Lupus: The Thief of Sleep

Picture this: The clock strikes midnight and everyone in my home is embraced in slumbers arms. I’m all tucked in the bed, ready to dive deep into dreamland. I’ve got my comfy pajamas on after a nice warm bath. My pillows are fluffed, and the room is dark. I let out a sigh of relief and allow my head to hit the pillow. Closing my eyes, I whisper to myself, “I allow myself to rest, and I let go of the burdens of the day.” Indeed, I plan on getting a good night’s rest.

But, AS SOON as I drift off to lala land, in comes the troublemaker lupus. She’s got this bag of insomnia inducing antics with a basket of sleep disruption skills and she’s smiling with a box of ‘sleep sabotage.’  It’s at this point that I knew, lupus and her shenanigans were going to disrupt my nocturnal adventure for the night.

Welcome to the sleepless nightclub

I think we’ve all been there, while most people are sound asleep, we are wide awake. Lupus, the conniving thief, throws her best parties then. She invites us to the VIP section of the sleepless nightclub. Unfortunately, that VIP section comes with red swollen joints dancing till dawn. It also comes with body aches playing a game of twister and fatigue spinning around like a ballerina on steroids.

Lupus loves to keep things interesting too. Just when you think you have the right comfortable position, BAM! Your thoughts are ramped up thinking about the cat and how you will walk him tomorrow. Meanwhile, out of the blue, lupus will throw a fever in to heat up the dance bed and an itching fit to stir it up a bit.

Certainly, nights of sleepless shenanigans with thwarted slumber are difficult. It’s a journey that might leave us yawning, but we try and brave it with a little humor and naps. I’ve exposed this cunning thief and I had to learn how to outsmart its tricks! So, grab your pillows, dim the lights and let’s outwit lupus and reclaim those precious ZZ’s.

Journey to better sleep with lupus

I've experienced firsthand the challenges it poses when it comes to getting quality shuteye. But fear not, fellow lupus warriors! Through trial and error, I've gathered a stash of valuable tips and tricks to help conquer some sleepless nights and enjoy the bliss of restorative sleep.

Embrace a consistent sleep schedule

Transitioning from random sleep hours to a consistent schedule can work wonders. I find that setting a fixed bedtime and waking up time helps regulate my body's internal clock. It's like sending lupus on a vacation, without any sleep-stealing surprises!

Create a cozy sleep environment

I transformed my bedroom into a serene haven. I use soft and comfortable bedding, calming colors, and soothing scents. Snuggling up in a nest of comfort makes me almost totally forget about the lupus issues and eases me into a tranquil slumber.

Tame the technology temptations

We all know how tempting it is to scroll through our phones or watch late-night shows, but lupus and screens don't make the best bedtime buddies. Limiting my screen time before bed has helped prevent some sleep disturbances and has allowed my mind to wind down peacefully.

Gentle exercise for the win

As a former athlete I know the importance of movement. I Incorporate some low-impact exercises into my routine. Movement like yoga or light stretching has helped. These gentle activities often help me to alleviate stress and improve my sleep quality. I feel like a warrior, battling lupus and winning the sleep game!

Mindful eating, happy sleeping

Being mindful of what I eat was crucial. Did you know certain foods can disrupt sleep patterns? I had to minimize caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime. Instead, I opted for sleep-friendly snacks like warm milk or chamomile tea.

Seek comfort in supportive pillows

Lupus loves to pounce on any chance to cause discomfort. Investing in supportive pillows can be a game changer. Whether it's for joint pain or to find the perfect sleeping position, these pillows become allies in the battle against those pesky sleep disruptions.

Getting more sleep

Sleep problems can be a major source of distress for people with lupus. They can make it difficult to function during the day and can contribute to fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Getting enough sleep is essential. It helps you to feel better physically and mentally, and it can improve your overall quality of life.

It's essential to listen to your body, adapt strategies to fit your needs, and be patient with yourself. With a dash of determination and a sprinkle of self-care, you can conquer some of the sleep-stealing antics of lupus and drift off to dreamland like a champ! However, it is important to understand that even after trying some of these tips you still may have trouble sleeping.

If you are struggling with sleep problems, talk to your doctor. They can help you identify the cause of your sleep problems and develop a treatment plan that works for you.

Sleep is our precious ally in the battle against lupus. So go ahead, embrace the power of better sleep, and wake up each day ready to face lupus with renewed vigor and a well-rested spirit.

Sleep tight, my fellow Lupus warriors!

Disclaimer: No sleep or fluffy sheep were harmed during the writing of this article. Any resemblance to actual sleep thieves, living or in lupus land is purely coincidental. I did stay up extra late in the VIP section to write this article. ;-)