sounds like your rheumie was passing along some information on sleep hygeine in a rather insensitive manner. It is a standard recommendation to get up and do something boring if you are having problem sleeping (eg balance your cheque book or read the warranty on your fridge) but it should have been presented as part of a package rather than just saying 'stand around until you feel bored'. The idea is not to do anything interesting or stimulating that will further awaken your brain.
Also, if pain is waking you you may need more treatment for your lupus. Do you have a gp that you could see who may be able to help out ? Driving 3 hours is an awfully long way to see a doctor, I think that would likely be outside what was do-able for me.
Drugs like amitryptaline (I take tofranil, same class of drugs) can be really helpful for pain and sleeping, you may want to check this out.
hth
raglet
Also, if pain is waking you you may need more treatment for your lupus. Do you have a gp that you could see who may be able to help out ? Driving 3 hours is an awfully long way to see a doctor, I think that would likely be outside what was do-able for me.
Drugs like amitryptaline (I take tofranil, same class of drugs) can be really helpful for pain and sleeping, you may want to check this out.
hth
raglet
