Ankylosing spondylitis: how to sleep?

Hi @nomasAS ,

Thank you for starting this discussion.

Sleep is extremely important for maintaining good health and mental well-being. It is especially vital for people with chronic conditions. However, as you say, very often patients suffer with various sleep problems due to their diseases.

Let me tag some of the members here so that they could share their thoughts on the subject 😉

@jford76 @CDKennedy @EmilyJP @SouthernBelle @FatimaZohra @mark48 @Kls003456 @katw78 @DD41261 @AS1218 @Edelweiss70 @rwilsonjr67 @DuchyCT @Lizaloza @Cwaters @js05763 @Kanna3 @w2007sara @ashleydaniel @Tinamaria @Andreeag @Oldhippy @pnj0113 @Jillybug @MaryW7 @Philippa @Natalieanne67 @ladyslipper67 @MeganF @BDPittman @LiciaBrady @Boston @Joanna07 @Athijssen @JanBran @Nancrn44

Have you already experienced trouble sleeping because of the pain caused by your AS? How did you cope? Do you have any tips for a better sleep that you could share with us?

What do you personally do to help yourself sleep better?

Thank you in advance for your answers!

Take care,

Courtney

Hi, I was diagnosed with AS in 2012. For many years now, I mostly can't stay in bed for more than 6 hours at a time. But I do feel like I sleep soundly until the 6 hour mark, when my back is just too uncomfortable to remain laying down. I credit nightly Epsom salt baths, Valerian tincture (one dropperful) and Melatonin time released tablets (20mg) with allowing me deep sleep during those 6 hours. But of course 6 hours isn't enough, so I usually need an hour or two of naps throughout the day to make up for it. Napping in the sun is the best! On bad days, I feel like I could sleep all day. Generally, my recliner with a full body massage pad (Amazon) under my back feels the best...with my feet up to take the pressure off my back. Hope this helps. Interested in other suggestions, too.

I have a zero gravity chair which helps a lot. I can sleep in it if needed. I turn on either side about 3-4 times per 8+ hour sleep session.

I am in the severe range now at 74 yrs old. I have found thru trial and error and getting older with SA, I sleep on my back because I can hardly turn to my side now. I also take 10 mg Melatonin. I didn't know it came in 20 mg! (Thanks ladyslipper 67) What has really help with my back pain, when in bed, is a large memory foam wedge. The large end is under my knees and my legs go down to the small end. It doesn't move when I sleep but then again I am not turning over back and forth. This takes the pressure off my back. I hope this helps someone.