6 Ways to Keep Psoriatic Arthritis Fatigue in Check

Fatigue is a common problem for people with psoriatic arthritis. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, some studies indicate that half of all psoriatic arthritis patients have moderate-to-severe fatigue.

Why does psoriatic arthritis cause fatigue?

When you have this disease, your body makes proteins called cytokines that cause inflammation. These proteins, which can make your joints swell and become painful or stiff, cause fatigue. Doctors are unsure why fatigue occurs, but it may be a result of your body using energy when a flare happens. When you experience a flare, your immune system attacks your joints instead of fighting an infection.

Another cause of the fatigue could be because the joint pain and skin rashes caused by psoriatic arthritis may be keeping you from getting a good night's sleep. If you are having trouble falling or staying asleep, consult with your doctor. They may provide you with some medication that will help you get some much-needed rest.

How to keep fatigue in check

In the meantime, there are some lifestyle changes you can make that may boost your energy and make you feel better. They include the following:

1. Exercise

Exercising regularly can help ease pain and boost energy as well as help you sleep better. Try doing exercises like swimming and walking for relief.

2. Eat healthy

Eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet will provide your body with the fuel it needs. Opt for lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid sugars or starchy items that give you a short-term lift and then leave you drained.

3. Get plenty of sleep

Although this is the obvious answer, we realize that for psoriatic arthritis patients getting the appropriate amount of sleep isn't always easy.

To combat this, here are some tips:

Set a sleep schedule: Your body needs a set bedtime, so try to go to bed and wake up every day at the same time. Try utilizing your alarm clocks to help with this.
Skip caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol before bedtime: Although you may think these will help you relax, they can actually make it harder to fall asleep.
Don’t eat for 2 to 3 hours before bedtime: Eating a big meal before bed may cause stomach gas that can keep you awake at night.
Relax before bedtime: There are a number of ways you can relax before bedtime and take your mind off of whatever may have caused you stress during the day. This list includes taking a soothing, warm bath to ease your joint pain and stiffness, listening to soft music or reading a book.
Make your bedroom for sleep only: Try removing any distractions such as your TV, computer, cellphone, etc. You should also keep your room dark, quiet, and cool.
Use comfortable, supportive bedding: Make sure your mattress and pillows are comfy and supportive. The wrong mattress and pillows can not only cause a lack of sleep, they can also make your pain worse.

Furthermore, if you have a sleep disorder, you should seek treatment.

4. Pace yourself

You should prioritize your to-dos throughout the week. This will help you accomplish everything you need to when you are feeling low on energy.

5. Journal

Journaling what causes your fatigue and when you experience it most will help you get a clear picture of how your body responds. It may also be helpful to share with your doctor so that they can get you the appropriate treatments.

6. Rule out other causes

Psoriatic arthritis can be accompanied by fibromyalgia, depression and anxiety. All also have the ability to cause fatigue.

Lastly, remember to take your medications to ease inflammation and pain as prescribed by your doctor.

Setting reminders on your phone may help. If you take your medications properly, your fatigue should be minimized.

However, in some cases, your medication may be the blame for your fatigue. In that case, you should ask your doctor about changing or adjusting your medication. You should never adjust or stop taking your medication on your own.

By Jessica Daniels, BDO Staff Writer | Published November 16, 2021