Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory joint condition that causes swelling, pain, and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthrits is an autoimmune disorder that can lead to serious fatigue.
More than 50% of people with RA experience high levels of mental and physical exhaustion.
RA fatigue can make it difficult to get through your daily activities at home or work. RA fatigue may have more of an impact on your daily life than the pain associated with RA.
Why Does RA Cause Fatigue?
Several factors may contribute to RA fatigue.
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The inflammation that causes joint pain and swelling may leave you feeling drained.
Being in constant chronic pain can cause you to be less physically active. Chronic pain may also cause depression, which may lead to fatigue.
Some people with RA have difficulty sleeping at night, which can cause daytime exhaustion.
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How to Fight RA Fatigue
RA fatigue may feel overwhelming, but treatments exist to help provide relief.
- Online or in-person support groups: Sharing your experiences with others may help relieve stress and feelings of isolation. Online groups include the RA Symptoms Forum and the RA Support Group on Facebook.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT may help you fight fatigue by showing you how to recognize and change negative thoughts and behaviors. Some studies suggest coping skills have a positive effect on RA that may last over a year.
- Antidepressants: Antidepressants or psychostimulants may help increase your energy.
- Vitamins: Your doctor may suggest that you take vitamins to boost your nutrient intake.
- Prednisone: Recent studies show that early and intensive treatment with drugs like prednisone may help relieve RA fatigue and fight inflammation.
Follow-Up Tips
If you have rheumatoid arthritis fatigue, the following tips may help you manage it.
Revise Your Schedule
Adapt your schedule to help control fatigue. Your daily schedule should depend on your personal needs. Decide what is the best time for you to rest and sleep.
You might consider starting your daily routine a few hours later than usual so you can sleep in. Sleeping in may have a positive effect on RA-related morning stiffness.
Another option is to plan an afternoon rest time. A midday nap provides some people with RA the energy they need to power through the rest of their day.
Talk with your doctor about how revising your schedule can help with RA fatigue.
Balance Rest with Activity
When you have RA, getting adequate rest is particularly important. However, it’s still crucial to your health to be active.
Doing too little physical activity can lead to fatigue, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Do some light exercise every day to keep your joints in shape and avoid muscle deterioration.
Physical activity can help people with RA manage their fatigue. Regular exercise can also make it easier to get a good night of sleep.
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Look at Your Sleep Schedule
People with RA may have special challenges when it comes to sleep. You may experience:
- Having a hard time falling asleep due to pain
- Waking up due to pain before you’ve gotten enough sleep
- Waking up frequently from pain while trying to sleep
Difficulty sleeping at night can make you feel drowsier during the day. Consider resting and taking daytime naps.
If you’ve already tried to make lifestyle changes, such as exercising daily and changing your rest schedule, talk to your doctor about sleep aids and evaluation for sleep apnea.
Prioritize Wisely
Those with RA may tire more easily than those without it. Try to make choices about how to spend your time and energy efficiently.
Conserve your energy by skipping certain physically strenuous activities. Conserving your energy during the day may make it easier to do other more important activities later on.
Conclusion
It’s important to address your rheumatoid arthritis fatigue. By consulting with your doctor and following these tips, you’ll have a better chance of managing your RA and enjoying your daily life.
