Alleviating Fibromyalgia Fatigue

Lack of deep and restorative sleep, achieved at stage IV of the sleep cycle, has been identified as one of main causes of fibromyalgia fatigue. Particular sleep disturbances have been named as reasons for failure to reach deep sleep. Next to pain, fatigue is the leading symptom of fibromyalgia syndrome. Ranging from minor to incapacitating, fibromyalgia fatigue is distinguished from the general feeling of exhaustion and lack of energy by one element: you feel more dog-tired upon waking up than when you went to bed the night before.

Unfamiliar to the general public, fibromyalgia syndrome is described as a kind of non-inflammatory arthritis that brings about intense pain in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the body. The affliction may last for months, and could critically damage a person's life. Adding extreme fatigue to pain, fibromyalgia greatly reduces one's energy to carry out every day tasks and duties such as going to work, caring for one's family, and the like.

A person afflicted with fibromyalgia also suffers from sleep disorders, one of which is the alpha EEG anomaly. Alpha EEG anomaly is a disorder characterized by abrupt and inexplicable brain activity in the mind during periods of deep sleep. This causes a person to suddenly rouse from slumber, preventing long hours of deep restorative sleep. Another sleep disorder found among fibromyalgia suffers is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), an ailment described as burning and twitching of the legs, disturbing sleep.

Because sleep disorders are proven to directly cause fibromyalgia fatigue, sustained release formula sleep medications have been suggested to ease the symptom. However, despite indications of these drugs' effectiveness against fatigue, it is still best to consult your physician to ascertain if these could also work for you. On the other hand, in cases when the fatigue becomes too severe, doctors prescribe anti-depressants to fibromyalgia-afflicted patients.

Furthermore, recent studies state that modafinil (Provigil) likewise helps fibromyalgia-caused fatigue. Modafinil was originally produced and intended to treat narcolepsy. But it has also gained FDA approval for treating sleep disorders and sleep apnea. It is used off-label to alleviate fibromyalgia fatigue.

But these drugs address only one of the side story. Aside from dealing with one of the root causes of fatigue, which is lack of deep sleep, you could further fight the feeling of exhaustion by looking for ways to loosen up your sore muscles and perk up your energy level. Fibromyalgia pain and fatigue work in a vicious cycle: the more pain you experience, the more severe fatigue gets, and vice versa. Hence, you could alleviate fatigue by also treating pain. Recent readings indicate that the FDA has approved two drugs to treat all fibromyalgia-related symptoms (pain and fatigue) - Lyrica (pregabalin) and Cymbalta (duloxetine) - but doctors prescribe other drugs to treat the syndrome.

On the other hand, to help boost your energy, you can try taking natural energizers, such as Asian ginseng, green tea, and cayenne pepper. These items, usually found in your cupboard, can enhance your vigor and help you accomplish all the things you need to do every day. However, caution is advised; consult your doctor to ascertain that taking ginseng would go against any of your other medications.

About the Author

Gerrard Mackenzie is the author of the Special Sleep Report and has taught thousands of the stressed-out, tired and overworked how to overcome their sleeping difficulties and get a better night's rest. He also writes for the website