Chronic fatigue is a common side effect of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some ways you can manage your symptoms include getting regular exercise, changing your routine, and eating a balanced diet.

One of the most common side effects of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is chronic fatigue, or feeling tired all the time. Chronic fatigue can affect your quality of life.

RA-related fatigue has multiple causes, including:

If you are experiencing fatigue, talk with your doctor. They may be able to identify a possible cause of your fatigue.

In the meantime, there are many ways to manage fatigue on your own. These suggestions are in addition to controlling the underlying RA disease activity and adjunctive to treating the underlying RA disease process.

Keep reading to learn about things you can do to manage or alleviate fatigue.

Exercise may be the furthest thing from your mind when you feel fatigued, but it can be one of the best ways to fight drowsiness and improve sleep.

Exercise can help relieve RA symptoms and improve your ability to complete daily tasks. You may even lose extra weight and lower your blood pressure in the process.

Some exercises you may consider trying include, but are not limited to:

Talk to your doctor before trying any of these exercises. They will be able to advise you on which ones are safe for you to perform.

Moreover, some exercises may be better suited under a physical therapist, such as strength training. They will be able to advise you on which movements to perform and ensure your safety while doing them.

You can make navigating your daily responsibilities easier by streamlining tasks at home and work. For example:

  • When cooking, make sure you gather all ingredients and utensils beforehand.
  • Ask a friend to help you rearrange your spaces so that the things you use daily are easily accessible.
  • At work, request a parking space close to your office space, and a workspace close to the restroom or break room, if possible.

It can help to make a list of the different ways you can work smarter, not harder. Most importantly, ask for help if you need it. A friend, family member, or neighbor may be able to lend a helping hand.

On average, adults need about 8 hours of sleep per night.

If it helps, a short daytime nap of 20 to 30 minutes may help you feel more alert, energetic, and recharged.

There are some habits you can incorporate to improve your sleep. Collectively, these habits are called sleep hygiene. Good sleep hygiene includes:

  • going to bed and waking up at the same time each day
  • avoid electronics at least 30 minutes before bedtime
  • keeping your sleeping space quiet, at a cool temperature, and dark
  • avoiding large meals and alcohol before bedtime
  • avoiding caffeine in the afternoon and evening
  • exercising regularly
  • maintaining a healthy diet

There are many benefits to staying hydrated, including helping with joint pain and increasing energy. Drinking water can also help with fatigue related to dehydration.

Large meals with high amounts of fats and/or carbohydrates can make you feel tired and sluggish.

A protein-packed breakfast followed by a light lunch — with healthy snacks eaten throughout the day to prevent hunger — might help this.

Staying hydrated, avoiding inflammatory foods such as processed meat, and limiting sugar intake can also help.

Chronic fatigue can make it difficult to perform daily tasks or to find the motivation to perform necessary activities. Assistive devices, aids, and easy-open packaging might help if you have difficulty completing everyday tasks.

Some of these items include:

  • zipper pulls
  • jar openers
  • mobility aids
  • shower chair
  • electric devices, like toothbrushes and can openers
  • easy-open medication bottles, or pill organizers
  • lever door handles
  • keyless starters for cars

If something else is impacting your fatigue, your doctor might be able to help you find the best next steps. Other conditions may add to your fatigue, and your doctor can guide you through getting a diagnosis.

Explain what you have tried to manage your RA-related fatigue and how it impacts your day-to-day life.

Your doctor may also refer you to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist. If the underlying cause of your chronic fatigue syndrome is RA, a rheumatologist can help you manage symptoms and control disease activity, which can prevent joint damage.

Chronic fatigue is a common symptom in people with RA.

If you’re dealing with chronic fatigue, talk with your doctor to see if there’s a treatment strategy or lifestyle change that may work for you.

Exercise, organization, sleeping through the night, eating a well-balanced diet, and investing in helpful devices may help you manage your fatigue symptoms related to RA.