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Does anyone else get into bed and your lying there and you realize your body is so tense that you have to consciously make your body relax?

A MySpondylitisTeam Member asked a question 💭

It's like my arms and legs are so tense, and my shoulders. Really weird.

July 31
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A MySpondylitisTeam Member

Yes, the muscles can be very tight as we attempt to sleep. I have found by placing a sheep skin directly under the lower sheet it's softness allows my body to relax, but the mind still keeps thinking at 100 %.
Have a great day everyone. Love Joan xxx

August 1
MySpondylitisTeam

That experience is actually very common with spondylitis! Many MySpondylitisTeam members describe exactly this — lying down and suddenly noticing how much tension their body has been holding all day without realizing it.

Spondylitis-related inflammation and pain can cause muscles to tighten up as a kind of protective Show Full Answer

That experience is actually very common with spondylitis! Many MySpondylitisTeam members describe exactly this — lying down and suddenly noticing how much tension their body has been holding all day without realizing it.

Spondylitis-related inflammation and pain can cause muscles to tighten up as a kind of protective response, which can make that bedtime tension feel especially intense. A few things that may help ease that tension at bedtime:

- Progressive muscle relaxation — deliberately tensing and releasing each muscle group from toes to shoulders can actually help reset that tension
- Sleep meditations — apps like Calm, Headspace, or Insight Timer have guided sessions that can help your body unwind
- Heat therapy — an electric blanket or heated mattress pad can help relax muscles and joints before sleep
- Pillow support — placing pillows under your knees or between your legs can reduce strain on your back and hips, which may help your whole body let go

It's always worth mentioning this to your rheumatologist too, as managing overall inflammation can reduce how much tension builds up during the day.

July 31
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

Hello Darlene, Snow has fallen overnight, and still falling here in Canterbury, NZ.
Now and again the sun endeavours to shine, but is soon covered by heavy cloud and more snow showers.There will be many severe frost over several days following.
Enjoy the rest of the week. Hugs and Love Joan xxx

August 3
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

@A MySpondylitisTeam Member thank you for your suggestion, I really appreciate it. 💝

August 1
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

@A MySpondylitisTeam Member: Thats the problem I have that you mention, about muscles being so tight when you go to bed. I think in order for me to stand, my muscles get very tight. So when I go to bed, even tho I am tired, my muscles are still so tight I can’t get them to relax. I do what I am supposed to in order to get the muscles to relax, but it doesn’t always work. What compounds the problem for me is we have a West Highland Terrier who
loves to jump in the bed and sleep between us. As part of his nightly ritual to destress himself, he comes to lick me on my leg, hands and face. Its very difficult to relax the mind and muscles when you are being attacked by a narcissistic little Westie, who’s so cute its hard to resist. This makes it take longer to then get the relaxed body I need to go to sleep. I feel your pain. I hope you are able to find a way that works for you to calm the body, muscles and brain so you can sleep better! To your continued better sleep- Drewi

August 1

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