The Effects of Stress and Sleep while Living with Fibromyalgia.

I decided instead of providing you with a ton of research that I would approach this article from a more personal standpoint. I feel sometimes this is the easier way for many to understand the issue at hand.

The past week work has been relatively busy and stressful due to small town politics and small minds. Overall, I love the community I live in and work for but there are times that some people need to just grow up. Anyway, vent over and on to how this exacerbates my fibromyalgia.

I was born with a genetic disorder called Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), the short version is my adrenal and pituitary glands do not operate as they should and I take prednisone and another medication to stabilize everything. During times of stress my body already struggles due to CAH, now add the fibromyalgia and it can get really fun.

As I said before this week was busy and stress filled and sleep was lacking. This morning when I woke up my joints were sore and I was completely drained. My plan had been to go into work for a few hours today but that changed and I have spent the morning casually cleaning the house, listening to music and relaxing. My body said no, and I am learning to listen.

Stress isn't always bad for us, there is such a thing as good stress, but like with anything else there is a limit. So how do we handle the daily struggles of life, stress, and lack of sleep? We listen to our body and when it says rest that's exactly what we do. As for dealing with stress that can't be avoided I am learning to use Yoga, Reiki, Meditation, and music as my escape when I can't ride my horses, garden, or go for a long walk. I've also found hot baths with epsom salt, essential oils and classical music helps.

What about sleep? Make sure to turn off the electronics at least an hour before bed. Stay away from caffeine after 2pm. I like drink lavender and chamomile tea, some prefer valerian tea or supplements. Melatonin has also helped me if I am having a hard time. Myself and my fiancé have found having a fan on at night helps, both the noise and because of air flow. I have also used a lavender sleep spray or essential oil before bed to help relax. With marijuana legal in many places this also helps many people I know relax enough to go to sleep and to help with pain.

There are many viable options to help with stress and sleep issues, sometimes it's finding the right combination for you. Finding what calms and relaxes us will help mentally and emotionally which can alleviate some of the effects of Fibro. Getting enough sleep helps our bodies repair from the stresses of day to day. I'm thankful that I have learned to start listening to my body and saying no when I need to.

Happy Halloween, I hope you have time to enjoy the day!