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Sleeping with Fibromyalgia
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| 90% of people with
Fibromyalgia have problems with sleeping. It is very
important that people with Fibromyalgia have bedding that relieves the
pressure points when sleeping. Many of our previous customers that have
Fibromyalgia have told us that putting the
3" Pure Grow Wool Fill Mattress Topper
on top of a mattress to be a good
choice for people with Fibromyalgia. For mattresses, they recommend one of our
100% natural latex mattresses
with organic cotton and pure grow wool quilted to the top. The topper can
provide you with more comfort than the pads because of the difference in the
thickness. Customers with Fibromyalgia have told us that they have been able
to get several more hours of sleep than with their previous bed system by
using our latex mattress with our wool topper.
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Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS)
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Fibromyalgia Syndrome, also
known as FMS, is a common and disabling disorder affecting 2-4% of the
population, women (90%) more often than men (10%). Fibromyalgia means
"pain in the muscles." Other symptoms can include sleeplessness,
anxiety, depression, exhaustion, digestive disorders, and a cloudy head.
Patients with FMS usually ache all over, sleep poorly, are stiff on
waking, and are tired all day.
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Fibromyalgia Symptoms (FMS)
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- Patients have widespread aching. Soft
tissue pain is the primary symptom. Local tenderness at 11 of the 18
specified sites lasting more than 3 months.
- Cold Sensitivity (40% of patients) -
similar to symptoms Raynaud. Symptoms of Raynaud include small blood
vessels in the hand over respond to cold and develop spasms.
- Concentration difficulties (25% of
patients.)
- Fatigue
- Headaches (over 40% of patients).
- Interstitial Cystitis (IC) -
inflammatory disorder affecting wall of bladder.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (30% of
patients) - abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, digestive
problems, and gas.
- Joint Pain - ankles, chest (33% of
patients), elbows, feet, hands, hip, knees, neck, and wrists.
- Memory Difficulties (25% of patients).
- Neurological symptoms (25% of patients)
- hands are swollen and can feel clumsy, numbness in legs and arms.
- Sleeping problems (90% of patients).
- Swelling - ankles, feet, hands.
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American College of Rheumatology 1990 Criteria
for the Classification of Fibromyalgia
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Additional Symptoms
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| The symptoms of Fibromyalgia Syndrome usually include
aching all over, poor sleep, stiffness on waking, and being tired all day.
They also can include headaches, memory and concentration problems,
dizziness, numbness and tingling, itching, fluid retention, abdominal
cramping or pelvic pain and diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome,
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome (TJMD), Multiple Chemical
Sensitivity Syndrome, painful menstrual periods (dysmenorrhea), chest
pain, morning stiffness, cognitive or memory impairment, numbness and
tingling sensations, muscle twitching, the feeling of swollen extremities,
skin sensitivities, dry eyes and mouth, frequent changes in eye
prescription, dizziness, and impaired coordination can occur. |
Resources
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Possible Helpful Nutritional Supplements
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- 5-HTP - An amino acid which raises levels of serotonin that
can help lift mood, pain regulation, and improve sleep. Suggested
dosage: 100mg 3 times a day on an empty stomach.
- Kava - Naturally eases anxiety. Also helpful in breaking the
cycle of pain-stress-and more pain. Suggested dosage: 250mg with
standardized extracts with at least 30% kavalactones, 3 times a day
with food.
- Malic Acid and Magnesium - Together, they help to relax
muscles and fight fatigue. Suggested dosage is 600mg of malic acid
with 150mg of magnesium twice a day with meals. (The University of
Texas Health Science Center treated 24 patients with Malic Acid and
Magnesium that showed reduced pain and tenderness after 2
months.)
- NADH - Can boost energy levels in those with chronic fatigue
syndrome. Suggested dosage: 2.5mg a day on an empty stomach.
- St John's Wort - It can improve pain tolerance. Suggested
dosage: 300mg taken 3 times a day with meals.
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Reducing Symptoms
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| Meditation - A University of Maryland study of
patients in an 8 week program of cognitive-behavior therapy, mindfulness
meditation, and qigong resulted in a lessoning of FMS symptoms. |
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