RA fatigue is no joke — studies show people with RA experience fatigue levels four to eight times higher than those without the condition. So if it feels relentless, that's because it genuinely is a major symptom, not just tiredness.
As one myRAteam member put it, "Sometimes I think the fatigue is worse than the pain." Show Full Answer
RA fatigue is no joke — studies show people with RA experience fatigue levels four to eight times higher than those without the condition. So if it feels relentless, that's because it genuinely is a major symptom, not just tiredness.
As one myRAteam member put it, "Sometimes I think the fatigue is worse than the pain." Many others feel the same way.
Here are some ways people manage RA fatigue:
- Exercise gently — stretching, short walks, chair yoga, or water aerobics can actually boost energy levels over time
- Eat for steady energy — smaller meals throughout the day, cutting back on sugar, and staying hydrated can help avoid energy crashes
- Rest without guilt — knowing your limits and taking breaks when needed is self-care, not laziness
- Seek mental health support — cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to help people with RA sleep better, feel less tired, and manage pain more effectively
- Talk to your rheumatologist — most RA medications help reduce fatigue by lowering inflammation, and your doctor can also check for related issues that may be making fatigue worse
One myRAteam member shared a helpful tip: "I do what I can in the morning because if I don't get my chores done early, I'm too tired in the afternoon."
Scheduling tasks around your energy levels can make a real difference in getting through the day.
May 15
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