Is excessive sleep and fatigue common with rheumatoid arthritis?
You're definitely not alone in feeling like you could sleep endlessly. Extreme fatigue is a very common symptom of RA, and many people experience exactly what you're describing.
A myRAteam member shared a similar experience, mentioning they need 10-13 hours Show Full Answer
Is excessive sleep and fatigue common with rheumatoid arthritis?
You're definitely not alone in feeling like you could sleep endlessly. Extreme fatigue is a very common symptom of RA, and many people experience exactly what you're describing.
A myRAteam member shared a similar experience, mentioning they need 10-13 hours of sleep and still feel exhausted. Another member described coming home from work or school, eating dinner, and falling asleep by 9 PM, only to wake up still feeling drained.
This level of fatigue can be a sign that your RA is flaring or that your current treatment isn't controlling inflammation as well as it should. One member's rheumatologist expressed concern about their degree of fatigue and identified it as an indicator of active disease.
If you're sleeping 12-15 hours and still waking up exhausted, it's worth discussing with your rheumatologist. This kind of persistent, debilitating fatigue may mean:
- Your RA needs better control
- Your current medications may need adjustment
- You might be experiencing a flare
Don't hesitate to bring this up at your next appointment. Your quality of life matters, and there may be treatment adjustments that could help improve your energy levels.
December 30, 2025