Looking for anyone that can tell me if thier child with RA has sleeping problems and if so, what does the Dr. prescribe to help them sleep?

[sonwithRA]

Melatonin doesnt work.

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Amitriptyline works well for me and it says on the sheet that it is non addictive and has sedative properties but is used for chronic pain and sometimes to help children with bed wetting problems because it also suppresses the nerve that makes you want to pee I think? TTx

[Hidden]

I take amitriptiline too and zoplicolne on bad nites but this can be adictive so dont take unless I really need,

How old is your child?

I really hate to see kids suffer with this horid illness and would gladly take the extra pain to ease theres x take care off both off you x must be so hard to see your child suffer xx

[sonwithRA]

he is 13. Diagnosed Nov. 2010. he is so tired all the time, and can't sleep. His Rheumy said we should try a sleep study.... dont think that is the case, and I dont want to subject him to anymore unnecessary tests. Do you have to get a script for amitriptiline? thanks for advice. Anything I can do to ease my son's discomfortness I will try!

[helixhelix]

Hi there,

Have you also thought about his bed? I find that a lot of the time it's really hard to get comfortable enough to go to sleep as limbs really ache, and when you move you get sharp pains etc etc. Anyway, I got a mattress topper & better pillow and that's really helped. Some people with RA find the memory foam toppers horrid, so it's a really individual thing. But maybe worth taking him to a shop to try some out?

[sonwithRA in reply to helixhelix]

thanks, I will look into this

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Hi there sonwithRA

We are in the process of developing a Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) branch of NRAS at the moment as we currently have very little information on the juvinile form of RA. However another charity, Arthritis Care, have a section on their website and a specific helpline for young people with arthritis and their parents. They may be able to offer you more information on sleep problems, specifically in young people: arthritiscare.org.uk/Living...

You may also find it interesting to read our, 'Guide to getting a good night's sleep' to see if there are any tips that may be useful for your son:

nras.org.uk/about_rheumatoi...

Kind regards

Sarah Kate

NRAS Helpline