Does anyone else sleep alot????? I am good for the first half of the day as far as staying awake, but afternoon I get so tired and sleepy I will fall asleep sitting in a chair. How crazy is that?? My RA has been flared this week so I've slept more anyways but this napping thing is everyday!
10/ 4/12 1:25pm
In my personal experience, Angie, naps are essential, even when I'm not flaring. This is the typical fatigue of RA, I would think. When I was working, it was really awful. I was so, so tired and just wanted to lay down. On the way home from work, I would fight falling asleep while driving. Not good. Now that I am home I take a nap every afternoon, and sometimes I take a nap in the morning, too. As Lene says, listen to your body, sweetie.
Hugs,
V
10/ 4/12 3:54pm
Sounds to me like your body is telling you something! and you're listening... better to sleep than to sit/walk through pain.... up to a point, at least. I find if I stay in one position too long, I can get very stiff (this includes when I sleep more deeply with meds). So I almost expect to have more trouble getting going when that happens....
Hope your rest brings you refreshment!
10/10/12 3:39pm
I definitely started needing more and more sleep after being diagnosed with RA. The more active, the RA, the more sleep I need. I find sleep is the only thing that can help my body recover and feel better. When I'm flaring, I've been known to sleep 16-20 hours. On regular days, I still sleep about 12 hours. It's just part of living with autoimmune disease, it's a very exhausting process and our bodies need all the help they can get adjusting to being sick all the time. You are definitely not alone. :)
10/11/12 7:56pm
I can fall asleep anytime I sit down!!! When I get home from work I usually take a short nap after dinner has been served and everyone has started homework, etc. I am a teacher and I have laid down behind my desk and set my alarm clock for a quick nap when it gets really bad 
My problem is that when bedtime comes I can't sleep well b/c of the pain from being still for too long. The stiffness and pressure on sore joints is worse than just continuing to move. So for me, I am stuck between needing the rest and having it hurt too much to sleep. I would celebrate the fact that sleep can come easily and not cause more pain! 
10/12/12 1:11am
Hi, Poppy,
I have heard other teachers say the same thing. They are so exhausted when they come home from being on their feet all day. You know, I have issues sleeping because of pain, too, so I am considering buying a Tempurpedic mattress. I have a friend who has bad hip pain, and she told me that Tempurpedic is the only brand of mattress she has tried that doesn't hurt her hips. Just a thought.
Blessings,
V
10/12/12 7:53am
I bought a similar type mattress and it helps GREATLY!!!
10/12/12 9:03am
Thank you, that is good to know. I bought a four inch memory foam topper to see if it would help and it is some better, but I can see where a full mattress would be even better :) They gave me sleeping pills for night, but I don't like how groggy I am when I wake up and then I sleep so hard I'm REALLY stiff! I will look into the mattresses too.
10/12/12 9:51am
We purchased a Temperpedic about 8 years ago....love it!!
I am not sleepy but more tired all the time, during a flare I am normally pretty much useless, can't sleep can't function just trying to control the pain takes an effort.
I would certainly say if your body is telling you to sleep..you should!
10/12/12 8:14pm
Hi Angie,
Wow I thought it was just me! I also have RA and it's under control with Ornecia. But no matter how much sleep I get at night I'm always tired after lunch if I sit down I will also fall asleep. It a real bummer I can't even go see a movie in the afternoon since I'd be paying for taking a nap. 
JR
10/18/12 11:10am
Hi Angie. I'm so glad that you asked this question. The afternoons are bad for me too. Most days I have to ly down in the PM because I just ache so badly and feel so fatigued. Fortunately I'm retired so I have the luxury to do that. I still feel that I'm sleeping half my life away! It seems that we just need to listen to our bodies. It certainly is a challenge though. Take care of yourself.
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Thank God, I thought I was alone. With all the comments, I feel much better. Oh and its nice to have you as one of our Health Guides! congrats!