22 hours sleep and still tired, any suggestions on how to over come needing to sleep for that long?

[Marnie87]

I am off work at the moment with a flare, went to sleep last night and woke up when my mum came in from work this evening. Is there anything I can do as I need to go back to work ASAP (boss is a moo)

Any ideas would b lovely

[Hidden]

Hi Marnie, the thing is if your in a flare then you need the rest and I'm afraid sleep is part of that rest and not something you can really overcome. If you try to overcome it then you begin to fight it and that's something you don't want to do as from my experience the RA will fight back harder!

You need to listen to your body at the moment, resting and paceing etc is all part of dealing with RA.

can't you get signed off work for a while by your GP just until you can get yourself sorted and out of this flare.You need a combination of sleep and rest with a little exercise so your joints don't become any stiffer than they already are.It is early days for you at the moment and this is something you will learn by listening to your body.

Take care

Mandy xx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I did also mean to mention that some pain relief may be making you sleep this long, if you feel that's the case then you need to speak to your GP to alter you levels.

Sleeping 22 hours the odd time won't do anyone any harm but if this is a regular thing then you may need your bloods reviewing again as you may have a vitamin deficiency or anemia (same thing really)

Mandy xx

[Marnie87]

Well I had weds and thurs off last week and dragged myself into work fri,mon,tues which I'm guessing is why I was off again weds and thurs this week. I am in my last week of working for my current company as I have a new job which starts on the 27th, I am leaving my current job as I feel my manager has treated me unfairly due to my RA. I think I am going to rest tomorrow and over the weekend so I can see my last week out. I have regular tests for vit defificeny and anemja as I have Coeliac disease so I think the tiredness is just so do with my RA and my meds on mxt at the mo but going to ask to come off of it at my next dr appointment anyways.

Thanks

M

X

[Hidden]

Hi Marnie

I have the same terrible trouble with fatigue I slept for 3 days recently!

Just had Mabthira so hoping for an improvement

Fiona xx

[Hidden]

I go one way or the oties during a flare I prefer the sleeping loads during a flare as I get over it quicker. I've been the opposite past few weeks and its sending me nuts.

Good luck in your new job.

[Hidden]

boss can be moos or woofs cant they or even silly moos. hope you better soon, had 2 hours due to pain can we do a slight swap or go for 10 hours each xx

[Gina_K]

Hi Marnie,

As above go with the flow, sleep if necessary, your body telling you to stop. Also I think you are quite young? in your 20s? My daughter is mid 20s and can sleep from 6pm to mid day following day, if she is tired and has no medical condition? just has always needed her sleep. Don't worry about it, will be plenty of times when not being able to sleep will be an issue. mayb a multi vit might help or your iron or B12 might be low. Mention to doc & keep record if you are concerned.

zzzzz Gina.

[Hidden in reply to Gina_K]

I agree, can't get my son out of bed half the time especially now his left school. Would sleep all day if I let him.

Mandy xx

[Hidden]

Fatigue, tiredness, too much sleep, lack of sleep is a real problem with RA. What is very important is that you develop a routine which will allow you the rest you need and the chance to maintain a fairly 'normal' schedule.

Sleeping lengthy periods is not good for the joints or general well being really unless you have an acute illness (flu, shingles etc.) or a severe flare. Better to continue with a regular amount of sleep per night (perhaps feet up in the afternoon too) and try to continue throughout the rest of the day. Flares can be better controlled by short rest periods as the joints need to be kept mobilised to avoid stiffening.

As regards meds, Methotrexate is the gold standard treatment for RA and I would be very reluctant to come off it unless this is suggested by your doctor. It can take three months or more to become effective and longer for the full effects to be felt. It is one of the best drugs available for moderate disease.

Hope you feel better soon,

Lyn x