How Does Fibromyalgia Affect Sleep?

The chronic pain and depression associated with fibromyalgia can contribute to the constant sleep problems that patients develop. This, in turn, worsens the overall prognosis of the disease.

For many years doctors gave little attention to sleep problems compared to other manifestations of fibromyalgia. However, at present it is one of the symptoms that are most evaluated, especially because of the impact it produces on the quality of life of the patient.

This difficulty in sleeping well is very recurrent among those who suffer from this condition. That is why many of the complications of your symptoms have been linked to these problems. Those who do not understand the disease or those who were diagnosed relatively recently wonder … How does fibromyalgia affect sleep?

Well, although in many cases it is linked to other pathologies, difficulties in achieving a good night’s sleep have a lot to do with this disease. Although each one can suffer it differently, in general it implies a certain risk of complications.

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a generalized chronic pain syndrome characterized by causing a wide spectrum of symptoms. These include fatigue, headaches, muscle stiffness, and emotional distress. It affects up to 5% of the general population, but there is a clear predominance in women.

People who suffer from it have a significant deterioration in their physical and mental health, even to a greater degree than those with other rheumatic or immune diseases. Although it does not have a definite cause, its appearance is related to uncontrolled nervous system, sedentary lifestyle and genetics.

How does fibromyalgia affect patients’ sleep?

To estimate how fibromyalgia affects sleep, it is essential to note that chronic pain can directly affect the ability to rest. Although scientific evidence is still required to confirm this relationship, sleep disturbances have been found in those with some type of musculoskeletal condition.

Despite this, there are several theories about fibromyalgia and sleep. In fact, some suggest that these types of disorders may be the cause of the disease. However, there are cases in which the symptom is not a predecessor, but a consequence. Regardless of this, it is a type of symptom that further complicates the prognosis.

Fibromyalgia and sleep

The most common sleep problems in fibromyalgia patients are frequent awakenings, difficulty falling asleep, and, to a lesser extent, insomnia. Apparently, chronic pain affects a greater state of alertness, which could explain these interferences that prevent quality sleep.

On the other hand, there is a greater tendency to suffer from restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea. As a consequence of this, the patient wakes up each day with the feeling of “not having rested”, which forces him to sleep during the day to relieve fatigue.

Since all this affects the perception of pain and the ability to repair muscle tissues, the disease worsens. For this reason, for some time now , fibromyalgia treatment has also aimed to regulate sleep to reduce daytime effects such as stiffness, pain and concentration problems such as “fibro-fog”.

Treatment of sleep disorders

One of the characteristics of current fibromyalgia treatment is polypharmacy. Since it is aimed at improving sleep quality and decreasing pain, analgesics, hypnotics, and anxiolytics are used.

In general, with respect to sleep difficulties, non-benzodiazepine hypnotics seem the most indicated. This is because they do not alter the respiratory parameters of the patient and respect the structure of sleep. However, in some cases benzodiazepines are also used in moderate amounts.

Similarly, the use of antidepressants is considered appropriate, since it plays an important role as a modulator of serotonin. By stimulating this neurotransmitter, they improve sleep in general and fibromyalgia in particular.

Strategies that help you sleep better in case of fibromyalgia

Consolidating better sleep hygiene is a good complement to drug treatment that seeks to control this problem. It is essential that all patients do their part, even when the symptoms are discouraging. Some strategies that can work are:

• Get only the necessary sleep and shorten the time in bed if it is too long.
• Wake up at the same time every day to strengthen your circadian rhythm.
• Practice relaxation techniques such as massages and deep breathing to propel the body to restful sleep.
• Get regular stretching and low-impact physical activity.
• Check the temperature of the room and avoid very cold or hot environments.
• Avoid the consumption of alcohol, caffeine or any type of stimulant.
• Eat a light dinner and avoid any inflammatory foods.

In conclusion

Fibromyalgia produces sleep disorders that, in turn, put the patient in a vicious cycle. Day aches prevent adequate rest, while insomnia and sleep interruptions worsen daytime symptoms. Thus, in addition to focusing treatment on relieving pain, it is essential to take steps to improve sleep.