Disturbed Sleep: A Common Symptom of Fibromyalgia
One of the most challenging aspects of living with fibromyalgia is the disruption it causes to sleep patterns. While the intensity of aches and pains may vary throughout the day for some individuals, many people with this condition struggle to get a good night’s sleep. The pain associated with fibromyalgia can make it difficult to fall asleep initially or wake individuals up in the middle of the night, preventing them from easily returning to sleep. Even those who manage to sleep through the night often wake up feeling unrefreshed, as if they haven’t slept at all. Furthermore, fibromyalgia pain can also interfere with the body’s ability to enter into the restorative REM, or “deep sleep” phase.
Understanding Chronic Fatigue in Fibromyalgia
One of the challenging aspects of fibromyalgia is the impact it has on sleep quality, resulting in chronic fatigue. Individuals with fibromyalgia often struggle to achieve a restful night’s sleep, which contributes to feelings of weakness and a lack of energy. Unlike typical fatigue experienced upon waking up, fibromyalgia-related fatigue can occur at any time of the day, leaving individuals feeling completely drained, as if their energy reserves have been depleted. In severe cases, this fatigue can be comparable to the overwhelming exhaustion experienced during a severe flu episode.