"I literally get sick if I don't get sleep," Jackie Yencha tells WebMD. "Fatigue is my biggest problem. I've had to give up a lot of things because of the fatigue." Yencha has been coping with both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue (CF) for most of her life. Technically, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are considered separate medical conditions, but they are undeniably related. Both syndromes involve a severe fatigue that can't be cured with sleep, as well as aches and pains as if one has the flu all the time. Both conditions persist for more than six months, often into years, and appear usually after some sort of illness or trauma. Despite the condition, many patients can still achieve many of their goals with proper management.
Severe fibromyalgia and CF sufferers say that fatigue is the most debilitating facet of their condition since they are hyper-sensitive to pain and never feel completely alert, which can affect all of their daily tasks. Therefore CF and fibromyalgia treatments normally start with sleep management, says Mary Rose, a clinical psychologist and behavioral sleep specialist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
"We know from studies that sleep improves mood, pain, and the overall way that folks feel throughout the day," she explains. "Regardless of the explanations for CF, if we can get some control over quality of sleep, we're almost certain to observe a positive impact on concentration, mood and fatigue."
Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia patients usually have a lot of bad habits that prevent them from getting adequate rest. "Don't lie in bed, worrying and stressing," Dr. Rose tells her patients. "Get up, go to the other room. When you're calmer, relaxed, feel tired, go back to bed." Another recommendation with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome is to avoid napping. "A lot of patients have circadian rhythm problems. Napping can throw you off. Any sleep during the daytime will be taken from your sleep at night," Dr. Rose adds. Limiting noise and distractions in the bedroom, blocking out all light and participating in calming activities before bed are all ways to improve sleep quality.
Patients who have any sort of syndromes, diseases and conditions find that stress exacerbates their maladies. Therefore, stress reduction is essential for anyone suffering from fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue. Gentle exercises like yoga, Pilates and meditation can help patients unwind and sleep better. Relaxation exercises and meditation can also help individuals normalize their heart rates and lower blood pressure, which contributes to an overall feeling of wellbeing. Stretching several times a day and taking nice warm baths are pleasant ways to provide gentle comfort to an aching body. - 29964
Severe fibromyalgia and CF sufferers say that fatigue is the most debilitating facet of their condition since they are hyper-sensitive to pain and never feel completely alert, which can affect all of their daily tasks. Therefore CF and fibromyalgia treatments normally start with sleep management, says Mary Rose, a clinical psychologist and behavioral sleep specialist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
"We know from studies that sleep improves mood, pain, and the overall way that folks feel throughout the day," she explains. "Regardless of the explanations for CF, if we can get some control over quality of sleep, we're almost certain to observe a positive impact on concentration, mood and fatigue."
Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia patients usually have a lot of bad habits that prevent them from getting adequate rest. "Don't lie in bed, worrying and stressing," Dr. Rose tells her patients. "Get up, go to the other room. When you're calmer, relaxed, feel tired, go back to bed." Another recommendation with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome is to avoid napping. "A lot of patients have circadian rhythm problems. Napping can throw you off. Any sleep during the daytime will be taken from your sleep at night," Dr. Rose adds. Limiting noise and distractions in the bedroom, blocking out all light and participating in calming activities before bed are all ways to improve sleep quality.
Patients who have any sort of syndromes, diseases and conditions find that stress exacerbates their maladies. Therefore, stress reduction is essential for anyone suffering from fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue. Gentle exercises like yoga, Pilates and meditation can help patients unwind and sleep better. Relaxation exercises and meditation can also help individuals normalize their heart rates and lower blood pressure, which contributes to an overall feeling of wellbeing. Stretching several times a day and taking nice warm baths are pleasant ways to provide gentle comfort to an aching body. - 29964
About the Author:
Chronic fatigue is a real illness that requires education and the right treatment methods. One cure does not fit all with this disease. You need to educate yourself if you hope to start living a normal life again. Visit Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Help to find out more.
