Insomnia: When Sleeping is Hard Work
A Major Symptom of CFS
Imagine having an illness where your body is so fatigued that you physically cannot function yet sleep won't come. Then when you do finally fall asleep, you can't stay asleep for long or it's almost time to get up. Imagine this going on night after night, week after week, month after month, year after year. People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome should get at least 10 hours of sleep a night, two hours more than healthy individuals. Sleep rejuvenates the body and mind and produces energy. When a person is chronically ill, they need extra sleep in order to rejuvenate but also to build the body's energy reserve to normal. But Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a vicious cycle. We need sleep to get better, but because of the nature of the illness, insomnia is a major symptom.
On a good night, I might get five hours of sleep. Even then it's not constant sleep. The majority of the time I sleep about three to four hours. If I fall asleep soon after going to bed, I wake up around 3:00 a.m. or earlier. A lot of nights I am up until 3:00 a.m. then sleep on and off for a few hours. Sleeping pills rarely work for me and I've found this to be true for many Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients I have talked to. With illnesses like CFS and Fibromyalgia, our bodies' clocks are off balance. We are like newborn babies who want to sleep during the day and be up at night. That works great for babies but as adults we have responsibilities with work and children that does not allow us to sleep during the day. It is a miserable life at times.
On the days my child is in preschool, I have designated times in the afternoon where I try to nap and my family and in-laws have been told this. I have explained to everyone that I don't sleep well and I need to rest when my toddler isn't home. Someone always calls during this time (even though I have asked them not to) and the phone wakes me. I get very frustrated and just want to educate people on how severe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is and our symptoms are not to be taken lightly.
Life is hard enough even for the healthiest person. It is 10 times worse for Chronic Fatigue patients.
Published by WD
Love to write and love blogging. View profile
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Western Vs. Eastern View By now, most of us know what Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is. It has taken a long time, but awareness of this disabling illness is increasing. But, a cause and cure in Western medicine is still missing.
- Overcome Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Chronic fatigue syndrome is a real health condition that many people suffer. Although there are no cures with traditional medicine, there are a number of alternative treatments to fight CFS.
- New Nationwide Campaign Targets Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is the target of a new nationwide campaign aimed at correctly diagnosing possible hundreds of thousands of cases nationwide.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An Overview of Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Sleep disorders are prevalant among U.S. citizens with more than half of a million suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is finally being recognized as an actual illness and studies have shown CFS sufferers may see a cure in the very near future.
- Natural Remedies: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Symptoms and Effects of Sleep Deprivation
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Sleep Disorders
- Supplements for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Living Better with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- The Many Differences Between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Depression
|
|
- Sleeping is a natural process that most people just do without thinking about.
- Imagine having an illness where your body is so fatigued you physically cannot function.
- CFS is a serious illness that needs to be taken seriously.