Sweet Dreams?

From my experience and reading about Fibro, sleep appears to be the number one issue with our illness. As a matter  of fact, my Rheumatologist (which is, by the way, the doctor/specialist of choice for this illness), mentioned to me a very interesting story about his medical school years. I have an excellent rheumatologist who is actually the head of Rheumatologist at a fine hospital here in Northern New Jersey, USA. He is very supportive of me and you'll see why in future posts. But his story was extremely telling about the relationship between sleep and fibro. 

He told me of a time during his internship when he was on the 24 hour shift and even the "night" shift (working from 11pm at night until 7 am in the morning). During these periods of either no sleep (the 24 hours shift) or the night shift, he would start to ache and feel "flu-like" symptoms. I also describe it and he agreed, as if I have a hangover but had nothing alcoholic to drink the night before. He said that his belief in Fibro was almost immediate when they first started to treat patients with it years ago, because he knew that the lack of "quality sleep"...."refreshing, restorative sleep" made one feel physically and sometimes mentally (depressions, brain fog) ill. Focus became difficult and he found that his concentration and chart writing became sloppy, if not poor. 

Now, that is something that is rare, I'm sure. But if you have a doctor that doesn't believe you, I NORMALLY would suggest you LEAVE his "care". However, if you think there might be a "chance" at him understanding you, use this story about my Rheumatologist. Most doctors, having been through the normal educational route for becoming a physician, will know what those "all-nighters" and 24 hour shifts did to their "well-being". 

However, difference is that they could resume their "normal" lives as for us "normal" is anything but....we do not have a "normal" sleep pattern and therefore, our bodies don't get a "recovery". 

SO, of course, finding a physician who believes in fibromyalgia today is your first priority and, I'm happy to say that, most do! But also, finding one that realizes how your "sleep" or lack thereof, is affecting your daily condition is a close second in importance. 

It took me years to find a way to "sleep normally". I have finally settled on Cymbalta and Klonipin, ear plugs and NO TV. Once I turn that TV off, get out a boring book, and put in the ear plugs, my body starts to relax and I will sleep. I may wake up for a bathroom visit, but I usually fall back to sleep and hopefully get about 8 or 9 hours. 

But it took me a long time and many other treatments to get here. Do NOT lose hope. 

For those of you who DO sleep, what works for you? 

Do share your thoughts and ideas on this subject of sleep? You never know who you might be helping!?! 

Thank you, in advance, for your input....

Blessings and ...sweet dreams....

Mo