Fibromyalgia and Fatigue
Fibromyalgia syndrome is a form of non-inflammatory arthritis that can affect the muscles, tendons, and ligaments causing intense pain. However, pain is only one of many symptoms associated with this illness. Another major symptom is extreme fatigue, making the pain even harder to bear.
Up to 90% of those with fibromyalgia report moderate to severe fatigue. This type of fatigue isn’t just the usual run of the mill tiredness either. It can last all of the time and for months on end, making it difficult for sufferers to work, take care of family, exercise, or even engage in simple daily tasks or chores.
While the majority of people with fibromyalgia experience extreme fatigue, some people seem to escape this symptom, and others find they are able to adjust to their newly reduced energy levels. What is most discouraging is the fact that in some cases this fatigue never seems to get better, even with extended periods of rest and sleep. This is most likely due to the variety of sleep disorders that those with fibromyalgia have, which creates a vicious cycle of pain and fatigue.
Causes of Fatigue
Many fibromyalgia sufferers have frequently reported that they become easily fatigued after mental exertion or physical exercise. Additionally, many are unable to fall asleep, sleep very lightly, or are suddenly awaken from a very deep sleep. The question is, could the lack of quality sleep be causing the fatigue, or is there another factor involved here? Fortunately, new research is being conducted by doctors who specialize in fibromyalgia to find out.
Common causes of fatigue:
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): The extreme fatigue that many fibromyalgia sufferers experience is very similar to that associated with CFS. In fact, more than 75% of CFS sufferers have similar symptoms to those with fibromyalgia. And, many people with fibromyalgia may actually have CFS, as well. It can be difficult for doctors to distinguish between these two syndromes since they are very similar and are often confused with one another.
- Sleep Disorders: Many fibromyalgia sufferers experience a variety of sleep disorders, including a problem with their ability to engage in deep sleep. This is called the alpha EEG anomaly, which is a disorder characterized by sudden brain activity during periods of deep sleep. These periods of activity may cause people to wake up or feel less rested, contributing to fatigue.
- Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A more recent explanation for the extreme fatigue that accompanies fibromyalgia focuses on a problem with the body’s energy source. Mitochondria inside our cells convert nutrients and oxygen into energy for our body. A large number of fibromyalgia sufferers seem to have dysfunctional mitochondria, and thereby don’t have enough energy to power their bodies.
Fatigue and Pain
Recent studies have shown that the amount of fatigue a fibromyalgia sufferer experiences directly correlates with the amount of pain they have. For example, if you are feeling particularly tired one morning, you can pretty much count on having an increased amount of fibromyalgia pain during the day.
Fatigue and pain appears to work in a vicious cycle. Due to the severe pain many people experience, sleeping can become difficult, if not impossible. Naturally, this contributes to fatigue, which, in turn, makes the pain much harder to bear.
Fatigue also has a great impact on the psychological well being of those suffering from fibromyalgia. Fatigue heightens stress and emotions, which in turn increases the amount of pain that is experienced. Fatigue and depression have also been linked. Furthermore, fatigue may contribute to the memory loss and forgetfulness that often occurs with fibromyalgia.
If you would like to learn more about fibromyalgia, related symptoms, and what you can do naturally to help yourself find some relief, please visit our fibromyalgia website. Among other informative information, you will find a symptom and supplement chart to help you easily decide which products may be right for you personally.
Content on this blog is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute for advice given by a physician, pharmacist, or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information as self-diagnosis or for treating a health problem or disease. Contact your health-care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem. Information and statements on this blog regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
Fibromyalgia, Sleep Disturbances, Stress, Vitalzym | Energetic Nutrition | January 27, 2010
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