|
|
|
| |
|
Search our extensive library for information, solutions & support
|
|
|
|
|
by Source: Healthwatch
January 1, 1999
For most of us, a night of tossing and turning leaves us feeling groggy the next day but we usually recover after a good night's sleep. But for those suffering from Fibromyalgia (FM), such restless nights are not only common, their result actually worsens that disease's symptoms. Fibromyalgia's frustration of pain-filled days and unsettled nights create a vicious cycle that sometimes feels inescapable. Luckily, there are approaches that can make a difference – and offer an escape.
It's not that those with Fibromyalgia don't get enough sleep, it's that they don't get enough deep sleep. It boils down to the alpha and delta brain waves. While humans are awake and resting, alpha brain waves are emitted at about 8 to 13 per second. Then, when that same person is deeply sleeping, the delta brain waves take over and are released at less than 3.5 per second. When there is a disorder in the delta sleep wave pattern (like for those with Fibromyalgia) the alpha waves intrude during deep sleep and reawaken the person to a lighter, less refreshing sleep. This affects those with FM much more drastically that the average person who, after such a restless night, may just feel "a little out of it". Since the deep sleep state is never reached, the muscles never fully relax and are not repaired during sleep. Not surprisingly, many experience constant tossing and turning and commonly also suffer from RLS or Restless Leg Syndrome. (For more on RLS, take a look at the next story in this bulletin.) Furthermore, the non-refreshing sleep only worsens the daytime fatigue felt by those with FM; they commonly awake tired and in significant pain. So, what to do from here? There ARE steps that can be taken to promote deeper, more restorative sleep. Some of those steps are:
Behavioral Modification
Go to bed and awaken at the same time each day.
Don't use your bedroom for activities like eating, reading or watching TV.
When you can't sleep, get up and do something else, like read. Then return to bed when you become sleepy.
Regular exercise. Work up to 20-30 minutes per day. There are some doctors who believe that FM symptoms will never be eliminated without daily, moderate aerobic exercise. Such activity releases endorphins, the body's natural painkillers and promotes more restful sleep.
Stop napping. If this seems impossible, try limiting naps to no more than 30 minutes in length.
Prescription Medication
For people with FM, Tricyclic antidepressants (like Elavil) are the most commonly prescribed for disrupted sleep patterns.
Herbal Remedies
There are a number of herbal remedies for sleep, including Valerian, Kava Kava, GABA and Melatonin.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
Dr. Mikovits Presentation Jan 22 on XMRV at ProHealth.com [more]
VIDEOS of Dr. Mikovits XMRV Seminar and Q&A [more]
Why ME/CFS may kill you: Disorders in the inflammatory and oxidative and nitrosative stress (IO&NS) ... [more]
Coenzyme Q10 - The Energy Maker [more]
Recall of OTC ‘Staples’ Tylenol, Motrin, Rolaids, St. Joseph Aspirin, More [more]
|
|
|
