Corinne McCrimmon: Quality of Sleep Tied to Quality of Life

“Growing up, I had a rigid treatment schedule that made me feel different from other kids,” Corinne said. “I also experienced severe pain and struggled with sleep, which is important for a growing child.”

Insomnia and exhaustion have long been part of Corinne’s life. Even after a good night’s sleep, she experiences brain fog and fatigue. She’s not alone.

Up to 70% of people living with arthritis report sleep issues, including difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking early in the morning.

Searching for Answers

“I’m always looking for new ways to relax and stabilize my condition,” she said. “I feel burnt out due to lack of sleep. Many don’t realize that insomnia can make arthritis symptoms so much worse. Programs and efforts to help people, like me, get the rest they need are life-changing.”

Sleep problems, also known as insomnia, can worsen fatigue, pain, and depression and impact overall quality of life. For most people living with arthritis, insomnia goes unidentified and untreated. When it is treated, hypnotics are typically prescribed to induce sleep. This medication is not intended for daily, prolonged use and can lead to side effects and tolerance, which means it can stop working.

Hope in Research

“This is the first program, to our knowledge, that is not only specifically tailored to patients with arthritis for sleep, but will be delivered over the internet,” said Da Costa, who is a Research Scientist at Arthritis Research Canada. “Patients will be able to access it 24/7 from their homes rather than waiting to see a professional who is trained in CBTi.”

“Without sleep, it’s hard to work, achieve goals and thrive. Sometimes it even feels impossible,” Corinne said. “A program that helps people achieve high-quality sleep and better understand the impact of insomnia on their arthritis would change a lot of lives.”