Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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Insomnia

ELT452
ELT452
Is it just me or are there lots of other tired arthritics out there? I don't know if its because of pain or just "because" but i rarely if ever can get more than 4 to 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep. I have tried, reading, warm milk(ugh) special teas(they made me have to pee in the middle of then night), over the counter sleep aids, tylenol pm, walmart brand(better) and melatonin(not sure how many mgs, but 10 did nothing). Any ideas? I hate to go to the doc for a prescription because I am always worried to over tax my liver, since I haven't had any problems so far Thanks Elaine
deleted_user
deleted_user
I should say at directed dosage it doesn't have many side effects, it also helps with anxiety.
ELT452
ELT452
Well I bought the valerian root capsules and took them as directed....slept maybe 3 to 4 hours last night...Will try again tonight I suppose.
depotblue
depotblue
my work days are far away from home and long with a commute on either side. i can put my head on my desk but that is uncomfortable. has anyone had any success taking help only on the weekends? or with any aid that doesn't make them fall asleep on their commute to work in the morning? i want to ask my primary but I'm shy of the break in period and would like one that has minimal carry over into morning or throughout the day affects.

thank you!

Ros
ELT452
ELT452
Well night 2 with Valerian Root Capsules....no sleep oops minimal sleep 3 to 4 very restless interrupted sleep. Feel into a deep sleep about 4AM and then the alarm went off at 5!!!!! Very tired at the moment but need to gte busy packing lunches etc!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Same here...going on for over a year. I have tried everything as far sleep aids are concerned but nothing. I gave up! I sleep whenever sleep catches up with me sometimes it's three or four days later.

It's absolutely no fun...adds to the constant fatigue. It's frustrating for the family when I have to opt out of activities because am exhausted physically but mentally bright eyed and bushy tail....

Dr Oz mention passion flower...found a bottle at GNC for $12.99 ...giving it a try.


off to take a nap... ;)
ELT452
ELT452
Well $8.99 for 100 valerian Root capsules which I have taken 9 and shared 6 with one girl at work(not effective for her too)... Tonight I am tired!!!! I am almost at the point of asking for something next doctor visit!!
bigiblue
bigiblue
alot of it may be hormonal. It was for me and as I went to the Menopause site, someone suggested Progesterone Cream. I bought it 3 years ago from the Dr. Lee website. It helped me alot in those times before RA. I still take it and sometimes I will sleep all the through the night.
bigi
deleted_user
deleted_user
Elaine, Do you take prednisone? If so that may be the culprit. I cannot tolerate prednisone because it gives me insomnia.

In case you don't take prednisone and that isn't the problem, you may want to talk to your doctor about amitriptlyne. I have been having a lot of foot pain and rther than give me more pain killers I just asked to help get some sleep so I wouldn't feel the pain. 50mg of amitriptlyne does the trick.

Again, if you take prednisone that may be the culprit. Good luck and sweet dreams! marcia
deleted_user
deleted_user
I take Prednisone and I wake up at 4-5:00AM every morning. I never could get a good night's sleep. My daughter, who is a nurse practitioner suggested I take 1 or 2 'over-the-counter' Benadryl before bed, when I am having lots of trouble with sleep.
I have to say, it works beautifully for me! I try not to get too accostomed to it, by taking it too often, so I only take it when I know I'm having a really tough time, or when I have something early to be up for the next day (I have trouble getting to sleep when I know I have to be up very early).
Anyway, just an idea for some of you folks. If used occasionally it's a real help. Happy sleeping all!
Hey, whatever works and is safe, I'm all for.
Sue