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VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 24, 2022 /CNW/ - Arthritis Research Canada saw record registration for its recent webinar on arthritis and insomnia, revealing lack of sleep is an important issue for individuals living with rheumatic disease.

Over 600 people registered to hear from Arthritis Research Canada Research Scientist and psychologist, Dr. Deborah Da Costa, in a webinar featuring her research about an online cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia program that her team is customizing for people with arthritis.

At least 70% of people with arthritis experience insomnia – meaning they struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep or wake early.

"Lack of sleep is about more than being tired when you have arthritis," Da Costa said. "It can worsen pain and fatigue and even amplify mental health problems."

She added that a person may be treated for depression, but not insomnia, and in those cases, depression often reoccurs.

Yet, few people who have arthritis, and struggle with sleep, seek treatment for their insomnia. Those who do, are prescribed sleeping pills, which are not meant to be taken long term.

Instead, sleep experts recommend using cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi) as the first course of treatment for sleep problems. This involves learning new strategies and behaviours to promote sleep rather than relying on medications.

However, CBTi is not widely available in Canada. Da Costa is working to change this by tailoring and testing a CBTi program for people with arthritis that is delivered online.

The webinar was part of Episode 9 of Arthritis Research Canada's Arthritis Research Education Series, an initiative created to bring the impact of arthritis research to the general public.

Click here to watch the webinar on arthritis and insomnia.

Click here to watch Episode 9 of the Arthritis Research Education Series: HELP! I can't sleep. | Arthritis & Insomnia.

Click here to explore other Arthritis Research Education Series episodes.

Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis research institution in North America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people living with arthritis through research and engagement. Arthritis Research Canada's scientific director, Dr. Diane Lacaille is leading a team of over 100 researchers, trainees and staff whose life-changing research is creating a future where people living with arthritis have the knowledge and tools to triumph over pain and disability. Arthritis Research Canada is now conducting arthritis research from coast to coast with centres in British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and Nova Scotia and scientists affiliated with six major universities: University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Calgary, Université Laval, McGill University, and Dalhousie University. Arthritis Research Canada is leading research aimed at preventing arthritis, facilitating early diagnosis, finding new and better treatment, and improving quality of life.

SOURCE Arthritis Research Canada