Sleeping and rheumatoid arthritis?

Question

Hi. My mom has had RA for almost 10 years now and recently, I mean beginning this year, she has been very drowsy. She falls asleep quickly and wakes up 30 minutes to an hour later as if she's completely energized, then she goes back to sleep again after another 30 minutes or so. She does this all day and ALL night. She's not taking any RA medications or pain medications. (occasionally she takes hydrocodone when it gets really bad, but she really loathes taking meds now so she just stopped) She just recently started doing this and I was wondering if this could be related to the disease, is it something to be concerned about? Thank you!

Answer 1

I've had arthritis and other related conditions for 30 years, but have never experienced any fatigue that hits with that regularity. Plus, when I do get worn out and have to rest, I don't come back with a lot of energy. This sounds like something else is going on.

I think you should take her to a doctor and see if they can find out what's going on. It could be chronic fatigue, as someone above mentioned, fibromyalgia, diabetes or a sleep disorder, specifically Narcolepsy. This could be serious so I wouldn't put off getting her some medical attention.

If she doesn't get any definitive results and treatment from the mainstream medical community you might want to try an Integrative Medicine team. They work with the patient to a more personal degree, and use treatments from both traditional medicine and from alternative sources that are backed up by science. They've done wonders for me.

Hope she feels better soon.

Answer 2

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. It's the result of your immune system attacking your joints. It is not caused by sleep positions. You may just be experiencing growing pains. If this continues, tell your parents and see a doctor to make sure there's nothing serious going on.

Answer 3

It seems like she is falling asleep like this R/T the improper use of medications. I say this because she is in enormous pain and everyone react to pain differently. It appears that she is putting her body through SHOCK by not taking her meds. Although there is not much that can be done about RA she can still take meds and the pain med. Motrin is also good to help with the pain. Try some homeopathic remedies for her also. Warm sitz bath, hot climates and heating pads are beneficial. If your mom is an older lady its even harder to convince her to take meds. HOWEVER SHE MIGHT NEED TO GO TO THE DR. here sleep pattern isn't normal !!!!!!!!!!

Answer 4

It sounds like something for concern. I think you ought to have the doctor look at her. Also find out how much of the medication she is taking and make sure she's now over medicating herself. I know one thing that she can try if her legs give her pain and she doesn't want to take medicine. Try an electric blanket on them. It will increase the circulation and possibly could help without taking meds. She might also have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and that is another diagnosis than that of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Answer 5

Imagine for a moment your arthritis completely vanishing right now.

If, in a moment, your pain and stiffness melted away. And your joints all of a sudden functioned like a well-oiled machine.

Like a magic wand was waived, you'd be able to jump up from your chair and run around the room like a kid.

And imagine that you'd never have to suffer as much as a pinch of arthritis stiffness or pain ever again.

I know this sounds impossible right now, but bear with me, because sometimes miracles happen.

It was a gift from a woman on the other side of the world. From the kindness of her heart, she took pity on my suffering and taught me how to completely reverse my arthritis.

Today, I want to do the same for you!

Answer 6

She needs to be evaluated by a medical docctor as soon as possible. You did not mention her age, but RA is a serious disease that can affect not only the joints but other areas of the body, as you probably already know. Hyrdocodone doe sindeed make one drowsy and she may be over medicating, or it may be something else entirely. She needs to get to the doctor for a complete evaluation.. Hydrocodone is also addicting.

Answer 7

If she is refreshed by this, it is right for her.
My mom had RA for about ten years and then got lung cancer. RA is a terrible thing. I hope your mother has found some nutritional or other things to help her stay well. Napping can be good too.

One thing that I want to pass along is that if you eat fresh fruit or vegetables to begin your meals, it prevents the inflammatory response that comes from eating many foods.
RA is called the "cooked food" disease and eating raw foods can improve it somewhat.

My best advise is to enjoy your mother while she is here with you! Don't worry about her schedule if she is feeling well and not tired. It could be very freeing for her to sleep like this.

Answer 8

I have fibromyalgia and CFS.I was falling asleep in mid-sentence and while doing things but the muscles spasms would wake me up a few min later.so I was sleeping all the time and always exhausted.I started reliv 5 months ago and it has really helped.I am no longer falling asleep while doing things and my pain is alot better.If you want more info e-mail me....

Answer 9

Yes atigue is different in each person.. i can sleep for 30 minutes and feel better for a while... and i drop off in like minutes of lying down.

if you would like more info from RA sufferers specifically, check out te forum at 4ratalk.com... we are a great group of people who are full of entertainment and insight!

good luck!

Answer 10

Chronic fatigue is a common complaint of people with arthritis and rheumatic diseases. Risk factors that may cause or contribute to fatigue include: poor sleep, chronic pain, stress, depression, anxiety, inflammation, inactivity, diet, and drug side effects. Learn more about living and coping with fatigue.