arthritis with sleep

A 2017 study found that 84% of psoriatic arthritis patients suffer from poor sleep quality. Symptoms such as itching, pain from skin damage, and stress significantly increase the discomfort that prevents a healthy sleep.

Although this disease is not the direct cause of insomnia, its side effects can shorten your recovery period. Often, patients also have problems falling asleep at the normal time or often wake up from sleep. In addition, they are more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea.

Tips for better sleep

If you suffer from psoriatic arthritis, you need to incorporate some strategies into your daily habits to sleep better. In fact, many of them are also recommended by your doctor during routine checkups.

Do you also suffer from these ailments? Do you have sleep problems? So be sure to consider the following tips:

1. Wear comfortable clothes

While it may seem insignificant, choosing the right clothes can greatly improve your sleep quality if you have psoriatic arthritis. To keep dry and itchy skin under control, choose loose-fitting cotton or silk clothes. These delicate materials actually prevent skin irritation while resting.

2. Use hot and cold therapies

Thermal therapy is one way to relax your joints before going to bed. For some people, cold temperature works better, while for others it works better with heat. Try both options and choose the one that will bring you the most relaxation. And even if you prefer, you can alternate the two temperatures.

3. Don’t forget to moisturize your skin

Applying creams and oils before going to bed will help keep your skin hydrated for longer and reduce discomfort.

One of the easiest measures to manage skin symptoms is to moisturize your skin regularly. If your symptoms worsen at night, it may be a good idea to apply a moisturizer just before going to bed. Also try natural moisturizers like coconut oil or shea butter.

4. Apply the relaxation technique

Yoga, meditation, and other relaxation methods are great ways to get better sleep if you have psoriatic arthritis. These treatments help to relax your joints and reduce the stress of bothersome symptoms. You can use them in practice about 30 minutes before going to bed.

5. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy helps the body relax naturally.

Aromatherapy is used as an adjunct to treatment to reduce the symptoms of many diseases. Due to their properties, some essential oils are a good way to reduce stress and other ailments related to psoriatic arthritis. The use of oils can even reduce pain.

Remember to use fragrances such as:

• Lavender
• Chamomile
• Mint
• Lemon
• Sandal tree
• Rosemary

Finally, be sure to talk to your doctor about sleep problems caused by psoriatic arthritis. It is very important to evaluate the possibility of obstructive sleep apnea. This condition requires special attention and, in fact, it is generally necessary to administer appropriate medications.