A study conducted last year demonstrated a connection between the levels of pain those with Rheumatoid Arthritis experienced and the quality of sleep they got – as well as their mood during the day.
Prior to this research, it was thought that there was a connection between pain and quality of sleep. However, this had only been measured with individuals that did not perpetually experience pain throughout the day.
By assessing the levels of a normal patient’s pain versus those with Rheumatoid Arthritis, doctors were able to determine that experiencing interruptions (small amounts of light were used to “interrupt” subjects’ normal rest) of sleep during the night contributed to a higher level of pain the next day. Additionally, it led to an increase in feelings of depression, anxiety, and fatigue in those with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Scores of Americans know the feeling of arthritis-induced pain, and how it can affect their mood throughout a busy day. Analyzing quality of one’s sleep could be a step in the right direction for those hoping to minimize the distressing symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
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