Ankylosing spondylitis: how to sleep?

Hi @Stofleekayl693 ,

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 😉

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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.

Avoiding screens, caffeine, and heavy meals close to bedtime.

Try deep breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle stretching before bed to help your body and mind wind down [This content has been moderated by an administrator for violating Carenity’s Terms of Use.] 

Hello everyone 🌟

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We’re checking back in on this discussion: Ankylosing spondylitis and sleep 💛💬

Sleep can be especially difficult with pain and stiffness at night 😔💤

💬 How do you manage your sleep? Do you have positions, routines, or tips that help you sleep better? 🌿✨

Your experience could really help others find some relief and rest 🤝💛

Take care,
Somya from the Carenity team 🌼

Use a association or medium-association bed to guide spinal alignment and use pillows to preserve a neutral spine role.

What helped me understand this topic is that there isn’t one perfect position for everyone. A supportive medium-firm mattress, a thin pillow, and trying to keep the spine aligned can make a difference. Gentle stretching before bed may also help with stiffness. [This content has been moderated by an administrator.]