II heard a doctor say this week that there may be a link between sleep disturbance and Fibromyalgia (FM).  I read that some professors are researching the link between sleep problems and the chronic pain of FM.  The research will compare the sleep patterns of people with FM and the sleep patterns of healthy, normal-sleeping people.

Since FM affects about 1% to 5 %of the population and is most commonly found in middle-aged women, answers are being sought for its cause.  FM sufferers often report problems getting to sleep and also staying asleep, so researchers think there may be a link. 

This research project will study the relationship between sleep and pain, as well as sleep's relationship to attention and memory, which is another common problem in those with the disease. Study participants will wear an "actigraph" for five days. The device is worn around the wrist and measures a person's physical activity throughout the day.  For those with FM it can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference of when they are asleep and awake because of the sleep problems they have.

The researchers think the study will show that sleep problems play a bigger role than has been acknowledged so far. The study has the potential to increase understanding of the disease, which could lead to more effective treatments.  I’m hoping it does!

I remember seeing the late night infomercials for taking Cortisol to lose weight, take away aches and pains, and grow hair.  Well, that may be exaggerating, but if my memory serves me right, I also remember that was about the time the good ole U.S. Government began cracking down on all of these erronious health claims made by all natural products, or something that was non-pharmacuetical.

(side note - the older I get and the more I see what's going on, the government is not a voice of the people.  They are a voice of the lobbyists, and the pharmaceutical companies are helping to steer the FDA against much of what is good.  Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of snake oils out there, but much of what is good is getting smothered by the FDA (which has basically become the police for the pharma companies. - end of side note)

Anyway, sometimes you need to look outside the U.S. to find good information today.  So here it goes… finally:

Cortisol may help fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue symptoms.  Here is a brief snipet from the study out of Canada.  The doctor reported from his group of patients, that those "who received cortisol as part of their treatment. He found that by the fourth visit, 84 per cent reported improvement, with 75 per cent showing "significant improvement," and 62 per cent reporting substantial improvement."

That's encouraging.  You can go here to read more about this.  http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2008/03/19/cortisol-study.html

Millions of individuals globally suffer from the devastating effects of fibromyalgia. This is a chronic disorder that affects the muscles, and soft tissues throughout the body. Those who suffer from this medical condition often feel isolated in their pain. Many will attempt to find support through members of their family, and friends. Others may reach out to fibromyalgia support groups. All of these support methods can prove to be quite effective when it comes to coping with fibromyalgia symptoms. Here, however, we will take a closer look at the groups that offer support for fibromyalgia patients. It is important to know and understand the pros and cons associated with these establishments.

The Pros

As mentioned previously, many individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia symptoms often feel isolated. Many may feel as if those who do not have this condition simply do not understand the day to day complications that are experienced. However, when a person who has this health problem connects with fibromyalgia support groups, they often reap the benefit of connecting emotionally with others that can understand their position. Participating in a group can open up numerous opportunities for a patient of this chronic muscle and soft tissue disorder. Information can be shared and provided in a group setting regarding research, medications, and other forms of relief. Many resources can be shared among those in fibromyalgia support groups.

The Cons

Though fibromyalgia support groups are often viewed as productive and beneficial, there are a few cons associated with this type of group. One of the first cons is that many online communities have now started support groups for those that experience fibromyalgia symptoms. While this opens up the audience to people all around the world, this type of group can quickly become impersonal. In addition to numerous people gathering who do not know one another on a personal level, many times, invalid information is shared that can pose more harm than good when it comes to treating and coping with fibromyalgia symptoms. Last, many who suffer from the symptoms of this medical condition may find it quite complicated to participate when a flare up of fibromyalgia symptoms is being experienced.

Fibromyalgia support groups can be a productive way of seeking out understanding from those that suffer with this terrible condition. However, it is important to also seek out the love and support that is offered by friends, family members, and coworkers. When symptoms reach their peak, it is these individuals who you will find to be most supportive. However, there are many benefits associated with Fibromyalgia support groups that you may find to be productive with your journey with fibromyalgia. It is a good idea to find a community group that can offer you tools and resources to deal with fibromyalgia symptoms effectively.

 Here is part 2 of some of the basics of CFS.  If you missed part one, you can go here:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Basics - Part 1

The Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The symptoms and severity can change over time in individual people. In addition to the extreme fatigue caused by CFS, usually lasting at least six months or more, there are eight other symptoms that characterize the condition. These include:

1. Feeling unrefreshed after sleeping
2. Post-exertional malaise, or feeling extra tired after some type of exertion
3. Muscle pain
4. Pain throughout multiple joints
5. Impaired memory or concentration skills
6. Sore throat
7. Swollen or tender lymph nodes in the neck and or armpit
8. Headaches that reoccur or change in their severity or pattern

Some other possible symptoms of CFS include:

- IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
- Painful menstrual cycles
- Dry, irritated eyes and visual disturbances
- Dry mouth
- Decreased or impaired circulation to the hands and feet
- Intolerance to alcohol
- Depression, anxiety, panic attacks
- Irritability
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Chronic cough

Conditions Similar to CFS

There are numerous medical conditions and illnesses that have been compared to or associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Including fibromyalgia, neurasthenia, chronic mononucleosis, myalgic, encephalomyelitis, and a heightened sensitivity to multiple chemicals. In the past, CFS has been mistakenly attributed to illnesses such as anemia, candidiasis (a yeast infection throughout the body), hypoglycemia, and even environmental allergies.

CFS is a complex disorder that often causes severe debilitation, possibly lingering for years at a time. Research to learn more about Chronic Fatigue syndrome has been going on for over 20 years, and signs of the condition have been baffling doctors for over a century. Scientists continue to persevere, trying to learn more about the condition, making strides toward learning the answers they need for curing this mysterious illness.

It seems that for many, the twin sister of fibromyalgia is chronic fatigue syndrome.  I am blessed that I only have to deal with one sister.  I know my mother has had to deal with both of these degenerative deseases, and so being a bit familiar with them both, I thought I would provide some basic information on CFS.  This is going to be two parts.  The first part will be the background and diagnosis.  The second part will deal with symptoms.

Experts believe that as many as one million people in the United States alone may be suffering from what is commonly known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). This debilitating illness can vary in severity from the mild to the extreme, and for many, it may disrupt every aspect of their lives.

The issue of defining Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is one that's been subject to much debate amongst the medical community. In the early 1980s, CFS was dubbed "the yuppie flu" and then referred to as chronic EBV, for the Epstein-Barr virus, which was named for scientists who discovered the herpes-type virus in 1964.

A diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

People of all ages, race, and gender can be affected by CFS, but the illness is more commonly diagnosed in women who are in the 40 to 50 year age range. Since there are no outward physical signs or specific, standard tests for CFS, a true diagnosis can only be made through a careful evaluation by physicians who are both familiar with the illness, and who also have a willingness to make an ongoing effort to treat and understand the disease.

In order for one's fatigue and tiredness to be considered severe, it must meet or exceed the following criteria:

- Fatigue is not relieved or does not improve after resting
- Being tired is not the result of strenuous activity or physical labor
- Fatigue interferes with your ability to function properly in your daily life
- Fatigue worsens during or after an illness and increases with both mental and physical exertion

This is an article submitted by an anonymous guest blogger.  She has really done some research that I think we all can benefit from.  I know that taking medication can really help and may be necessary, I continue to believe that the best and long term results will come from a healthier, natural approach to relieving the symptoms of fibromyalgia, and for improving the quality of life.

Your feedback would appreciated, as well as your experience with supplements.

Suffering with the all over pain associated with fibromyalgia can be frustrating. Trying to find something that will not only help you manage your fibromyalgia symptoms but alleviate them. If you are like many people, you are looking for more natural fibromyalygia treatment options.  There are a number of different alternative therapies you could choose from. Here is a quick reference list of the best natural fibromyalgia treatments on the market.

Each of these items is available at your local health food store, organic market and in some of the better grocery stores.

Detox 7 or Nature’s Secret Cleanse and Flush – both of these are listed because Detox 7 requires you to drink a solution that many may not find favorable and take a supplement. The other is only supplemental pills. While neither is geared specifically for fibromyalgia, the cleansing that these products perform, removing all of the built of toxins in your body helps alleviate a lot of the pain associated with fibromyalgia.

Vitamin D will help the anxiety and depression that many people with fibromyalgia experience. While there hasn’t been any scientific research to support that vitamin D has anything to do with the musculoskeletal issues, a deficiency in vitamin D can increase the occurrence of depression and anxiety which are also fibromyalgia symptoms.

Another natural fibromyalgia treatment option is incorporating the supplement 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) into your diet. 5-HTP has been shown to increase levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps block pain. Taking this supplement daily will decrease the number of tender points, your fatigue, anxiety, and stiffness and improve your sleep.

These are only a couple of the natural fibromyalgia treatments available, but they are the best available. It is also to remember that your diet plays an important role in the management of your fibromyalgia. Try to avoid eating foods that have a lower inflammation rating. As always please consult you doctor before you begin taking any supplement to make sure that it does not interact with any other medication you are taking.