Fibromyalgia, a medical condition described as pervasive pain without any visible cause, can oftentimes result in chronic fatigue syndrome in addition to pain. Coping with fibromyalgia fatigue can be difficult but not impossible. Sleep management is often the primary way to deal with excessive tiredness. When coupled with lifestyle changes, exercise and certain medications, fibromyalgia fatigue can be managed. In some cases, regular massages and acupuncture treatments may also be helpful.
Due to the widespread pain that fibromyalgia causes, it can be difficult for many patients to sleep well. The pain medication that is used to treat the disorder can also result in excessive sleepiness during the day, exacerbating the problem; these medications can also make taking sleeping aids dangerous. In order to reduce the grogginess often associated with these medications, it is important for patients and doctors to work together to find the lowest dosage needed to treat the pain.
Sleep management is considered by many doctors to be one of the best and safest ways to cope with fibromyalgia fatigue. It can include measures such as limiting naps during the day, getting as much sunlight exposure as possible, going to bed and getting up at the same time and keeping one’s sleeping space sleep friendly. The bedroom should be dark, cool and quiet; bedding should be comfortable and breathable; and distractions, such as computers or television, should be kept in other areas of the home.
Lifestyle changes, such as limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption, as well as quitting smoking, can also help combat fibromyalgia fatigue. While alcohol can help one fall asleep more quickly, studies have shown that people actually sleep worse through the course of the night after they drink. Once the body metabolizes the alcohol, it goes through a withdrawal stage that leads to restless sleep, increasing fatigue the next day. Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants that can make falling asleep and staying asleep much more difficult, leading to increased fatigue. Avoiding these substances can be one of the best ways to combat fibromyalgia fatigue.
Exercising has also been proven an effective way to deal with the chronic fatigue syndrome caused by fibromyalgia. Working out regularly can give patients more energy during the day and help them fall asleep more quickly at night. Despite this, exercising heavily can increase the pain associated with fibromyalgia; therefore, any exercise program should be constructed with the help of a doctor and, if possible, a certified trainer or physical therapist.
Fibromyalgia fatigue can also be eased by the use of antidepressants. Dealing with chronic pain can often cause feelings of hopelessness, resulting in a lack of energy. Treating these feelings can often help the situation. Some patients have also found that massage and acupuncture can help to treat the pain associated with fibromyalgia as well as the fatigue, providing them with increased energy and more restful sleep. Finding the best way to cope with fibromyalgia fatigue can take some time, and the mechanisms used will vary from person to person. Despite this, there is almost always a way to help fibromyalgia patients sleep better at night and feel more alert during the day.
