Losing sleep to fibromyalgia
Sleep. It's something many fibromyalgia patients have a difficult relationship with. It seems like it's seldom there when you need and the lack of it manages to impact every aspect of your life. Fatigue, insomnia, and sleep disturbances are just some of the symptoms that can be debilitating for people with fibromyalgia. Those symptoms may be a result of restless-leg syndrome (RLS.) according to new research that links the syndrome with fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia and RLS share certain similar features like occurring predominantly among females, clustering within families, and causing leg movements during sleep. Researchers sought to explore the potential link between the conditions by determining the presence of sleep disturbances and RLS among 172 patients with fibromyalgia. Those patients were compared with 63 people without chronic pain or fibromyalgia. Participants completed a diagnostic interview to determine whether they had restless-leg syndrome. In order to be diagnosed with RLS, participants had to meet all the following criteria: uncomfortable sensations while sitting or lying down, discomfort that improves with walking, and discomfort that worsens at night and while resting.
Participants with fibromyalgia were ten times more likely to have RLS than participants without fibromyalgia. While all fibromyalgia patients suffered from sleep disturbances and fatigue, those with restless-leg syndrome scored worse on a sleep-quality questionnaire. Researchers pointed out that treating the symptoms of RLS may significantly improve sleep quality for many fibromyalgia patients.
If you suffer from fibromyalgia, you don't have to live a life plagued by sleepless nights and fatigue. Numerous medical studies have shown that chiropractic can alleviate the pain of fibromyalgia, helping you restore restful sleep and live a healthier life.
Viola-Saltzman M, et al."High prevalence of restless legs syndrome among patients with fibromyalgia: A controlled cross-sectional study". Journal Clinical Sleep Medicine 6 (2010): 423-427.
Walsh, Nancy. "Fibromyalgia Linked with Restless Legs". Medpage Today. October 15, 2011. Accessed November 9, 2011.http://www.medpagetoday.com/
PainManagement/Fibromyalgia/2275.
