April 2025

RHEUMATOLOGY

SLEEP STRATEGIES FOR PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

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Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent in patients with rheumatic disease, affecting 55% to 80% of people.

Yvonne C. Lee, MD offers effective sleep management strategies to help improve your patients' sleep quality. 

Key Takeaways
  • Effective sleep management generally requires a combination of strategies rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
  • The foundation of sleep management should focus on non-pharmacologic strategies.
  • Some data suggests poor sleep is linked to more pain and arthritis symptoms, highlighting the importance of effective sleep management.

Prevalence of Sleep Disorders
Up to two-thirds of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients may meet criteria for at least one sleep disorder.
  • 43% of patients experience short sleep
  • 30% of patients shave restless leg syndrome
  • 21% of patients are diagnosed with or at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea

How Poor Sleep Affects Disease Activity
Poor sleep can exacerbate RA symptoms. Studies show acute sleep deprivation correlating to more pain and arthritis symptoms the following day.

​Effective Sleep Management Strategies
Non-pharmacologic strategies are the bedrock of sleep management.
Effective sleep management strategies may include:
  • Encouraging patients to educate themselves on sleep hygiene.
    • Have consistent sleep and wake times
    • Maintain a quiet, dark and cool sleep environment (60 to 70 degrees F)
  • Referring patients for cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia at a sleep medicine center or with an occupational therapist specializing in sleep management.
  • Encouraging regular exercise or more physical activity, which may improve sleep quality.
Yvonne C. Lee, MD, Helen Myers McLoraine Professor of Rheumatology and Associate Professor of Rheumatology and Epidemiology at Northwestern Medicine

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