People living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may face a higher risk of sleep disorders, particularly insomnia (difficulty falling and staying asleep), compared to people without RA, according to a new population-based study.

Researchers followed 913 individuals with RA and 913 without RA for more than 10 years. They found that those with RA had a 34 percent higher risk of developing a sleep disorder, including insomnia.

Other sleep problems studied — such as obstructive sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome — were also more common in people with RA, but the differences were not large enough to confirm that these problems were due to RA rather than other factors.

The risk factors linked to sleep disorders in people with RA include:

• Obesity and high cholesterol
• Cardiovascular disease (such as coronary artery disease or heart failure)
• Depression and anxiety
• Use of glucocorticoids (steroids)

Why RA Can Disrupt Sleep

RA’s chronic inflammation and joint pain can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Research has also found that proteins related to inflammation in RA, like interleukin-6 (IL-6), can alter sleep patterns and lower sleep quality. Poor sleep can worsen inflammation, pain sensitivity, and disease activity, creating a cycle that can be hard to break.

Glucocorticoid use, often part of RA treatment, may also interfere with normal sleep cycles and contribute to weight gain and heart disease risk, which in turn can worsen sleep issues.

How Poor Sleep Affects Your Health

Sleep problems can affect more than just energy levels. In RA, they may contribute to increased pain, higher disease activity, and stress. Sleep disorders are also linked to a higher risk of heart disease and other chronic health problems in the general population.

Tips for Supporting Better Sleep With RA

While there’s no single fix, these steps may help improve sleep quality:

• Manage pain — Follow your treatment plan to reduce pain.
• Establish a routine — Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
• Create a comfortable sleep environment — Make sure your room is dark and cool. You can also do relaxing activities, like reading or taking a bath, before bed.
• Address mood symptoms — Treating anxiety and depression can help improve sleep.
• Limit stimulants — Avoid caffeine and digital devices close to bedtime.

If you’re living with RA and notice trouble sleeping, talk with your rheumatologist or primary care provider. They can help identify possible causes and refer you for a sleep evaluation if needed. Be sure to speak with a healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet, lifestyle, or treatment plan.

Learn more about RA and fatigue, and get tips from health experts and myRAteam members about getting better sleep with RA.

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Do you have trouble sleeping because of RA? What helps you get better rest? Let others know in a comment below.