Are your arms falling asleep at night? This is a frustrating experience, and for someone living with RA, there are a few possible reasons this might be happening.
RA-related inflammation can affect joints, nerves, and circulation, which may contribute to that numb or "pins and needles" feeling in the arms during sleep Show Full Answer
Are your arms falling asleep at night? This is a frustrating experience, and for someone living with RA, there are a few possible reasons this might be happening.
RA-related inflammation can affect joints, nerves, and circulation, which may contribute to that numb or "pins and needles" feeling in the arms during sleep. Poor sleep positioning combined with inflamed joints can put extra pressure on nerves, making this worse.
Here are some things that may help:
- Try adjusting your sleep position to reduce pressure on your arms and shoulders
- Use supportive pillows to keep joints in a comfortable, neutral position
- Talk to your rheumatologist, as better RA disease control can reduce inflammation that may be contributing to the issue
- Ask about whether restless legs syndrome or sleep apnea (both linked to RA) could be playing a role in disrupting your sleep overall
It's worth bringing this up with your doctor, especially if it's happening regularly. It could be related to your RA activity or even a side effect of certain medications. Getting to the root cause is the best path forward.
June 28
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