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and Health
Sleep disorders go beyond just a lack of restful sleep—disruptions to frequency, duration, and quality of sleep can have far-reaching effects on physical and mental health. Fibromyalgia is one disorder in particular that has been linked with sleep issues, making the study of their correlation crucial for the well-being of patients.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and an array of other symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and decreased function of the organs. It is a chronic condition that can be difficult to diagnose due to its vague symptomology, which often overlaps with other disorders and is hard to distinctively describe.
The Relationship Between Fibromyalgia and Sleep Disorders
Sleep disturbances occur in up to 90% of cases involving fibromyalgia, while the general public only has a reported rate of 33%. Patients with fibromyalgia often experience chronic insomnia, fatigue, restless leg syndrome, and frequent awakenings.
Studies have indicated that increased fatigue is a result of inadequate sleep; therefore, it is believed that sleep disturbances associated with fibromyalgia could be an independent cause of the disorder. For this reason, it is important to recognize and properly treat any sleeping difficulties experienced by fibromyalgia patients, such as insomnia, in order to prevent symptoms from worsening.
Benefits of Effective Sleep Hygiene
Creating a comfortable sleep environment, refraining from substances like alcohol or nicotine, and adhering to consistent sleep/wake schedules are all important for patients of fibromyalgia who wish to reduce the severity of the condition’s symptoms.
In addition to improving the physical symptomology of fibromyalgia patients, proper sleep hygiene has been observed to provide mental benefits as well. These include reduced levels of depression and anxiety as well as improved concentration and mood.
Conclusion
Given the various ways that sleep disturbances can affect the health of fibromyalgia patients, proper sleep hygiene is essential to strive for overall wellbeing. Through creating a comfortable sleeping environment, refraining from sleep-disrupting substances, and adhering to a consistent schedule, those diagnosed with fibromyalgia can feel better both mentally and physically.
Keywords: fibromyalgia, sleep disorders, insomnia, fatigue, mental health, physical health, sleep hygiene, comfortable sleep environment, depression, anxiety, concentration, mood.
