Sleep Aids for Psoriatic Arthritis
People with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have higher rates of sleep disturbances. Findings vary, but some studies have reported that more than 85% of people with psoriatic arthritis have trouble with sleep.
Several sleep conditions are more common in PsA. People with PsA are more likely to deal with sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome. The joint stiffness, swelling, and pain of PsA can also make it hard to sleep.
Many people with PsA also live with psoriasis. The discomfort and itchy skin of psoriasis can also disturb sleep.
But there are things you can do to support better sleep when you live with PsA.
People with PsA have higher rates of certain sleep conditions. These sleep conditions can be treated with sleep aids.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a movement condition that is typically worst in the evening and when you’re trying to sleep. It causes an uncomfortable sensation in your legs, giving you an intense urge to move them. It can wake you up intermittently, which breaks up your sleep.
People with PsA have higher rates of RLS. One 2019 study compared three groups of 50 people each: one control group, one group with psoriasis, and one group with PsA. In the control group, 14% had RLS. In the group with psoriasis, 20% had RLS. In the group with PsA, 64% also had RLS.
Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing multiple times at night. It prevents you from getting a full, restful sleep.
If you snore or gasp for air while sleeping, a doctor may order a sleep study to find out whether you have sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea also feel excessive fatigue, making it difficult to stay awake during the day.
Researchers have found that psoriasis, PsA, and sleep apnea are very connected. People with sleep apnea are more likely to also have psoriasis or PsA, and people with PsA have higher levels of sleep apnea.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, and it can interfere with quality of life.
Insomnia may be short-term in response to a specific life stressor, or it can also be chronic. Chronic insomnia is defined as having trouble sleeping 3 or more nights per week for at least 3 months.
You may be diagnosed with insomnia if there’s no other reason for sleep disruption.
There are many reasons why psoriasis and PsA may contribute to insomnia. But in general, itchy, uncomfortable skin and painful joints can make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Depression
Depression is a mental health condition that can cause overwhelming feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
People with depression find that it affects all parts of their life. Difficulty sleeping and fatigue are typical symptoms of depression. Depression can also worsen physical pain. If you’re already dealing with joint pain from PsA, depression can make this worse.
In a 2019 literature review of 24 studies, it was found that 20% of participants with PsA had mild depression and 14% had moderate depression.
Living with a chronic disease can take a toll on a person’s mental health. Research suggests that the inflammation of psoriatic arthritis increases the risk of depression.