Coping with Fibromyalgia Sleep Problems

Fibromyalgia (FM) is an arthritis related condition in which the sufferrer experiences widespread or generalized chronic pain along with fatigue and tenderness.  Given this picture, it is not uncommon at all for fibromyalgia sleep problems to arise.  Indeed, pain from fibromyalgia manifests itself in the tendons, ligaments and muscles  So, it's little wonder that problems with sleeping frequently occur in patients with this disease.

Ways of Dealing with Fibromyalgia Sleep Problems

The causes of Fibromyalgia have not been completely determined. Experts have various theories regarding what might cause Fibromyalgia, but medical research isn’t sufficient to support any single FM cause.

Nearly all Fibromyalgia patients suffer from Fibromyalgia sleep problems. Poor sleep tends to intensify symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia. Often, a Fibromyalgia patient will wake up as exhausted as when they went to bed the previous night.  Other Fibromyalgia sleep problems are fairly common too, like waking up too early in the morning or in the middle of the night, oversleeping and difficulty sleeping.

Fibromyalgia sleep difficulties can also be aggravated by poor sleep environments and habits, over-activity, excessive tobacco/food/alcohol intake, worry and stress and medications. These can all contribute to sleep disorders associated with the disease.

While there’s no one medication that’s been proven helpful in addressing challenges to normal sleep for Fibromyalgia victims, there are other ways avenues for dealing with the situation. Changing some aspects of a person’s sleep habits and sleep environment can go far toward alleviating Fibromyalgia sleep problems.

1. Routine setup – Do the same routine every night and implement consistent bedtime hours. Prep yourself for sleep by gradually minimizing activity levels as you lead up to bedtime. Consider having going-to-bed routines or rituals (done the same time nightly) to “lull” your body into sleepy mode.

2. Daytime naps limit – Daytime napping can interfere with nighttime sleep, causing Fibromyalgia sleep problems so limit daytime napping.

3. Distractions to get sleepy – Distracting yourself can be effective in making you fall asleep quicker. This can be listening to music or doing relaxation exercises.

4. Same-time rising – Setting up the alarm so you wake at the same time everyday can help your body readjust to normal sleeping hours and get rid of Fibromyalgia sleep problems.

5. Comfortable sleep environment – Creating an environment that’s conducive for sleeping (quiet, dark, cool rooms with comfy mattresses and bedding) will help.

A few lifestyle modifications can make a real difference toward treating this sleep disorder. Good sleeping habits, complementary treatments, regular exercise and proper emotional support are just some of the measures people can take to treat Fibromyalgia sleep problems effectively.

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