Disordered sleep is prevalent in both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalitis. Loss of sleep and ineffective sleep patterns affect our mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health and weaken our immune response.
Sometimes, many times, despite doing everything right a road block occurs and we literally lose our map to life. I believe poor sleep quality and quantity should be addressed, and all patients with FM and CFS deserve to have a sleep study to evaluate and properly address their problems.
Disorder in bed court!
Sleep disorders are characterized by different circumstances. Sleep apnea for instance is an obstructive sleep disorder, and can co-exist with FM and CFS/ME. When this happens, a person is deprived of the oxygen needed for cellular metabolism and energy. Disordered sleep, meaning that the normal cycles of sleep are not present, not maintaining sleep, and delayed sleep onset have been consistently reported by fibromyalgia (FM) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) patients.
Many of us seldom, if ever, enter deep stages of sleep, so I am including a link regarding slow wave sleep (SWS, which may in the future be defined as one stage). Wikipedia
We also have other co-existing conditions that cluster with both FM and ME/CFS, teeth grinding (bruxism), periodic limb movement (PLM), TMJ, sleep starts, and delayed sleep phase (inability to fall or maintain sleep). These can and do play a role in sleep quality, and I am advocating that an assessment for myofascial trigger points, RLS and PLM be included in the proposed diagnostic criteria for FM and a better explanation for “jaw pain.”
Sleep deprivation can impede healing, foster agitation, and when severe, cause psychosis. This might explain why so many of us have difficulty fighting off viruses and recovering from injury, which is normally repaired during sleep.
To medicate or not to medicate
According to the Wikipedia link, it seems alcohol (I am assuming not too much, though they don’t state such), THC, and SSRI’s, and possibly Xyrem can promote slow wave sleep (SWS), and benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin can inhibit SWS.
I bring up Klonopin specifically because it is often prescribed to help with the periodic limb movement (PLM) seen in the FM and CFS/ME patient. This leads me to conclude that the treatment for PLM may also be an aggravating factor for lack of SWS. Other treatment suggestions for PLM include, sleeping pills, anti-seizure medications and narcotic pain killers.
Our best bet is to find a good sleep specialist that understands FM and ME/CFS. You and he/she can work together.
Promoting your circadian rhythm
A Helpful Acronym for Sleep Hygiene ©Our circadian rhythm is orchestrated by two markers, melatonin concentration and core body temperature.
S - Schedule bedtime and stick to it
L - Limit physical activity before bedtime
U - Use comfort measures
M - Meditate (count those lambs)
B - Breathe
E - Eliminate stress and food (including caffeine 2-3 hours prior to bedtime)
R - Remember nothing—clear your mind (journal your to-do list so you can let go)
(Cooper and Miller, 2010, pg 167)
Additional reading:
(Signature line appended, April
2018)
In healing,
Celeste Cooper, RN / Author, Freelancer, Advocate
Think adversity?-See opportunity!
~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~
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