Can Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment Improve Your Fatigue?

Why is fatigue common in people with psoriatic arthritis?

Inflammation that lasts long term may require a lot of energy from your body, and that can cause fatigue, according to Lisa Imundo, MD, Rheumatologist with Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City. 

The struggle of living with the chronic pain of PsA can also cause fatigue. 

“When you have arthritis, it’s a little harder to do everything,” Dr. Imundo explains. “It’s harder to open a water bottle. It’s harder to walk upstairs.”

Chronic pain can also decrease sleep quality if you are waking up from pain or having trouble getting into a comfortable position.

Can psoriatic arthritis treatment improve your fatigue?

Treatment for psoriatic arthritis may help reduce all symptoms, including fatigue. With the right medication, you can reduce and control inflammation, which may indirectly lead to better energy levels. 

Part of your PsA treatment plan should also include regular physical activity, which can help fight fatigue, too. Your care team can help you find a safe exercise program that may help improve symptoms and energy levels. Staying active may be easier once you’ve found the right treatment plan (and stick to it). 

What are tips for good sleep hygiene with psoriatic arthritis?

Even with regular exercise and an appropriate treatment plan, you may still need to prioritize good sleep habits. People with an autoimmune condition like PsA often benefit from getting more sleep than average. Dr. Imundo suggests aiming for 8 to 9 hours of sleep a night. 

Good sleep quality is also important. Here are some ways that Dr. Imundo suggests improving your sleep quality to fight fatigue:

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day

• Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet

• Create a relaxing routine before bed to help you wind down

• Avoid screens (phones, TVs, and tablets) before going to sleep

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol

• Get some exercise during the day

If you’re still struggling with fatigue, make sure to talk to your provider about it, because it could mean that you need a different type of treatment, or that something else is wrong. Your provider may also be able to offer additional tips for improving your sleep quality.

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Written by:

Marisa Taylor Karas

Marisa Taylor Karas is a freelance journalist based in Brooklyn who has covered health, gender, and technology for 15 years. She previously worked at The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and Al Jazeera America, among other publications, and also served as managing editor of the Mellon Foundation in New York City.

Reviewed by:

Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP

Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician. Prior to practicing medicine, she worked as a management consultant.

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