Painful points spread across the body such as on the neck, shoulders, back or hips – this is the most common sign of a
musculoskeletal condition known as Fibromyalgia. While the cause of this mysterious
problem is not fully known, researchers suspect that environmental and genetic
factors may contribute to this issue. Fibromyalgia is not known to be
life-threatening. However, if left untreated it can severely affect your
quality of life. The constant pain can be very annoying as well as distracting.
Most importantly, the pain may prevent you from sleeping properly.
Sleep and Fibromyalgia
One
of the most common complaints of people suffering from Fibromyalgia is that
they find it very difficult getting adequate sleep, especially at night. This
means that they wake up feeling tired and irritable. Combined with the constant
pain, this can severely disturb your ability to lead a normal and functional
life.
The danger of lack of sleep
It
may seem that the constant pain is a more important problem than feeling a bit
tired in the morning. Actually, the connection between Fibromyalgia and lack of
adequate sleep is deeper than it seems. Research shows that people with reduced
sleep tend to become more sensitive to pain, thus worsening the impact of
Fibromyalgia in their life. Researchers in Norway have discovered that people
(especially women) who do not get adequate sleep at night are at greater risk
of suffering from Fibromyalgia. Lack of sleep and Fibromyalgia work together to
reinforce each other – it is time to break through the vicious cycle!
Tips for better sleep
1. Don’t force yourself to sleep:
Since
managing pain is important, try not to go to bed if you are in pain. You simply
won’t get any sleep if you are in pain. Schedule your medication so that you
can get the required 8 hours rest. Avoid intensive physical activities at night
as they can worsen pain. You may also opt for a hot shower before going to bed.
2. Stay away from stimulants: Steer clear of stimulant
substances like tea or coffee before going to bed. The natural compounds in tea
or coffee force the body to stay awake even if it is time for bed. It is better
to drink herbal tea in the evening if you have any trouble sleeping. While
drinking alcohol makes you sleepy, it will leave you wide awake halfway through
the night, thus completely disrupting your sleep cycle.
3. Reduce stress: Avoid stress-inducing
activities like watching the news before going to bed. Do something relaxing
within the two hours before bedtime. Read a good book or listen to relaxing
music. Work on a hobby which you find relaxing.
4. Get physical activity: Try to be active
during the day as much as possible. This helps to establish your sleep cycle. Moreover,
the exercise helps to strengthen your muscles and joints. Physical activity has
been shown to reduce stress, which in turn helps in sleep. Activities like
swimming and light aerobics can be done even by people with Fibromyalgia.
5. Don’t work in your bedroom: This helps to
associate the bed with nothing but sleep. Avoid watching TV or browsing the web
while in bed. Among psychiatrists, it is common knowledge that doing no
activity other than sleeping in the bedroom trains your body to respect the
bedtime.
By
Dr. Shabtab Khalid
Note:
Through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy, Zilaxo
Advanced Pain Solution aims to eradicate joint pain, counter the process of
degeneration and promote bone health. The protocol is at once scientific,
effective as well as safe. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607
(Toll free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.
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