Sleeping better

I'm sleeping better these days.  I haven't had a sound night's sleep since June (when I started experiencing pain).  Last week my knees were sooo achy that they'd keep me awake at night, along with everything else hurting.  I had my 3rd rheumy appt this past Friday and mentioned that I wasn't sleeping well.  My meds were changed from Relefen to Prednisone 5mg/once a day, and remaining on Plaquenil.  I was a little nervous about Pred since I'd heard so much negative fanfare about it, but I have to do what I have to do.  

     Coincidentally, this time of year starts our gorgeous Autumn season here in Arizona, which makes dealing with our miserable summers  worthwhile.  Anyway, we had a 'cold front' blow thru....our temps dipped into the 70's.....ok, for us desert-folk who've just survived months of 108+ temps, this IS a cold front.  Besides, I've never had a tolerance for cold.  We finally got to turn off the AC this weekend (yay, lower electric bills now) and it got down to 73 in my house. (I know I know....it's just  still cold for me).  So, still chilled at bedtime, I had to break out my electric blanket!!  Yes, seriously, I did.  I had such a chill, I was desperate.  I had a heating pad on my pillow (neck was sore that day) and I put on fleece PJ bottoms and my twin electric blanket (my husband is a sweathog and sleeps on top of the covers all the time).  I cranked it on HIGH and promptly fell into a deep sleep.  I woke up once during the night (yes, i was sweating).  I rolled over (with my usual elbow and hip pain) and went back to sleep.  I slept the rest of the night!!  I felt so good (rest wise) the next morning that it actuallly put me in a better mood.  So now, 4 days later, I'm still sleeping with my electric blanket on high, my fleece PJ bottoms.  I used to dread going to bed because I'd wake up every hour and have a heck of a time going back to sleep.   I tell ya, I've slept the best sleep this past week that I've had since June.  I'm not sure if the meds change has made the difference (although my pains seem to more prevalent but not severe).   Of course, it's gonna be 95 today, I'm wearing shorts and sandals , and I have my little space heater cranked on high next to desk here at work.  Several people have already walked by my office and said, "Ahhh, fall is here. Desiree's space heater is on!"  Have a pain free day!