low grade temps.....

I am wondering about the low grade temp thing associated with Lupus. Most days I run a low grade temp that starts building in the early afternoon, peaks around 8-10PM and then slowly returns to normal (usually back into the 98's by midnight, but not always).

In the morning when I get out of bed, it's in the low to mid 97's. It generally rises to around 99.5 or so - higher if I've had a very active or trying day. Sometimes I feel puny, when it comes on - but other times not. I get close to 100 after taking a shower and doing the whole hair thing, whatever time of day that is - which sometimes feel like quite a workout. So maybe it's poor conditioning? Circadian rhythm issue?

I have a very hard time getting to sleep by a decent hour at night - and read something about body temp needing to cool down as a precursor to feeling sleepy/sleep. I do have some days that my temp stays within the normal range (whatever that really is )

Thoughts?

The normal temp for me is 96.1. I used to think I was buying defective themometers.
My body temperture will rise up to 99 when I'm at my worse.
The problem with my body rhythm is I am awake until 5am most days then sleep until 2 or 3pm. I've tried to go to sleep earlier but my body just won't do it.

Sounds like a typical fluctuation, then. Lynne you said "for several years" your temp ran up in the afternoon....has it settled down? This has been going on with me for a couple years off and on - but I don't think longer. Wondered if inflammation had a role, since it does make me feel crummy sometimes. Rheumy doesn't seem concerned, though.
Good idea about lowering the temp before bed. I always keep the bedroom cool - but, it's that before bed period that counts, I guess.

Thanks for the responses everyone - good to know I'm not the only one with night-owl problems. Must be a a connection with the body temp. I read something recently about elevated TNF factor playing a role with sleep problems and autoimmune conditions like lupus as well.

Lucy

And here is the typical saying.

Wow, and here I thought I was the only 1.

But yes, since the day I was dx'd with Lupus my dr suggest I keep track, and my normal is around 96.8, when I start reaching 98 i am burning up. And yes, I have to have it very cool in my bedroom to be able to sleep.

Wow..how interesting. My normal temp is also around 96.8 to 97.4 and I feel horrible when it's at 98.6 or so...
I also thought I was buying defective therometers...
I find this very enlightening.

My temp also runs low, about 96.8 on the regular. I try to tell doctors that I feel feverish at 98.6 and higher but they just brush it off. Who made up the hard rule that every single person should have a temp of 98.6? I'd like to meet this person!