Tips for a Better Sleep
Sleep is a crucial aspect of managing AS/AxSpa, yet many of us face sleep troubles due to pain and discomfort. Let's discuss how AS/AxSpa affects your sleep patterns and share tips and strategies that have helped you achieve a better night's rest. What works for you in managing pain-related sleep disturbances, and do you have any sleep hygiene practices or products that have made a difference? Share your experiences and insights on improving sleep quality, and let's help each other get the rest we need to thrive with AS/AxSpa.
Besides not finding comfort in a nice bed, mattress, pillow or a position, I am curious if any one else finds themselves grinding their teeth while sleeping (I have to wear a grinding guard) or clenching/balling their hands into fists until they physically hurt in the morning. I feel like I am just so miserable at night I clench in pain. My hands are arthritic to start with, and now they hurt from clenching and at times are numb, asleep. Just curious 🤔
They make "nighttime" hand braces for carpal tunnel syndrome. They are soft and most have padded or beanbag material in the palms. Designed to keep your fingers relatively straight. I found they helped keep my fingers from hurting so much, clenching softness is much better.
I also sleep with a large body pillow. I sleep on my side, pillow between my legs and arms. Everything is supported, padded, and comfy as I can get. Solved a lot of pain caused by my body parts pressing on each other (knees/ankles are not padded!) and pain/numbness caused by arms/legs "drooping" when side sleeping.
I did a lot of teeth grinding when I was younger. Actually wore down some tooth surfaces. I wore a mouth guard, created by my dentist, for years. I was told it was a "stress" issue, and had to give up all caffeine. After a lot of 'meditative' solutions that didn't work (type A personality), the solution for me was a gentle Pilates workout/stretching routine every night about 2 hours before bed. Apparently, I needed to bleed off some of my daily frustrations and misery before bed...
Hang in there...Just wanted to chime in and say thank you for sharing all of this! It sounds like you've found quite a few ways to make nighttime a little more comfortable, from supporting your body while side sleeping to finding ways to ease some of that tension before bed. I especially appreciate you sharing your experience with teeth grinding and the things that helped you over time. Hopefully some of these ideas give others in the community something to discuss with their own healthcare providers and explore for themselves! -Kimberli (Team Member)
Alternating various sleep medications and a heating pad
I can not sleep without my heating pad! So I definitely agree there. Out of the sleep medications you've tried, which one has been the most helpful for you? -Latoya (Team Member)
Magnesium oil rubbed on the soles of your feet help with sleep
That's interesting! Where did you learn this? Thank you for sharing. All the best, Kathy (team member)
I’m relieved to hear that I am not alone in these pain dreams. Mine are so vivid that I awake in a fit of painful terror and my screaming actually wakes me! It takes me hours to calm down and my pain levels are greatly increased the following day.
I can only imagine how draining it must be to wake up like that, especially when it leaves you in more pain. It’s hard enough dealing with the pain during the day, but then to have it affect your sleep like that too... that's rough. Have you tried anything to help with the dreams or ease the pain when you wake up? I know it’s not easy, but I’m hoping you find something that helps! -Latoya (Team Member)
