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A New Free Report - What Is Fibromyalgia?
This fascinating new report from UK-based publishing house Health Research Today answers some of the most-asked questions about this baffling disease :
- What's the medical definition of Fibromyalgia?
- What are the symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
- What are tender points and what are trigger points? What's the difference?
- What are the known causes of Fibromyalgia?
Fill in this form and we will send you the report immediately, which you are welcome to send on to friends or family!
Living With Fibromyalgia
This article is an extract from the ebook Freedom From Fibromyalgia!
Coping With the Fatigue of Fibromyalgia
Many people who don’t get enough sleep the night before simply find themselves a little more sluggish than usual, especially as the day wears on. But, more often than not, they’re able to function at or near their normal level. For those coping with the fatigue of fibromyalgia, however, it’s a whole different story.
If you have fibromyalgia, you know the extreme importance of a good night’s sleep. A restless night, with more tossing and turning than actual sleep, can result in a sluggish, sore day where little is accomplished. Coping with the fatigue of fibromyalgia is one of the biggest challenges you’re going to face.
But, you can learn to effectively cope with the fatigue of fibromyalgia. The fatigue of fibromyalgia may make you feel tired and sluggish throughout the day, or you may feel tired after you exert yourself. Either way, realize that you must pace yourself. If you pace yourself, you may find you get more done.
For example, you may be really tired, but you have to do the dishes because they’ve been piling up for days, and the dishwasher is broken. Pace yourself. Wash the dishes for a few minutes, and if you feel yourself getting tired, go sit down and rest. Rest until you feel better then go back and wash some more dishes. With fatigue, fibromyalgia’s symptoms can be exacerbated, so don’t overexert yourself.
Yes, it takes more time to do things when you have to start and stop numerous times. However, look at it this way: you can either get the chores (or whatever you need to do) done even though it might take some time, or you can let them go and wait until another day when there will be even more work to do. Coping with the fatigue of fibromyalgia means not letting it control your life.
Setting Priorities
Going hand-in-hand with pacing yourself is setting priorities. Determine what you have to do each day then break your list into three categories: what you absolutely, without a doubt, must do no matter how the fatigue of fibromyalgia is making you feel; what you really should do if you’re able; and what you can do, provided you feel well enough.
If you wake up and have even more fatigue from fibromyalgia than normal, you may only be able to do the things in your must-do category. Setting priorities also means learning how to say no. If a family member or friend, for example, asks you to do something for him, and you simply can’t fit it into your day, say no.
Think of it this way: you can comply and help your friend, which could add stress to your day. Stress, in turn, could compound fatigue, causing fibromyalgia to flare-up. Or, you could learn to say no and do what you can realistically handle instead.
Learn to Relax
Another way to cope with the fatigue of fibromyalgia is to learn to relax. Stress often sparks flare-ups, and if you’re stressed about not being able to fall asleep, you’re likely not going to be able to fall asleep. Instead, find a way to relax yourself, whether it’s watching TV, reading a book, or meditating.
Additionally, if at all possible, to combat the fatigue fibromyalgia causes, stop and rest when you’re tired. Simply sit down and relax in between tasks and chores.
Exercise
Another great way to face the fatigue of fibromyalgia head on is to exercise. Remember not too push yourself too much. However, even a simple walk around the block can be just the thing to refresh you and give you the energy to go on with the rest of your day. Find a means of exercise you enjoy, and do it every day.
Your Doctor is There to Help
Finally, consider talking with your doctor about your difficulty sleeping. He may be able to prescribe a medication that will help you sleep. Be sure to ask him if there’s a medication that isn’t going to leave you feeling hung-over the next morning. Antidepressants and muscle relaxants are sometimes used in treating the fatigue of fibromyalgia and can often lead to both better sleep and an easing of pain.
Ultimately, you can learn to cope with the fatigue of fibromyalgia, as long as you’re willing to make the necessary adjustments to your daily life.
© Health Research Today
Read the rest of this article in Freedom From Fibromyalgia!
