Understanding The Connection Between Fibromyalgia and Sleep
Fibromyalgia has been proven to cause pain and widespread stiffness in the body. At first, people with symptoms of fibromyalgia were told it was all in their head, until the early 1970s when it was officially a diagnosable condition.
Fibromyalgia is most common among middle-aged women but can ultimately affect just about anyone.
One of the most notable symptoms of fibromyalgia outside of widespread general pain is sleeplessness. Not being able to get a good nights sleep is a direct consequence of constant pain and stiffness.
Having a good mattress for fibromyalgia can go a long way in helping you improve the quality of your sleep when you have this disease. However, the connection between pain and sleep quality is still being evaluated.
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How Pain Impacts Sleep
Very little is proven about the relationship between pain and sleep, but there are a few key findings that can shed some light. Studies of patients recovering from surgery showed a decreased level of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. This is the stage of sleep that helps you recover and feel rejuvenated the next day.
Without adequate REM sleep, you're likely to wake up feeling groggy, sluggish, and have an overall feeling of tiredness.
Causes of Fibromyalgia
Very little is known about any direct causes of fibromyalgia, but there could be many factors involved. Doctors who treat patients with fibromyalgia often report instances of automobile accidents, repeated stress injuries, or other traumas.
In other cases, fibromyalgia appears to run in the family, but it is unclear whether this is due to the environment, or genetics.
Studies have been conducted in an attempt to link fibromyalgia to other conditions, such as arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, lupus, migraines, and more.
Coping With Fibromyalgia & Prioritizing Good Sleep
One of the best ways to cope with this disease is to give yourself the best shot at a good nights sleep every night. While having fibromyalgia can make sleeping difficult, there is still a lot you can do to help the situation.
First, make sure you invest in a top-quality mattress and/or mattress topper. Choose something that is comfortable for you and provides adequate support. This is one of the biggest things you can do to improve the quality of your sleep.
Next, make sure your bedroom is a suitable environment for sleep. Make sure to turn off all electronics, and create an area that is comfortable and relaxing.
This can mean using an essential oil diffuser, investing in new pillows and blankets, and going to bed at consistent times.
All of these things can help reduce the impact that fibromyalgia has on your sleep and give you the best shot at minimizing your symptoms.
Another great way to reduce the impact of fibromyalgia on your body and sleep is to start a new exercise routine. Exercise and sleep are the two most significant factors that affect someones physical and mental health.
Living with fibromyalgia isn't easy, and you should give yourself the best shot at success.
Are you suffering from fibromyalgia? Let us know some tips for coping in the comment section below.