Fibromyalgia is a problem of the joints and the muscles and is a painful problem afflicting about three to six percent of the total population all over the globe. As per available statistics with the College of Rheumatology, the condition is known to be more common in women than men by a percentile ratio of 9.1.

Although the condition is known to have an onset in childhood, symptoms begin to occur when the person reaches ages between 20 and 50 years of age. The amount of pain will differ from one day to the other but the condition as such is not fatal. Although many are of the belief that the disease process is non-progressive not all agree to this argument.

As pain can increase in the night or the person can feel some kind of tingling sensations in the joints and muscles, the condition could affect the person’s sleep. As the condition does not recede over time, the person might have chronic lack of rest and adequate sleep. Although people suffering from fibromyalgia also suffer from problems associated with neurological problems like affected memory and other symptoms, the most common complaint is the problems associated with sleep.

People suffering from the condition can also suffer from other problems like irritable bowel syndrome, headache, skin problems, hypoglycemia, twitching of facial muscles that further cause problems with sleep. Other factors that play a role can include anxiety, stress, increased physical activity, pressure or temperature changes. People suffering from the condition can have a worsening of symptoms affecting sleep if they are not giving importance to getting adequate amount of rest on a daily basis.

Fibromyalgia was recognized as a medical problem by the American Medical Association only in the year 1987 although the condition is known to exist right from the 1800s. Although the pain associated with the condition is different from what is seen in people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Neproxine (Aleve) can help in people who are experiencing the problem. In people suffering from fibromyalgia, massage is known to bring in some comfort especially when the symptoms flare up. There is improvement in circulation and proper movement of fluids between joints and muscles when the area is massaged that helps in bringing some amount of transient relief of pain.

But, before administering massage to the affected areas, it is essential to review the type of medications that one is on for the condition as there is a possibility of increased adverse effects with some type of medications if massaging is performed.

The symptoms of fibromyalgia can be kept minimal if the person follows the instructions given by the physician accurately. The person should take care to take mecications properly as well as follow a healthy lifestyle by diet regulation, exercise, consuming copious amounts of water and getting adequate rest for the body. By carefully following instructions and a healthy lifestyle, the sleep disorder caused by fibromyalgia will recede as the associated pain will reduce.

Resources:
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
http://www.fms-help.com/

Fibromyalgia Insomnia
by Bryan Brewer
http://www.self-guided.com/topics/fibromyalgia-insomnia.htm

Introduction To Insomnia

Brief Introduction To Insomnia

Understanding Insomnia

Popularity Of Insomnia

Types Of Insomnia

Fatal Familial Insomnia A Rare Form Of Sleep Disorder

Causes Of Sleep Disorder

Fibromyalgia A Secondary Cause For Insomnia

Treatment and Diagnosing Sleep Disorder

Diagnosing Sleep Disorder At The Sleep Center

Sleep Medication Pros And Cons

Using Alternate Therapy Methods To Cure Sleep Disorders

About Shift Work Disorder

Shift Work Sleep Disorder

What Causes Sleep Problems Among Shift Workers

Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder Affecting Teenagers