SEATTLE, June 11 -- Seven women in 10 who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had difficulty falling asleep and woke frequently once they did get to sleep, researchers said here.
In addition, symptoms of depression accounted for 14% of the variance in sleep quality (P<0.001), Faith Luyster, Ph.D., of the University of Pittsburgh, told attendees at the Association of Professional Sleep Societies meeting.
The study was a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from 133 women with RA.
The findings show that clinicians who treat women with RA need to determine the extent to which the arthritis constrains sleep and control that, rather than prescribing a sleep aid first, said Dennis Nicholson, M.D., of the Sleep Disorders Center of Pomona Valley Hospital in Pomona, Calif.
"It's important for physicians to look at the whole patient. So when they see someone who has sleep difficulty, they're asking all of those questions about pain, about psychological issues, and so on, rather than just trying to address insomnia with a pill," said Dr. Nicholson, who was not involved in the study.
I had HORRIBLE sleep issues just prior to developing the flare from hell!! and ergo depression as well....