Problems sleeping? Exercise can help rheumatoid arthritis patients with sleep issues

This study evaluated the effect of exercise on fatigue and sleep quality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis often report having sleep disturbances. The cause of these sleep problems is not clear but may be a result of chronic pain, depression, lack of exercise, or drug treatments. Unfortunately, drugs aimed at improving sleep are not a long-term solution.

In patients with other diseases exercise can improve the quality of sleep and decrease fatigue. Whether exercise can also improve sleep quality for patient with rheumatoid arthritis is unclear.

This study included 78 patients with rheumatoid arthritis to investigate the effect of exercise on sleep. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. The 38 patients in group 1 continued to receive their standard treatment and were told about the benefits of exercise. The 40 patients in group 2 continued to receive their standard treatment and participated in a 12-week home-based exercise program. Before and after the 12 weeks, patients rated their health-related quality of life, pain severity, quality of sleep, and fatigue.

The majority of patients scored fatigue as being one of their most disabling symptom. 90% of patients reported having poor sleep quality. Sleep problems reported included difficulty falling asleep (72% of patients), disturbed length of sleep time (72%) and use of sleeping tablets (29%). 83% of patients also reported having difficulty functioning during the day as a result of poor sleep.

After 12 weeks patients in group 2 had significant improvement in their health related quality of life, severity of pain, stiffness, fatigue, and sleep quality. Patients in group 1 had no improvements in any of these factors. 

The authors concluded that an exercise program can improve sleep quality and fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

This exercise program was developed by doctors and physiotherapists based on individual patient limitations. If you think you might benefit from an exercise program please discuss the options with your doctor.