There has been some discussion in recent years that severe fibromyalgia and fatigue syndromes are actually the same medical condition. Nearly all fibromyalgia sufferers also report having chronic fatigue (CF) and/or sleeping disorders, for example. In patients who meet the definition of chronic fatigue syndrome, a good portion of them experience tenderness in the joints or muscles, as well as headaches. Both syndromes affect primarily women between the ages of 20-50. Since the root causes are so elusive, patients of either syndrome often join forces to find constructive treatments.
Those who suffer from CF and severe fibromyalgia assert that fatigue is the most incapacitating element of their disease since they feel hyper-sensitive to pain and are never totally alert, which can have an effect on all of their daily tasks. Consequently treatments for fibromyalgia and CF usually begin with managing sleep patterns, states Mary Rose, behavioral sleep specialist and clinical psychologist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
"We recognize from research that sleep improves disposition, pain, and the general way that individuals feel throughout the day," she says. "Regardless of the causes of CF, if we can get some control over quality of sleep, you're almost certain to notice positive benefits for mood, fatigue, concentration."
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. - 30287
Those who suffer from CF and severe fibromyalgia assert that fatigue is the most incapacitating element of their disease since they feel hyper-sensitive to pain and are never totally alert, which can have an effect on all of their daily tasks. Consequently treatments for fibromyalgia and CF usually begin with managing sleep patterns, states Mary Rose, behavioral sleep specialist and clinical psychologist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
"We recognize from research that sleep improves disposition, pain, and the general way that individuals feel throughout the day," she says. "Regardless of the causes of CF, if we can get some control over quality of sleep, you're almost certain to notice positive benefits for mood, fatigue, concentration."
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. - 30287
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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.
