In an article published on LIVESTRONG.com, experts shared recommendations to help patients with psoriatic arthritis sleep well. The experts explained that symptoms such as itchy skin and painful, stiff joints can worsen overnight, making it harder to sleep. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and 2 days of muscle strengthening activity per week. The experts suggested that patients should exercise during the day—choosing low-impact activities like walking that are often easy on the joints—because regular movement can lead to deeper and more restorative sleep at night. Relaxation techniques such as gentle breathing can help reduce stress and prepare the mind for rest prior to sleeping. The experts advised patients to apply topical creams or balms like hydrocortisone on psoriatic plaques to combat itchiness and increase comfort when sleeping. Patients can also try over-the-counter pain relievers, including acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to relieve pain at home. Heat or cold therapy may further relieve symptoms of swelling, inflammation, and stiff joints and can be applied multiple times per day. Applying heat or cold therapy in approximately 15- to 20-minute sessions before bed may induce relaxation and make it easier to sleep. Further, choosing comfortable bedding with a supportive mattress or cooling sheets may provide additional relief from psoriatic arthritis–related insomnia. The experts concluded that patients who still experience sleeplessness despite at-home strategies should consult a rheumatologist.
June 30, 2023